2015 Montana Summer by Valley Journal

F R E E DINING GUIDE INSIDE

M O N T A N A S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

your homegrown newspaper

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

W E L C O M E

T O

Y O U R

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

Few places offer as much natural beauty as the Flathead Indian Reservation and Lake County. This is Montana at its best, with countless ways to fulfill outdoor recreational cravings. The area is full of choices: hiking, fishing, cycling, bird watching, boating, water skiing, camping, sightseeing, golfing and so much more. Driving in from the south, the view from the crest of Ravalli Hill is breathtaking. The craggy-topped Mission Mountains jut from the valley floor with eye-catching beauty, towering over a lush landscape of

rolling hills and sweeping fields. Clear mountain streams fed by winter snowpack cut paths from the mountains and meander through the valley floors en route to Flathead River or Flathead Lake. Viewed from atop Polson Hill, the 28-mile-long lake, dotted with islands and bordered by mountains, is breathtaking. The area’s postcard beauty is a recreational Nirvana. The National Bison Range and the Ninepipe Wildlife Refuge are home to abundant wildlife including deer, elk, antelope, bear, birds and bison. The area’s museums offer locals

and visitors a taste of what it was like in days gone by. Numerous town festivals, powwows, rodeos, stockcar racing, basketball tournaments, fishing derbies and fairs throughout the summer offer tourists and local residents plenty to do each and every weekend. If a person can’t find something fun and exhilarating to do, it’s because they aren’t looking — or they prefer to embrace the laid-back lifestyle of the friendly and fortunate folks who call the Flathead Indian Reservation and Lake County home.

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

C O N T E N T S WILDLIFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 RECREATIONAL PERMITS . . . . . . . 8 DAY TRIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 NATIONAL BISON RANGE . . . . . . 14 HUCKLEBERRIES . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 FLATHEAD LAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 LEARN FROM LOCALS . . . . . . . . 23 GLACIAL LAKE MISSOULA . . . . . 25 STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING . . . 26 HIGHWAY 93 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 FLATHEAD CHERRIES . . . . . . . . . 31 OFF-LEASH DOG PARK . . . . . . . . 33 RODEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 FARMERS MARKETS . . . . . . . . . . 37 POWWOWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 SHOOTING RANGES . . . . . . . . . . 40 AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES . . . . 41 LIVE THEATRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR . . . 44 CITY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . 60 GLACIER NATIONAL PARK . . . . . 65 GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS . . . . . . . 68 DINING GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

2015

MONTANA SUMMER 2015 Montana Summer is a yearly publication of the Valley Journal, a weekly newspaper published each Wednesday in Lake County, Montana, for readers in the Mission, Jocko and lower Flathead Valleys. Our main office is located in Ronan at 331 Main Street S.W. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Business phone - (406) 676-8989. Fax (406) 676-8990.

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

Our mailing address is: Valley Journal, PO Box 326, Ronan, MT 59864. Our Web address is www.valleyjournal.net. News and calendar submissions may be sent by email to vjeditor@valleyjournal.net Copyright 2015, the Valley Journal. All rights reserved. Reproduction, reuse or transmittal in any form or by any means is prohibited without written permission of the Valley Journal.

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

STAFF Publisher/Owner ..............Summer Goddard

Advertising mgr/Owner ......Boone Goddard

Editor................................Linda Sappington

Advertising sales....................John Schnase

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

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

Reporter ..........................Megan Strickland

Photographer ......................Nicole Tavenner

Copy editor................................Kathi Beeks

Office manager............................Leni Baker

C A N A D A

S O M E T H I N G

G E E S E

T O

T R U M P E T A B O U T VA L L E Y F U L L O F W I L D L I F E - V I E W I N G O P P O R T U N I T I E S

he Mission Mountains tower majestically, beckoning wouldbe explorers to get out and investigate all the natural wonder has to offer, including experiencing a wide variety of creatures tucked into every nook and cranny of the grasslands, wetlands, lakes, streams and forests imaginable. Multiple management agencies have created a haven for wildlife in Mission Valley, with plenty of viewing opportunities open to the public. Some of the creatures are common, others are rare and on the threatened or endangered species list, but all can be enjoyed if one just knows where to look. Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Wildlife Management Program Manager Dale Becker said the valley is a haven for birders, who come from across the country to see the wide variety of species. “This is one of the premiere areas in the west,” Becker said. “There is just real diverse habitat on the reservation. We’ve got all the way from sub-alpine habitats at the top of Missions to dry sagebrush grassland west of the Flathead River. All of those niches have their own species that have adapted through time.” One species of interest in Mission Valley is trumpeter swans. The elegant ivory birds are now commonly found in glacial potholes, reservoirs, lakes and other bodies of water, but that

T R U M P E T E R

S W A N S

wasn’t always the case. Trumpeter swans are the largest species of migratory waterfowl on the planet. The birds have a wingspan that can range from 84–96 inches and weigh up to 34 pounds. Documentation by missionaries in the 1840s described the birds as being found on Flathead Lake, but the population had declined to near nonexistent levels by the early 1900s, likely because of subsistence hunting and a strong market for pelts and feathers. Hudson Bay Company records indicate that between 1823 and 1880 more than 108,000 swans were harvested by the company, with SEE PAGE 6

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

M U L E

D E E R

B U C K

H E R O N

M E R G A N S E R S

FROM PAGE 5

many of those presumed to be trumpeter swans. Habitat on the Flathead Reservation was also transformed from wetlands into farmland during the early 1900s. The birds had been absent from the Mission Valley for approximately a century before a pair nested in 2004 as a result of a reintroduction program. Since 1997, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the US Fish and Wildlife Service have partnered to restore the trumpeter swan population through the program. That year, 19 of the birds from southern Oregon were transplanted onto the reservation. Releases continue, and to date more than 229 birds have been set into the wild. The introduced birds usually are tagged with red neck bands with white lettering. Reporting banded birds to the tribal Natural Resource Department gives biologists information to input into an exten-

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

sive database used to keep track of the birds. “We are always interested in what people see,” Becker said. “Sometimes there’s not much to say other than they are there. The thing we are really interested in is if, around July, people have nesting pairs on their property. We’d really like to have them contact us because it helps us see their productivity and how we they are doing.” Young cygnets will arrive mid-summer, and are a gray hue markedly different than their ivory parents. Since the birds seem to have gained a strong foothold in the valley, Becker is unsure of how many more batches of trumpeters will be introduced in Mission Valley, but he said it is good to see them back on the landscape. “It’s pretty neat in knowing we had a part in putting them there,” Becker said. “It’s pretty neat to put something back on the landscape and have it stick and thrive.

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

Usually we are trying to prevent things from going the other way, with large scale declines in other issues.” There are several public places to spot trumpeters and other waterfowl in Mission Valley. Ninepipe Wildlife Refuge, Ninepipe Wildlife Management Area, nine federally managed Waterfowl Production Areas and Ducharme boat launch in Polson are some good areas to explore. When searching for birds, Becker said to gravitate toward places that have water. Those areas usually have the most diversity, especially when compared to pasture or grassland. “The whole diversity of wetland birds is amazing here,” Becker said. “We have a real diverse array of duck species, especially early in the season. We also have a number of shorebirds like long-billed curlews.” Most birds of prey that migrate south from Arctic or sub-Arctic lands have flown SEE PAGE 7

FROM PAGE 6

back to their northern homelands, but there are some hawks and owls that can be found in summer months. Becker said when watching birds, people should give the animals plenty of room. “Enjoy, but don’t disturb,” Becker said. “Especially with birds in the spring. They are often near nesting birds. At crucial times if the weather is cold or wet, it doesn’t take long for eggs to chill if an adult bird is off a nest. A good rule of thumb is that if you know they are there on their nests ... to give them some space.” Becker said if an animal flushes or is startled when a person approaches, it is a good indication the person is too close. “That’s pretty much across the board for all different species,” Becker said. People should avoid handling eggs or approaching nests, because predators might follow the scent straight to the clutch. “You are kind of creating a path and some predators are adept at checking things like that,” Becker said. Feathered flyers aren’t the only types of animals available for viewing. Some of Montana’s iconic large mammals — grizzly and black bear, bighorn sheep, moose and elk — call the Mission Valley home, though they often are located off the beaten path, in the heart of desolate wilderness. “They aren’t ones you see very often,” Becker said. Wildlife officials ask that any sightings of grizzly bear, mountain lion, wolverines or moose be reported so biologists can log the data. Bighorn sheep that are away from established herds need to be reported immediately because they are at risk of contracting diseases from livestock that can decimate entire wild herds. Porcupine sightings are also of interest as the Tribes try to get a handle on how many live in the area. Over two decades, Becker has seen two or three reports of dead porcupines, typically hit by vehicles, each year. The species is of interest culturally because of quill work, but most people who do quills locally don’t get their quills from Mission Valley-based porcupines since the critters are so hard to find. The Tribes have started documenting observations of porcupine sign recently to get an idea of what population

levels are. “They are generally associated with wooded habitat, so it’s not uncommon to find them along streams, ” Becker said. “Also in the mountains.” Becker said reports of wildlife sightings aren’t always of relevance at the time a critter is spotted, but might be valuable. “We jot it down, take some notes, file it away,” he said. “It might be pertinent later on.” For people hoping to see large game like bears, elk, or bighorns, the National Bison Range is likely the most accessible place to explore. More than 115,000 people make the 19-mile scenic drive that is chock-full of animal-watching possibilities. The attraction’s namesake bison dot the landscape with whitetail deer, mule deer and pronghorn. “People do see the bighor n sheep once in a while, and black bear,” volunteer and former longtime employee Pat Jamieson said. “Occasionally a mountain lion will pop out, or a badger … If people stop at the visitor center we can tell people where other people have seen animals.” Jamieson said one of the best ways to have a successful day and see lots of animals is to allot plenty of time for the adventure. B I G H O R N S H E E P “The biggest thing is that if people want to see the animals, they have to take their time,” Jamieson said. “It’s just a matter of stopping here and there and getting quiet.” Although the drive can be done in two hours, Jamieson said she usually takes between five and seven hours to go through the range. She said early morning and late evening are best for viewing opportunities, though a few species typically stay out of the forest all day long. “The bison and the pronghorn don’t care what time it is,” Jamieson said. “They like to be out in the open. The other animals, the heat drives them into the forest.” Jamieson said crowds are typically thinnest in early morning. “People don’t get up that early,” Jamieson said. “The other trick is that if there is a light rain, the animals don’t mind that. If it’s too rainy to go to the lake, it can be really great wildlife viewing.” Jamieson said it is important that people stay in their cars to avoid injury from startled animals on the drive.

VJ M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

HOURS: Mon. - Sat. 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

R E C R E A T I O N A L P E R M I T S

Sunday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. 50033 Hwy. 93 Polson

(406) 883-9202

Recreational activities on the Flathead Indian Reservation include hiking, picnicking, swimming, photography, camping, fishing and boating. These activities require various permits and licenses. Non-tribal members are not allowed to pick berries and mushrooms on tribal lands unless they are children or the spouse of a tribal member who accompany and assist their tribal member parent or spouse with berry and mushroom picking. For complete details on fishing and recreation regulations of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, pick up a handbook at any of the following locations where licenses and permits are sold:

Fisher Painting

LLC

Locally Owned & Operated Licensed & Insured Interior ~ Exterior Commercial ~ Residential Interior Door & Trim Finishing Spray Shop • 50 ft. Bucket Lift Free Estimates

Justin Fisher 270-7590 www.fisherpainting.net

Polson

St. Ignatius

• CSKT Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation 406 Sixth Ave. E. in Polson Open Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (406) 883-2888 ext.7200 or 7237 • Walmart 36318 Memory Lane (406) 883-9211

• Mountain View Cenex 240 Mountain View Drive (406) 745-3634

Pablo • Zimmer Tackle 32 Carlyle Lane (406) 675-0068

Ronan • Ronan Sports and Western 63298 Hwy. 93 (406) 676-3701 • Westland Seed 36272 Round Butte Rd. (406) 676-4100

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

Hot Springs • Cornerstone Convenience 1893 Hwy. 28 (406) 741-3200 Reservation permits are also available on the Internet at http://app.mt.gov/Als/Index. A reservation permit must be purchased initially from a retail outlet/reservation permit vendor, then subsequent permits can be purchased online.

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

K E R R

D A M

D A Y

T R I P S

I N

M I S S I O N

construction, and a tool shed and farm machinery building. Call (406) 676-5210 for hours and more information. • Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana, 69316 Highway 93 in Charlo, boasts well-crafted exhibits of weaponry, spurs and saddlery, “grizzly set,” and a vast collection of Native American beadwork. Life-size dioramas of wild animals and an Indian camp make this

Enjoy spring and summer day trips this year by taking advantage of all Lake County has to offer, including museums, city parks and wildlife viewing opportunities. Museums: • Garden of the Rockies Museum, 518 Round Butte Road in Ronan, features Sloan’s Flat Stage Stop, a one-room schoolhouse, an old log home with dovetailed

museum unique. Call (406) 644-3435 for hours and more information. • Arlee Jocko Valley Museum, run by the Arlee Historical Society, is located two blocks east of Highway 93 on the corner of Bouch and Fyant, south of the Arlee Elementary School. The museum features a military display with stories and photos of Jocko Valley residents who lost their lives

ic mus Live ay d Fri t! Nigh

The Straight Answer People

FRIENDLY, HONEST Automotive Service RV OIL CHANGES - ROUTINE OR MAJOR MAINTENANCE

CALL TODAY (406) 676-2886

V A L L E Y in the service of their country and athletic trophies, uniforms, pictures, and stories about the athletes from Arlee schools. For hours, more information on special features this summer, and to arrange a viewing appointment, call Alvaretta Morin at (406) 726-3167. • People’s Center, 53253 Highway 93 in Pablo, is open all year. The center features

Mission Mountain

NRA Rodeo

Friday & Saturday, June 26 & 27 Youth events begin at 6:30 p.m. Rodeo 7:30 p.m. both nights! Food & Beverage Concessions Available

Polson Fairgrounds Arena 883-1100

for more information - www.polsonfairgroundsinc.com

K-O Auto Inc, & Fast Lube

*Present this ad at gate for one free childs admission*

Providing top quality auto, truck and RV repair for over 20 years!

Limit one per family.

100 Kennedy St. SE • Ronan

1 0

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

an exhibit gallery, educational programs and Native EdVenture interpretive tours focusing on Native American heritage, natural history and cultural interpretation. Call (406) 675-0161 for hours and more information. • Miracle of America Museum, 36094 Memory Lane in Polson, is open all year. Displays include Native American items, cars, motorcycles, toys, dolls, guns, clothing, wagons, buggies, sleighs, snowmobiles, military items, tools, tractors, wooden boats, logging memorabilia, pioneer village and much more. Call (406) 8836804 for hours and for more information. • Polson Flathead Historical Museum, located at 708 Main St. in Polson, is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It features a hands-on Kids’ Korner, Native American collection, homesteader’s kitchen, schoolroom exhibits, an 1885 trading post, Polson memorabilia, and much more. Call (406) 883-2680 for hours and more information. City parks: Dayton • Dayton Park, a Lake County park located in the center of town, provides tree-shaded picnic tables, a vault toilet, a playground with swings, a slide, spring riders and a teeter-totter. There’s ample

S A C A J A W E A

parking area for cars, designated parking for trucks towing boat trailers, and it’s just a one-block walk to the roped swim area with dock and ladder. The park is the site of the Easter egg hunt each

spring, and Dayton Daze in September. Polson (Note: Alcohol is not allowed in any Polson park without a permit, which must be obtained from Polson City

PA R K

Hall, 106 First St. E.) • Boettcher Park, adjacent to the Polson Bay Golf Club, offers picnic tables and shelters, swimming area, playground, restrooms and SEE PAGE 13

Sandpiper Art & Gift Gallery Fine Art, Gifts, Workshops, Festivals • Aug. 8 ~ Courthouse lawn • Aug., 15 & 16 ~ Sat. & Sun ~ Sacajawea Park A Fine Art Corporation Founded 1971

M O N T A N A

Julie Christopher

306 Main Street • Polson

sandpiperartgallery.com S U M M E R

883-5956

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

1 1

Polson Main Street

Flathead Cherry

Festival

2 15 July 18 & July 19

Great selection of vendors • Flathead cherries • Cherry quilts on display in store windows Homemade cherry pies • Unique arts & crafts • Entertainment • Sidewalk sales and specials

Fun for the whole family Saturday, July 18 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 9 a.m.

Vendor booths open

1 - 4 p.m. Live music by the Shamrockers 2 p.m.

3 p.m.

Adult Cherry Pit Spitting Contest in front of Cove Deli and Pizza

4 p.m.

Cherry Stem-tying Contest in front of Cove Deli and Pizza

Children’s Cherry Pit Spitting Contest in front of Cove Deli and Pizza

Sunday, July 19 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 10 a.m. Vendor booths open

1- 3:30 p.m. Live music by Singing Sons of Beaches

1 p.m.

3 p.m.

Judging of Most Unique Food Made With Cherries Contest in front of Cove Deli and Pizza - please bring your recipe and 4 samples for judges to taste

Children’s Pie Eating Contest in front of Cove Deli and Pizza

3:30 p.m. Adult Pie Eating Contest in front of Cove Deli and Pizza

Win gift certificates from downtown merchants! For Vendor space visit our website: www.flatheadcherryfestival.com Questions? Call (406) 883-3667 or email: pcf@flatheadcherryfestival.com

More cherry products than ever before! Proudly sponsored by the Polson Business Community and Flathead Lake Cherry Growers, Inc.

1 2

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

FROM PAGE 11

S A C A J A W E A

shower, concession stand, volleyball court and horseshoe pits. • Sacagawea Park, north of the bridge in Polson, provides large shaded grassy areas, swimming (area is not roped off), picnic tables, benches, restrooms and dogs are allowed on a leash. • Riverside Park is on Flathead River just south of the bridge. It includes a swimming area, boat launch ramp, children’s playground, picnic tables, benches, volleyball court and restrooms. •Ducharme Park is on Highway 93 and Seventh St E. in Polson with shady trees and benches to enjoy the outstanding lake view. • O’Malley Park is on the corner of 11th Ave. E. and Fourth St. E. in Polson and consists of an American Legion baseball field, Little League baseball field, concession stand, basketball court, swings, horseshoe pits, restrooms and picnic tables. • Pomajevich Park is on the corner of 12th Ave. E. and Third St. E. in Polson and offers a baseball field, children’s playground and restrooms. • Sports Complex (Kerr Dam Field) is on Seventh Ave. W. and Kerr Dam Road and includes soccer fields, two softball fields, basketball court, children’s playground, picnic tables, shelter and restrooms. • 7th Avenue Skatepark, located at 613 Seventh Ave. W. in Polson next to Kerr Dam Fields, offers skaters of all levels and BMX bikers a great place to spend an afternoon. It boasts the first-ever helmetshaped bowl. Ronan • Bockman Park in Ronan offers a paved walking path alongside Spring Creek, play-

PA R K

ground equipment and a small waterworks playground. St. Ignatius • Good Old Days Park, across from Cenex in St. Ignatius, includes a large shaded picnic area and a grandstand. • Skate Ignatius Skatepark, adjacent to St. Ignatius Mission, is a cloverleaf with two shallow bowls for learners and a deep bowl for the more advanced skaters. There’s also a ramp for easy access on the shallow end. Charlo • Charlo Park, located next to the Charlo Senior Center, is a shaded grassy park with picnic tables and rose bushes. Other attractions: • National Bison Range, located at 132 Bison Range Road in Moiese, is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Red Sleep Mountain Drive is open daily 7 a.m. to dark (need to start by 7 p.m. to finish by dark). The Visitor Center is open daily; call for hours. Take the two-hour Red Sleep Mountain Drive selfguided tour to view bison, whitetail and mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorns and Rocky Mountain goats. Call (406) 644-2211 for more information or go to bison range.fws.gov. • St. Ignatius Mission, located at 300 Beartrack Ave., two blocks off Highway 93 in St. Ignatius, was built in the early 1890s and features 61 original fresco paintings on its interior walls by Brother Joseph Carignano, S.J. Call

(406) 745-2768 for more information. • Ninepipe Wildlife Refuge is located right off Highway 93, 5 miles south of Ronan. The refuge includes numerous observation areas and walking paths and provides prime nesting habitat for grebes, loons, cormorants, great blue herons, swans, geese and various species of ducks. Nearly 200 bird species have been observed in the refuge. • Pablo Wildlife Refuge is approximately 3 miles west of Pablo. The wetland habitat supports Canada geese, mallards, redheads, pintails, American wigeon, northern shovelers, ruddy ducks, gadwalls, common mergansers, western and red-necked grebes and American coots. The refuge has an active bald eagle nest and is home to yellow warblers, American robins, warbling vireos and many other bird varieties. • Kerr Dam is located off Kerr Dam Road. Head west on Seventh Avenue and continue as Seventh Avenue turns into Kerr Dam Road and follow the signs. The concrete arch-type dam stands 205 feet high. A 1,000-foot boardwalk takes spectators down to right above the falls, where they can enjoy an amazing view of the canyon — and sometimes a rainbow in the mist. In the spring and early summer, the water is fantastic. It offers picnicking, whitewater rafting, fishing and vista overlook. Tours are by appointment. M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

Call (406) 883-4450 for more information. • Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the western U.S., is 28 miles long by 15 miles wide and more than 300 feet deep in places. The lake was originally formed by a glacier and is now continuously fed by the Swan and Flathead rivers. Swimming and boating access is available in several locations. Two scenic highways parallel the lake. Highway 93 on the west side and Highway 35 on the east side wind along the curving shorelines, offering majestic views of the lake, mountains and the beautiful Montana scenery. In late July/early August, Flathead Cherries are available from cherry stands primarily along the east shore, providing a tasty, local snack for a scenic drive.

YOUR ONE STOP LOCATION FOR

ANIMAL FEED: Grass & Pasture Mixes & Cereal Grains One mile north of Ronan East side of Hwy. 93

676-2174 www.lakeseedinc.com -

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

1 3

F L AT H E A D

R I V E R

B L A C K

B I S O N

N A T I O N A L n outline of buffalo bulls decorating the metal front gate to the National Bison Range gives visitors a preview of the bison they’ll likely see as they drive through the rolling grasslands and forested hills the 117-year-old preserve. Established by President Theodore Roosevelt on May 23, 1908, the National Bison Range was one of the first times the United States Congress appropriated tax dollars specifically to buy land to conserve wildlife. They had land but no bison, so the National Bison Society raised money to buy a herd of the ungulates and donated them to the NBR in 1909, which today runs about 350–500

B I S O N

buffalo. The range’s goal is to maintain a “representative” herd of bison. Bison are not the only animals and birds who make the range their home. Badgers dig busily, elk inhabit the higher ground; and deer doze in the aspens. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. or basically dawn to dusk. The 21-mile Red Sleep Mountain Drive is open from spring to fall; the West Loop and Prairie Drives are open year-round. A visit to the bison range costs $5 per vehicle. If the visitor’s center is closed, pay at the Iron Ranger by the visitor center kiosk. Sightseers need to stay in their vehicle

93 Discount Coaster Fine Furniture • Dining sets • Sofas • Recliners • Bunk beds

Discount Prices New & Used Furniture, Appliances and Bedding 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon. thru Fri.• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.

63616 US Hwy. 93 S • Ronan, MT 59864

1 4

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

Phone: (406) 676-5507

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

B E A R

C A L F

R A N G E or stand by their vehicle. For safety reasons, no bicycles, motorcycles, foot traffic or trailers or recreational vehicles over 30 feet long are allowed on the drives. To reduce the possibility of disease transmission, stock trailers, empty or loaded, should not enter the bison range. Before a car full of folks reaches the scenic drives, they will see the visitor’s center. It’s open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On May 26, hours change from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It’s a good place to start a visit, since there’s a short introductory video about the bison range, displays and exhibits and a

skull collection featuring many of the kinds of animals that live on the grounds. Mary Danno, visitor services manager, said a new feature for kids allows children to stick their hands behind a little curtain and try to guess what they are touching. After a stop at the visitor’s center, travelers head to the drives. South of the visitor’s center, Red Sleep Mountain Drive rises from the plains with a topknot of timber. Danno, who’s been at the range since June 2014, said she’d recommend visitors take the Red Sleep Mountain Drive. It takes about two hours, with time factored in for scanning for wildlife and driving slowly. As temperatures warm, early morning or late in the day visits are a good time to see wildlife. The animals tend to find a shady place and sleep during a hot day. Visitors are allowed to hike on Bitterroot Trail and High Point Trail, both located on Red Sleep Mountain Drive. Bitterroot Trail is a short quarter-mile walk, and it’s Danno’s favorite place. “The view is spectacular, and the trail is very accessible to almost everybody,” Danno said. When the bitterroot blooms, usually in May, the trail is a good place to see the Montana state flower. Approximately 138,000 people visited the National Bison Range in 2014, mostly during June, July and August. 10 things to do at the National Bison Range Look low and look high. You might see some grouse or chukars on the ground or hawks or eagles floating by in the sky. A rabbit might be nibbling grass, and a deer might be snoozing in the shade. Field glasses or a spotting scope are a good

E L K

way to scout for animals and birds. Drive slowly and take some time to stop your vehicle and have all passengers look around. Again, binoculars add to the trip. You can check to see if that rock is really a rock or a bison resting. Pack a picnic and enjoy the day use area at the National Bison Range. There’s a short nature walk around the ponds where you’ll see birds, turtles sunning themselves and maybe swans or ducks paddling in the water. • Make a list of all the animals you see, such as antelope, badgers, bison, black bear, chipmunk, cottontail, coyote, elk, ground squirrel, mountain lion, big horn sheep, muskrat, mule deer and whitetail deer. For a list of birds who call the refuge home, go to the National Bison Range website at www.fws.gov/refuge/National_Bison_Range. • Go early in the morning or in the evening. The animals are more active.

• Talk to passengers about viewing behavior. Rolling down the car windows and yelling, “There’s a deer,” is going to scare off animals. A good plan is to remain quiet and employ the “nudge and point” to call someone’s attention to an elk or a bear. • Stay in your car or stand close to it; remain in your vehicle if you are near wildlife. • Marvel at the pile of antlers near the visitor’s center. • Enjoy the view of the Flathead River from Red Sleep Mountain Drive. • Watch for animals along Mission Creek and listen to the water rushing along. • Allow time to drive slowly and look for animals. Shut off the radio; confiscate cell phones and roll down the windows for the full effect. Take some bug spray and water.

YOUR LOCAL CHOICE FOR QUALITY USED... • Cars • Boats

• ATVs • Trucks

• Jet Skis • RVs & more

Hwy. 93 S. across from Suds & Duds M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

1 5

H U C K L E B E R R Y ix one part marketing, two parts nature, three parts delicious and a dash of adventure, and you’ve discovered one of Western Montana’s summer staples: huckleberry heaven. Whether it is being exposed to a barrage of tasty treats or spending summer days in the mountains picking away, Montanans and tourists alike are gaga over the wild berries. Huckleberry picking on tribal land in the Flathead Reservation is closed to non-members,

1 6

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

H E A V E N

but Mission Valley and neighboring areas offer plenty of opportunities to taste, chase and learn about the yummy berries, which can be found ripening in mountain areas at elevations between 2,500–6,000 feet during July, August and September. According to Flathead National Forest Botanist Chantelle DeLay, predicting exactly where the berries will pop up is difficult. “Some places will have a great year and

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

some places won’t, and then the next year they will switch,” DeLay said. The eastern side of Hungry Horse Reservoir is typically a good place to find the berries, but the crop varies year to year. Last summer was a bumper year, likely because plenty of rain fell early in the season. Flathead National Forest is a popular spot where the public can collect the berries free of charge up to 10 gallons; more requires a commercial permit.

H U C K L E B E R R Y

DeLay said the ideal habitat for the berries is open areas or partially forested spaces. “You aren’t going to find them in the dense forest,” Delay said. Once a person knows what a huckleberry looks like there are few plants that it can be confused with. Serviceberries are also purple and edible, “but they look really different,” DeLay said. “There’s also buffalo berry, which is a little red berry. But it’s hard to confuse with a huckleberry because there are little dots all over the leaves and it tastes like soap.” Huckleberry shrubs are 2–3 feet tall and the fruit resembles blueberries. Attempts to domesticate the plants have almost always failed, though some limited success has been seen with growing the plants from seed. DeLay said that might be because huckleberries are part of a plant family that has close relationships with the other plants in

its natural environment, so much so that the huckleberries don’t fare well when transplanted out of that environment. “They are kind of like people,” DeLay said. “They need those relationships.” People who enjoy huckleberrying can minimize their impact on the environment by plucking the berries and not using rakes that have been developed to harvest the fruit. “I would definitely not recommend rakes,” DeLay said. “Rakes tend to defoliate and take the leaves off the plants.” Without leaves, the plant cannot perform photosynthesis. “(Rakes) will weaken the plant and possibly kill it, maybe not that year, but in coming years,” DeLay said. “Just grabbing a bucket with a lid and a hole in it, with a loop on it, and just pluck. You can get just as many plucking.” DeLay said people can also take care to not harm the

R E S E A R C H

other plants in the area. “Try not to trample down the place you are in,” DeLay said. “Spread out. They can probably bounce back from being stepped on once or twice, but if you trample them, they will die.” DeLay pointed out that other animals enjoy the berries just as much a people do, especially bears. “I strongly recommend taking people with you; bring your bear spray; make noise,” DeLay said. “Bears like these just as much as people. Just be aware of your surroundings, of other people and of other animals.” A huckleberry hunt is usually an adventure. “It’s fun,” DeLay said. “It’s enjoyable. You might get a little. You might get a lot.” While chomping the berries down au natural is a popular way to guzzle them, Montanans have found umpteen ways to mix, marinate and market huckleberry-

S TAT I O N

related goods. “After my candy and licorice, without a doubt huckleberry is my most popular seller,” Hummingbird Toys and Treats owner Tony Hoyt of Arlee said. “It is just a huge thing and I think anybody in Northwest Montana is bound and determined to try something huckleberry.” Hoyt’s store has huckleberry honey, huckleberry griddle mix, and a number of other huckleberry-themed foods. He takes extra care to purchase from reliable local providers, because the huckleberry brand has become so valuable that some companies were diluting their products and marketing counterfeit blueberry-infused wares. The problem was taken to the Montana Legislature, and in 2007 the governor of the state signed a bill spelling out rules for products labeled “huckleberry.” “Some of the biggest names SEE PAGE 18

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

1 7

FROM PAGE 17

were cheating,” Hoyt said, but noted that those familiar with huckleberries can likely spot a fake. “That huckleberry flavor is unmistakable,” he said. “Blueberries don’t come close.” The flavorful fruit is sometimes known as “purple gold” in summertime. Last season, some markets were paying $50 to $60 per gallon for raw huckleberries. For Hoyt, the taste is worth the price tag. His family ordered two uncooked huckleberry pies from the Windmill Bakery in Arlee to take on a visit to friends in Eastern Montana, where the berries aren’t found. “His family about died,” Hoyt said. “A huckleberry pie is awfully good.” But scientists are worried the availability

of good eats and adventure might be impacted by earth’s rising temperatures. Salish Kootenai College student Joel Smith intends to spend the summer using game cameras to document temperature and health of the plants to see if climate change could have a long-term impact on huckleberries. He is hoping members of the public will step forward and help collect data at one of 10 trail-camera sites stationed throughout the reservation. “Anyone can help gather relevant data,” Smith said. “It is super-easy.” Smith said the project could help give some insight into how climate change might impact grizzly and black bears. “In Glacier National Park it makes up 15 percent of their diet,” Smith said. “We’re not sure how climate change will affect the bear foods.”

Take a stroll down Memory Lane!

Huckleberries thrive in cool, wet springs, but scientists are expecting the springtime to be warmer and drier as time goes on. “Nobody’s really 100 percent sure what will happen,” Smith said. Hopefully, Smith’s research will help the United States Geologic Survey get an idea of what comes next for the plants. Smith said he is encouraging would-be citizen scientists to contact him to join the monitoring project. He said groups of youth are welcome to participate. “The overall goal is to get kids outside,” he said. Each site visit will require between three and five hours of time commitment. For more information, email Smith at joelsmith@student.skc.edu.

Assisted Living at its finest 11 Seventeenth Ave. East Polson, MT • Private Apartments • 24 Hour Care • 3 Meals Daily • Personalized Assistance • Beauty Salon/Barber Shop • Housekeeping/Laundry • Activities

36094 Memory Lane, Polson Hill • 883-6804

www.miracleofamericamuseum.org • open year-round • over 150,000 items 1 8

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

883-1011

Call Marion Cooper or Jennie Jorgenson for a tour.

F L A T H E A D

he striking azure of the water is what grabs the attention of most northbound travelers as they ascend Polson Hill and look down at Flathead Lake, but the sparkling body grows more translucent as people draw close. When unobstructed by waves, the clarity reveals every outline of objects along the bottom, which can sometimes give the illusion of shallowness. Don’t be fooled: the deepest part of the lake is 370 feet — the length of approximately 10 standard school buses parked end to end. Average lake depth is 167 feet, greater than that of the Persian Gulf. • 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. The 197-squaremile water body is known for its impressive size in the current era, but it was

L A K E

actually part of a much larger lake called Lake Missoula that existed an estimated 15,000 years ago. Lake Missoula was created by a 2,000-foot-tall ice dam of the Clark Fork River. Lake Missoula was the largest documented ice-dammed lake in the world. It covered 3,000 square miles. A sign at the National Bison Range’s Red Sleep Drive designates a high water mark of Lake Missoula and ripple marks from the lake’s former surface are visible in the surrounding hills. Flathead’s remnant size is still significant. It takes approximately two hours to drive the 82 miles of roadway around the entire lake without stopping, not accounting for traffic. • Flathead Lake contains 10 islands of various sizes and ownership. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks manages four of

M O N T A N A

F A C T S

the islands. Wildhorse Island near Big Arm Bay is the largest island in the lake at 2,163 acres. It doubles as a wildlife refuge and state park that is noted for its herd of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and several wild horses. Bird Island is located near the Narrows, a small group of islands easily visible from Polson, along the northern part of Polson Bay. The island is owned and managed by the Montana, Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Flathead Lake Biological Station as a bird refuge. Geese, osprey, herons and eagles frequent Bird Island. Cedar and O’Neil islands are also managed by the state. Melita Island is a 64-acre island near Big Arm that is owned by the Boy Scouts of America and serves as a summer camp SEE PAGE 20

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

1 9

FROM PAGE 19

for the organization. Think secluded Flathead Lake living is for you? A few private islands offer opportunity — for a hefty sum. Shelter Island is a 24-acre estate that boasts 32,000 square feet of structures, including a five-bedroom, eight-bath main home and two-bedroom, four-bath guesthouse. A gym, wine cellar and indoor shooting range are some of the lavish amenities that come with a $59 million price tag — far less than the original $78 million asking price set in 2012. Need something a little less pricey? A home on Dream Island, a small island near Big Arm, was listed for $1.7million earlier this year, almost half of the $3.5 million asking price listed the previous year. What it lacks in size is compensated by historical character — the property was once owned by the prestigious Daly family that headed the Anaconda Mining Company. Cromwell Island is also privately owned, but not for sale. Newspapers reported its worth at $25 million in the 1990s. • Kerr Dam was built between 1930 and 1938 and raised the elevation of the lake by approximately 10 feet, which brings it to 2,893 feet above sea level at full pool. Three turbines within the dam produce 194 megawatts of power, enough to power more than 145,000 homes. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are set to

745-2190 Tires Tune-ups Alignments Shocks Batteries Oil changes Air conditioning

Send it

packed, shipped, insured right from our convenient Main Street office.

of f

Mountain View

Fo au r to al l ne y ed ou r Ju s!

• • • • • • •

Cenex Convenience Store

6 a.m. - 10 p.m OPEN EARLY

OPEN LATE

St. Ignatius • 745-3634 2 0

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

Leanin’ Tree cards & gifts, Flathead Lake maps Featuring greeting cards, postcards, and souvenirs from the Mission Valley and Flathead Lake.

• Copies • Office Supplies • Printing • Signs • Banners

Gull Printing & Signs

Fax, Scan, Email & Notary Service

213 Main St. • Downtown Polson • 883-4345

become the first native government in the United States to own a dam when purchase of Kerr Dam is complete in September. If runoff conditions in the mountains don’t warrant flood threats, the lake level is brought to full pool by mid-June. • Today, summer brings myriad boats to Flathead Lake. Sailboats, motorboats, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and other types of watercraft teem in the warm months. In days of yesteryear, other types of vessels that frequented the lake for less recreational purposes. Historian Paul Fugleburg wrote “Flathead Lake Steamboat Days,” a book about the era of the steamboat in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Steamboats carried passengers and freight on the lake during that time. Native tribes also traversed the lake via canoe. The Pend d’Oreille self-identified themselves as “people who live along the broad water.” Broad water meant Flathead Lake. • Flathead Lake is one of the cleanest watersheds. Studies at the Flathead Lake Biological Station show that water quality in Flathead Lake is among the best in the world. In spite of its renowned purity, studies at the Bio Station show the water SEE PAGE 22

Shop Fresh • Buy Local Polson Farmers Market Visit us every Friday from 9 a.m. until 1p.m., May through October Extended Hours June 19 through Sept. 4 - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fresh Produce

Fresh Meats

Jams & Jellies

Fresh Eggs

Baked Goods

Cheese/Honey

Bedding Plants Plant Starts Fresh-cut Flowers EBT/Debit/Credit accpeted

Check us out on Facebook!

Wood Working Soaps Jewelry

... and much, much more! To our wonderful customers: Please don’t park in the First Citizens Bank parking lot. Thank you.

3rd Ave. West • Downtown Polson For information call Market Master Lou Anne 675-0177 or Bill 261-5700 M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

2 1

FROM PAGE 21

quality of Flathead Lake has declined over the last decade due to the combined effects of increased pollution from human sources, erosion of the shoreline caused by dam operations and introduction of non-native biota (flora and fauna). • 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 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. • 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 normal2 2

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

ly active winds over the surface, 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). • The name Yellow Bay was derived from the yellow rock outcrop on the point, which is Precambrian without fossils. The outcrop belongs to the Algonkian substrata, which also outcrops Glacier Park. • The first wagon trail in the 1880s from Polson to the north end of the lake followed the west shore and was steep and hazardous. At some places, wagons had to be lowered by ropes. In 1911, work started from the south end of the lake to build an east shore road, with the work primarily done by convict labor. It was completed in September of 1946. • Flathead Lake is currently described as oligomesotrophic (oligotrophic means being deficient in plant nutrients while mesotrophic means having a moderate

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

amount of dissolved nutrients). • Average surface temperatures of the lake range from 2.3° C (36°F) in midJanuary, to 13.5°C (56°F) in mid-June, to 20.3°C (68°F) in mid-August. • Of the 25 fish species most commonly 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 common non-natives and have increased in abundance since 1970, whereas native species have declined. Each spring and fall, the Mack Days fishing tournament offers anglers prizes for catching and removing nonnative lake trout from the lake. The event is sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

M O N T A N A I S M S T H I N G S

L O C A L S

ith a nation that’s becoming increasingly homogenized, road trippers may find identical strip malls, box stores and fashions throughout the states. Yet Montanans do have unique colloquialisms and characteristics. The following lighthearted observations may help you navigate your way across Big Sky country: • If you drive a truck in Idaho, it’s a rig; in Wyoming, it’s an outfit; in Montana, it’s a pickup. And most likely that pickup is a Dodge Ram, according to Every Car Listed; 34 other states prefer the Ford F-150. • Town pronunciations may fool you. If you don’t master them, locals will quickly correct you: Ronan: Row-NAN accent on second syllable

K N O W

(not ROW-nun) Arlee: Ar-LEE , accent on second syllable Ravalli: Ruh-VALL-ee Charlo: SHAR-low Pablo: PAB-low with short a as in apple — not Paw-blo as in the Hispanic pronunciation. St. Ignatius: Saint Ig-NAY-shus, or its nickname, Mission. Finley Point: FIN-lee Point Niarada: Nye-RAD-uh (long i) Polson: POLE-son • The town of Big Arm is two words; the town of Bigfork is one. SEE PAGE 24

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

2 3

FROM PAGE 23

• If someone says they are going to “The Bob,” they are likely riding horseback into the Bob Marshall Wilderness, more than 1 million acres of designated wilderness area east of the Mission Range. • Montanans call a carbonated beverage “pop.” • Trash is “garbage.” • Creek is pronounced “crick.” • Coyote is pronounced “ky-oat.” • Expensive is “spendy.” • Chaps, sturdy full-length leather leg coverings, are pronounced “shaps.” Not to be confused with chinks, which end well above the ankle. • A barrow ditch runs alongside each edge of the road. Some people say “borrow,” which is the correct pronunciation, while both spellings are used. • All cattle are not all cows. Cows are females who have given birth to a cow calf or bull calf; heifers are females who have not yet given birth; bulls are fertile males; steers are males that have been castrated. Those usually become hamburger. • It’s rude to ask a rancher how many acres or how many head of cattle he or she owns. A ranch is a “spread,” not a farm.

• Real cowboys wear Wranglers. And Carhartt. • Montana young ladies wear bling, and lots of it — on belts, purses, cowboy hats, baseball caps and especially the back pockets of jeans. • If you exit the highway onto a back road, be prepared to respond to the casual wave from each oncoming motorist. No need to remove your hand from the steering wheel, simply lift your fingers. • If you ask directions, or how far it is to such-and-such a place, you’ll most likely get the answer in hours, rather than miles. You’ll also get unmarked landscape points such as, “Tur n after Pablo Pass,” “It’s beyond Lake’s Cor ner,” or “Go left at the Y.” Ask for specifics. • Montana Highway Patrol law enforcement agents are called “troopers.” • Families have lived here for generations, many since “time immemorial,” so there’s a good chance the person you are talking to is related to the person you are talking about. If you don’t have something nice to say, it’s best to “keep yer yap shut,” as folks say.

TURN ONE ROOM INTO TWO! Easily transform unused space into an outstanding feature with an elegant and practical Murphy bed. More room for work, hobbies, and everyday living.

Easy to use Custom Designs Space Saving

Call 406.240.3927 or visit our website: www.montanamurphybeds.com 2 4

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

G L A C I A L

L A K E

M I S S O U L A

• Giant ripple marks – Camas Prairie – pull off along Highway limb the highest point you can find on the Mission Valley 382 just south of Markle Pass. floor, and you’d still be under nearly a half-mile of water in • Erratics (rocks moved by glacial ice and deposited) – the days of Glacial Lake Missoula, the National Bison Range – drive the loop largest known proglacial (icein summer. dammed) lake in history. • Kolk (pit formed by an underwater From about 18,000–12,000 years whirlpool) – Markle Pass – east side of ago, a lake big enough to cause a Highway 382. Noah’s Ark-scale flood covered much • Gulch fill (rocks piled at the ends of of Northwestern Montana. gulches by floodwaters) – many valAt its fullest, Glacial Lake Missoula leys on the north side of Highway 200 held more than 500 cubic miles of west of Ravalli. water — today’s Lake Erie and Lake • Polson Moraine (hill formed by glaOntario combined — and reached cial debris and moving ice) – Polson 4,250 feet above sea level. Geologists Hill – south end of Flathead Lake. believe Lake Missoula drained with • Elmo Moraine – west of Elmo on catastrophic flooding, forever leaving Highway 28. its mark on the region, carving out P O L S O N M O R A I N E • Alpine Moraine – valleys east of U.S. gullies, transporting giant rocks Highway 93 – “U” shape extending up encased in ice to new locations — the Mission Range. even forming giant ripples of earth along the lake bottom. • Erratics – sometimes buried – rock piles along farm fences. Glacial Lake Missoula features include: • Lake bottom – valley sediments are 200 feet or more deep – • Layered sediments – Spring Creek – U.S. Highway 93 see downstream from Polson Bridge on the Flathead River. between Arlee and Ravalli. For more information on the Ice Age Floods and the Glacial • Strandlines (wave-cut shore lines) – National Bison Range – Lake Missoula chapter of IAFI, visit www.iafi.org. north side.

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

2 5

S T A N D U P P A D D L E B O A R D I N G

he river beckons, seemingly still on the surface. The paddle boarder enters, water swirling around her ankles as the current entices the stranger to join the watery parade. Standing tall and barefoot, quietly centering her balance on the board, she gently dips the paddle into the river, effortlessly propelled by the current. A beaver floats alongside; fish find refuge in her cool shadow; a moose and her calf stay resting in the morning sunshine, undaunted by the silent intruder. “If I had come up in a noisy boat, they would have run,” said Michelle Wiggins, who also teaches yoga and Pilates on paddle boards. “Because you are using your body to keep your balance, it really centers you and helps you to be in the present … surrounded by nature, the beauty of the gift we have — water, fresh air, gorgeous forest.” Paddling through water while standing on a raft or in a canoe has been a means of travel throughout time for river-based cultures, but the popularity of modern stand-up paddle boarding grew out of Hawaii early in the 21st century, allowing surfers to paddle out farther and ride waves longer. Now its popularity is growing in the mainland. A survey from outdoorindustry.org reported that stand-up paddle boarding

2 6

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

was the outdoor sporting activity with the most first-time participants of any in the United States in 2013. The boards allow people to surf waves, participate in flatwater speed races or find solitude while navigating smooth lakes and rivers. “I thought it would be a fad, but for some reason it’s growing every year,” said Dennis Ketterman, who publishes the online “Bike and Paddle” magazine and helps organize outdoor events on Flathead Lake. “It’s cheaper to get into than motor power, and you can haul it around like a surfboard.”

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

Stand-up paddle board enthusiasts can be seen on Flathead Lake in early spring soon as the ice melts in Polson Bay, but the majority of participants prefer to forego the wetsuit and paddle in warmer summer months. Flathead Raft Company in Polson is in its third season of providing rental SUPs. The watersport adventure company along Highway 93 has watched the demand grow each season. “The first year people asked for them, we didn’t really know what they were,” owner Tammy Fragua said.

During the 2014 summer season, there were days all 14 of their SUPs were rented out. The boards are available for $10 per hour, $30 for a half day (four hours) or $50 per 24-hour period. “People come here on vacation. They have their own paddle board, but they can’t put them on an airplane to get here. So they rent boards and take them to their cabin for a weekend, or a week,” she said. Fragua recommends rookies learn on the calm waters in Polson Bay. The loveliest times are in early morning and late evening, she said. “It’s a pretty easy sport to learn — unless you are really tall and your center of balance is really high. Most people get it pretty easily,” she said. With a little experience, boarders can paddle Flathead River from Buffalo Bridge to Sloan Bridge. “That’s a pretty mellow paddle,” Fragua said. For the adrenaline seekers, Flathead Raft Co. offers guided whitewater paddling excursions, “but that’s pretty extreme,” Fragua said. A personal flotation device is required by law when paddling on Flathead Lake; Lake County Sheriff’s deputies patrol the water by boat and will issue citations and make the boarder leave the water if the boarder does not have a PFD. The raft company provides a Coast Guard approved life vest with every rental, as well as a board leash to keep it tethered to the paddler and an adjustable paddle. For those wishing to purchase their own, a basic stand-up paddle board will cost about $700–$1,000. Most are 9-12 feet in length with a foam core layered with fiberglass fabric and covered with a resin epoxy. The more expensive the board, the more complex the construction, using higher-grade composite materials that produce a lighter board. Inflatable SUPs are also available to purchase.

Paddles, similar to canoe paddles but longer and slightly bent, are usually purchased separately. Most manufacturers recommend purchasing a paddle 6–10 inches taller than the person who will be paddling. Ankle leashes usually are sold separately and designed specifically for the intended use — surf, flatwater or rivers. A variety of events take place throughout the summer months on Flathead Lake. Wiggins, who calls Bigfork home, will also schedule trips for groups and bring all the boards. “It’s relaxing and tranquil,” Wiggins said, “and you get to take in the beauty around you and below you.”

PA D D L E T O I S L A N D S + P L AY P O K E R POLSON — Bring your kayak, canoe, paddle board or other human-propelled watercraft and join us in the Narrows at 11:30 a.m.

This is not a traditional “race” as players are building the best poker hands. Prizes will be awarded for best and worst hands and

Sunday, July 12, for the Flathead Lakers Poker Paddle. The paddle is limited to the first 100 paddle craft to sign up. Early bird registration ends May 31. Deadline for all registrations is July 3. Participants start from Kings Point and paddle a 3.6-mile course to five designated island stops, collecting one playing card at each location.

additional raffle giveaways. Enjoy a catered picnic Dinner by Gourmet Galley, beverages from Glacier Brewery and live entertainment from Dark Horse Band. Proceeds benefit Flathead Lakers Student Education Program and community work to support clean water. Register online at www.flat headlakers.org or call (406) 883-1346.

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

2 7

Offering a SERIOUS

SELECTION of more than 8,000 MADE IN THE USA products IN STOCK! Polson Outdoor Equipment offers an excellent selection of new rental equipment:

WBC is your complete building center. Find anything you need from: PAINT & SUPPLIES • HARDWARE • LUMBER

• RENTALS

POWER TOOLS & HAND TOOLS PLUMBING • ELECTRICAL

Dan Weed

• SALES

*Remember we offer delivery service with two self-unloading trucks. We also offer free estimates and material take-offs.

• SERVICE • REPAIRS

Bill Nowlen

Jason Weed

Remember this number!

883-RENT Largest selection of hardware/fasteners in town!

2 8

POLSON OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

WESTERN BUILDING CENTERS

(406) 883-RENT 705 1st Street East, Polson • www.polsonrental.com

POLSON 905 1st Street E. • 883-5284

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

www.westernbuildingcenter.com

U.S.

E N J O Y

H I G H W A Y

S C E N E R Y

ne of the most scenic drives in all of Montana runs right through Lake County. U.S. Highway 93 north of Missoula takes drivers through the dense forest of Evaro Hill and past the rolling grasslands of the National Bison Range, crests Ravalli Hill — giving a glorious view of the Mission Mountains — narrows through the glacial pothole wetlands of Ninepipe and passes farming communities nestled against the backdrop of the mountains. The highway continues past the headquarters of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and offers a stunning view of Flathead Lake as the highway drops into the lakeside community of Polson. Then the road snakes north along the west side of Flathead Lake and

•

D R I V E

up to the Canadian border. The section named the Highway 93 corridor, “The People’s Way,” is a roughly 56mile, one-hour stretch through the Flathead Indian Reservation between Evaro and Polson. In earlier days, a bumper sticker that read “Pray for me, I drive Hwy 93,” echoed inherent dangers of the two-lane highway that didn’t have a speed limit until 1999, did have unlimited amount of deer, and, until October 2005, legally allowed drivers to chug a few beers along the way. Laws and recent roadwork have made the highway corridor safer for drivers and wildlife. With comprehensive input from the tribes, the corridor underwent reconstruction that included widening much of

M O N T A N A

S A F E L Y

the highway to four lanes and adding 42 fish and wildlife crossings. While many undercrossings may not be readily detected by passing motorists, “The Animals’ Bridge” north of Evaro is hard to miss with its landscaped route arching across the highway, offering bears, deer and mountain lions safe passage. Wildlife fencing directs the animals to their crossings while keeping them off the road; however, the entire highway isn’t fenced, so drivers should be aware of deer and other wildlife that are most active at dawn and dusk — if a deer crosses the highway, be prepared for the herd to follow. The highway design also incorporated additional safety features such as mild curves in former long straight stretches

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

2 9

to ward off drowse-inducing monotony and redirecting the highway so breathtaking geographic landmarks could be seen head-on, keeping drivers’ eyes aligned with the road. Drivers must pay attention to posted speed limits along the route. They change dramatically in a short distance, sometimes from 70 to 45 mph. And they are monitored, depending on the area, by city and town police, Montana Highway Patrol, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Flathead Tribal Police. Travelers will notice small, white metal crosses along the highway. Officially named “fatality markers,” the crosses, erected by the American Legion, are sometimes decorated with flowers, memorabilia and even solar lights by loved ones who lost someone in a fatal wreck. Not only are the markers memorials, but they also serve as reminders to drive carefully across Montana. Highway 93 also boasts mile markers. These vertical blue signs begin with zero where Highway 93 crosses Interstate 90 near

3 0

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

Missoula, and mark every mile as drivers progress north. Be aware of your location should you need to call 911 to report a wreck or a reckless driver. Along the scenic route, it’s interesting to note nearly all of the intersecting roads have a different name to the east than those to the west. Those roads lead to agricultural areas, so watch for slowmoving farm equipment driving on or crossing the highway. Two more safety tips: buckle up — it’s the law. Don’t text and drive; it’s not the law in Montana, but it is common sense for safety. If your drive takes you north of Polson, you can choose to stay on Highway 93 around the west side of Flathead Lake, where expansive views of Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains are virtually non-stop. Or, you can go east on Montana Highway 35 and travel close to the water’s edge among numerous cherry orchards and pines. Both routes are stunning in their own unique way.

F L A T H E A D

hile Western Montana offers no shortage of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, the Flathead Lake area’s “cherry on top,” so to speak, might just be the juicy, sweet fruit produced by the ton in local orchards. Flathead cherries are booming in popularity, thanks in part to the ideal climate found on the lakeshore, and in part to the accompanying Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival. Held each July, the event has grown into one of the largest festivals in the state, drawing crowds of around 8,000. Originally a main street festival held in June, the event morphed into its current form incorporating the cherry business about eight years ago, according to founder Jackie Cripe. In addition to showcasing local stores and products and the area’s natural beauty and recreation opportunities, the event brings more sales than any other weekend to local businesses. This year’s festivities kick off at 9 a.m. Saturday and again at 10 a.m. Sunday. Families and individuals enjoy the variety of activities and browsing more than 125 vendor booths set up for the event, which is sponsored by the Polson Business Community, Flathead Lake Cherry Growers Inc. and the Montana Office of Tourism. On Saturday, bagpipers will entertain the crowd beginning at 1 p.m. before the kids’ cherry pit-spitting contest at 2 p.m. Adults can spit pits at 3, and a cherry stem-tying contest follows at 4. Evening

C H E R R I E S

entertainment begins at 6 p.m. with the Southern Comfort Band and a street dance. On Sunday, judging of the most unique food made with cherries is slated for 1 p.m., followed by a children’s pie-eating contest at 3. Adults can gorge on cherry pie at 3:30. The festival is fun and, at the same time, raises awareness about the cherries. “Most people can’t even believe we can

M O N T A N A

grow cherries in Montana,” said Ken Edgington, whose orchard is near Yellow Bay. Fast-draining soil and the warmer climate caused by Flathead Lake’s close proximity create an ideal growing environment, said Edgington, who also is secretary of the cherry growers co-op Flathead Lake Cherry Growers. Cooler nights cause the fruit to hang on branches longer, and the SEE PAGE 32

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

3 1

FROM PAGE 31

cherries build up more sugar, making for a sweeter cherry. People can pick up the fruit from myriad roadside stands along the lake, or in grocery stores primarily in the Pacific Northwest. Some cherries make their way as far as Florida or Korea, Edgington said. Most are sold as fresh pack, meaning fresh with their stems on. Each year, growers strive for a better product, Edgington said. “We’re doing this as a labor of love,” he said, adding cherries are particularly susceptible to the elements and sometimes get a late start depending on how cool and wet spring is. “Sometimes we have cherries, and sometimes we don’t,” Cripe said. Cherries from other areas are never substituted, though, she said; the festival is loyal to local ones. Flathead cherry products are always available, though, she added. Cherry festival details can be found at www.flatheadcherryfestival.com. To learn more about Montana-grown cherries, visit www.montana cherries.com.

3 2

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

C H E R R Y

F A C T S

• 1866: Cherry trees first introduced in state. • 1893: Flathead Valley was found to be best climate. • 1932: First train car load of Lambert variety cherries left Kalispell’s original packing plant. • 1935: Cherry growers’ cooperative founded. Now called the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers Inc. • 1984: Packing plant moves from Kalispell to Finley Point. • 80-100: Number of growers in the cherry growers’ co-op. • 3-5 million: Average total poundage of annual Flathead cherry harvests. Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival When: Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Downtown Polson Cost: Free general admission

D O G

P A R K

POLSON — Man’s best friend makes a great travel companion, but restless dogs that have been confined to a vehicle need space to run with wild abandon within a safe, fenced area. Polson’s Travis Dolphin Park, a free, nonleash dog park, provides more than two full acres and river access for four-legged friends to play. The dog park is located at the west end of Seventh Avenue West. The idea for the park was conceived as an Eagle Scout project in June 2007 by John Crosby, a scout with Polson Troop 1947. He earned the support and backing of Polson Parks Superintendent Karen Sargeant and other community members who donated time and resources to bring the park to fruition. Polson Water and Sewer Department donated the land in memory of Travis Dolphin, a well-loved employee whose life ended too early due to cancer. Before the dog park became the premiere jewel it is today, volunteers joined scouts and worked tirelessly throughout 2007 and early 2008, lugging rusty metal car and tractor parts, rubber tires, even 40gallon drums uphill for disposal or recycling. Bags of bro-

O F F E R S

ken glass and miscellaneous trash were also removed. Crosby raised money through fundraising projects to pay for the fencing. By November 2007, the park was still a work in progress but open for dogs and their owners. Crosby earned his Eagle Scout status upon completion of the park. Since then, the dog park has served as a springboard for four additional Eagle Scout

Sandwiches Pizza Hard Ice Cream 11 3rd. Ave. W. Downtown • Polson www.CoveDeli.com

Join us on

883-0434

16 flavors

O F F - L E A S H

projects. Scouts built and installed a dock and steps using wood recycled from a torn-down picnic shelter and an informational kiosk board for posting lost dog signs, sale notices and dog-related services. A drinking fountain designed for dogs and their owners has been set up, and a graveled trail system that meets American Disabilities Act requirements for recreation trails is finished, making

H A V E N

the shoreline accessible to all. A list of doggie etiquette is posted near the entrance, and dog clean-up bags are also available on site. Dog park hours are the same as all Polson City Parks, 7 a.m. till dusk. Alcohol of any kind is not allowed in city parks without a permit. Permits may be obtained from Polson City Hall 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Thank you Mission Valley for making it possible to provide the Best Alternative Medicine here in our Valley. • Get back your energy • Feel your best

• Safe, effective and natural • Get free of toxic pharmaceuticals

Offering annual physicals, join your neighbor in having Naturopathic Medicine be your primary care solution to all your medical needs. Now accepting insurance. “I haven't felt this good since I was 17 years old. I had an accident, a horse fell on me and I have had back pain ever since. Prolozone has given me amazing results. My life is so much better.” Jim Cockriel ~ Polson, MT

of Montana made

Mission Healing Arts

hard ice cream

Practicing natural medicine for 29 years.

Locally owned since 2003

420 1st Street E., Polson, MT 406.883.4325

Find out more at drkatiecrater.com

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

Dr. Katie Carter, N.D. Naturopathic Physician

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

3 3

B A R R E L

R A C I N G

R O P I N G It’s hard to describe the magic of rodeos — they are a glimpse through the softened lens of time. Except for the model year of the pickups, the horse trailers, the style of hats and horse’s tails, it could be 50 or 75 years ago. Saddle bronc champion Casey Tibbs from the 1950s could be pulling into the rodeo grounds in his famous purple Cadillac, or late 50s, early 60s calf roper Dean Oliver might drive up and unload his horse. Even if you’ve lived in Montana your whole life and gone to hundreds of rodeos or if you are traveling through from an urban area and never been to a rodeo, there’s something tempting about the sport. Maybe it’s the smell of grilling rodeo burgers, the rhythmic thud thud of horses hooves on powdery fairgrounds dust or the glittery sparkle of rodeo queens carrying flags and leading the grand entries. All rodeo events evolved from the ranching culture. Cowboys in the old West picked up knowledge from the Mexican vaqueros. To accustom horses to being ridden, bronc riding was a necessity since all ranch work

3 4

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

R I D I N G was done a horseback. Barrel racing demonstrates a horse’s speed and agility and the athletic ability of both cowgirl and horse. Sick cows and calves needed to be doctored so calf roping and team roping came from this and required speed, skill, practice and a well-trained horse. The fearless, devil-may-care attitude of cowboys probably led to bull riding. The Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame gives the Prescott Arizona rodeo credit for setting up all the modern rules, etc. Other sources say Deer Trail, Colorado, in 1864 was the site of a showdown, where two groups of cowboys from neighboring ranches showed up to see who were best at everyday cowboy work — roping sick calves, breaking horses so they could be used for ranch work and “bull dogging” — steer wrestling — for throwing troublesome big cattle. Rodeo stock, a bull, bronc, calf or steer, is drawn for each contestant usually by a judge, and cowboys know when the draw will be. Cowboys talk to other cowboys to get information about the animal they’ve

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

R O D E O drawn. They’ll know which calf runs straight and true and which bull spins to the left and then goes straight. If it’s your first rodeo, and that’s okay, get a program when you pay for your ticket. The ticket and program money helps hardworking volunteer local rodeo committees pay for getting a stock contractor, who supplies the bucking horses, bulls, calves and steers. The program will have the order of events, the names of the contestants and, for broncs and bulls, their names, too. You won’t understand everything, but try to enjoy the grace of the horses, the fearlessness of the competitors, the antics of the rodeo clowns, the bravado of the bullfighters, the heart-pumping country music and the energy of the crowd. Here are some things you might want to know. 1. The cowboys and cowgirls gathered for the rodeo pay entry fees to compete and hopefully win some prize money. When they win, they also score points in their rodeo association. The highest scorers are

C A L F

R O P I N G

A R E A

R O D E O S

May 31 – Dillon NRA Rodeo June 12-13 — Hot Springs Homesteader Days Celebration, Hot Springs June 26-27 — Mission Mountain NRA Rodeo, Polson June 28 — Augusta American Legion Rodeo July 4 — Arlee Rodeo, Powwow grounds July 5 — Drummond PRCA Rodeo July 24-25 — Tobacco Valley Rodeo, Eureka Aug. 13-15 — Missoula Stampede PRCA Rodeo Aug. 20-22 — Indian National Finals Tour Rodeo, Polson Rodeo/Fairgrounds Aug. 20-22 — Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo, Kalispell Aug. 29 — The Bull Thing, Eureka

Rough stock riders must

stay on for 8 seconds.

eligible for the finals in that association. The contestants travel from rodeo to rodeo paying their own expenses. 2. In the bronc riding, a cowboy’s spurs need to be over the point of the horse’s shoulders when the horse exits the chute. Today’s spurs aren’t the needle-sharp ones of the olden days; they have to be dulled and the rowels can’t be locked. Spurs wake a horse up, but they don’t break the skin or hurt the animal. 3. It looks like the calves are being strangled in the calf roping, but they really are not. 4. The flank strap put around the loins of a bucking horse or bull does not have tacks or nails in it, and it is not pulled too tight. The strap is lined in sheep’s wool and required to have a quick release buckle so it’s easy to get off. Each bronc and bull is outfitted with a flank, but many of the animals will buck without it. 5. Most of the “rough stock,” rodeo lingo for broncs and bulls, are not wild. They are just animals that don’t like to be ridden. But the stock crew loads them in trucks, unloads them, feeds them and runs them in the chute to be ridden. They work for eight seconds a day, sometimes a week. 6. Saddles, bronc or roping or barrel racing, all are held on with a cinch and latigos, which are leather straps hooking the saddle to the cinch. The cinch goes under the horse’s belly.

7. The bullfighters have a dangerous job; they are in the arena to keep bucking bulls from hurting a cowboy if he gets bucked off. The clown/barrelman tells jokes and gets the crowd involved. Both bullfighters and clowns will wear baggy pants and paint on their faces. 8. Riders on “rough stock,” bulls or broncs, need to ride for eight seconds. You’ll know when that is because a horn will sound in the arena. 9. The two riders who ride alongside a bronc rider’s horse after the whistle blows are called the pickup men. One usually pulls a little ahead of the rider so the cowboy can grab them around the waist or by the shoulders and swing off his bronc. The other pickup man removes the flank. Then both pickup men guide the animal to the gate out of the arena and the unsaddling chute. 10. Stock contractors make a living hauling their stock to different rodeos, and they take very good care of them. Bucking stock, steers and calves are rodeo athletes, too, and very hard to replace. 11.Timed events, such a calf roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and team roping, are won by the person(s) with the fastest completion. 12. Rough stock events require judges, one on each side of the animal. Each judge scores the cowboy and the animal from one to 25, with 25 being the best. Then the two judges scores are added up and that’s the cowboy’s score. 13. Cowboys are scored on spurring, getM O N T A N A

S U M M E R

ting a rhythm with the horse or bull, staying on for eight seconds and not touching the animals with their left hand. 14. In the calf roping, steer wrestling and team roping, the contestants start behind a barrier, a rope that runs from the chute containing the calf or steer in front of the cowboy or cowgirl’s horse and fastens to a post with a piece of string. When the chute opens, the steer or calf runs to the score line, which gives it a head start, before the barrier opens. If the roper or steer wrestler starts his or her horse too soon, the piece of string on the barrier breaks and he or she has 10 seconds added to the time. 15. One judge sets the barrier, and one judge will be on a horse and signals the times with a wave of his orange flag that the calf is tied, the steer roped or the steer wrestled. 16. Rodeo associations have rules about apparel. In the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association, contestants must wear western boots, hats and a “cut and sewn” long sleeved shirt, no pullovers allowed. Under Northern Rodeo Association rules, contestants are fined $25 if they aren’t wearing a western hat, long- sleeved, collared shirt with either buttons or snaps and jeans without holes. Some rough stock riders wear helmets, others wear only cowboy hats; it’s the rider’s choice. For other questions, just ask the folks around you. Chances are you might be sitting by a rodeo family or an old rodeo hand.

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

VJ 3 5

When Visiting the Lower Flathead River... Remember to Do Your Part! • 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 observing without disturbing plants and animals. • Use the river shoreline rather than a stream-bed as a pathway in order to protect fragile stream-bottom habitats.

Remind your friends and relatives that off-road vehicle use is strictly prohibited!

“O

ver 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 Kootenai Tribes - allow access not only to Tribal members, but also to non-members who purchase a valid Tribal recreation use permit. Continued public access to the river depends upon visitors treating this fragile landscape with respect. Only in this way can we maintain and improve the health of the land and the purity of the waters. Unfortunately, in recent years, we have seen a dramatic increase in vandalism, noxious weeds, illegal off-road vehicle use, and excessive livestock grazing. These abuses often result in scars upon the land that can last for generations. We ask visitors to respect this special place, and to report to Tribal 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, Appropriate use of this precious resource will allow for continued public access in the future. Wildland Recreation Program For more information please contact the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Natural Resources Department at 883-2888.

3 6

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

F A R M E R S Options to purchase locally-grown fruits and vegetables and Montana-made products in an open-air market abound throughout Lake County. Polson More than 50 vendors fill Second Avenue West in downtown Polson each Friday morning for the Polson Farmers Market, where fresh produce, garden plants and locallycrafted items draw crowds. Market vendors sell farm fresh eggs and prepared foods alongside retail stores and restaurants, making the market a desirable weekly destination. The market is open until 2 p.m. through Sept. 4. From Sept.11 through Oct. 9 the market will close at 1 p.m. Polson’s market implements the Fresh Snap Program. When someone spends $5 in SNAP benefits, they get $5 free to spend at the market each week, helping recipients focus on using SNAP benefits to purchase fresh and local fruits, vegetables, milk, meats, eggs, plants and seeds. The program is funded through grants and donations from Total Screen Design in Polson and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Department of Human Resource Development.

M A R K E T S Ronan Ronan Farmers Market greets shoppers on Main Street each Thursday from 3–7 p.m. through Sept. 3. The charming landscaped corner of Main and First has been home to the market for four years, although other locations have hosted the event. The market offers local organic fresh produce, plants, bakery items, sweet treats and locally-made crafts. “We have quite a few new vendors, and I’m excited about the fresh produce,” market manager Ronna Walchuk said. Arlee Arlee hosts a farmers market each Friday from 4–7 p.m. on the northeast corner of Highway 93 and Powwow Road. With more than a dozen vendors selling produce and locally-crafted items, the market is also a venue for local musicians and community fundraising events. “Our big focus is to really showcase the flavor of Arlee and the rural community,” market board member Julia Longacre said. “There’s so much talent here.”

2015 Polson Events Yellow Bay Cherry Blossom Festival May 16

Chamber Blast, Big Sky Sporting Clays May 20

Mission Mountain NRA Rodeo June 27

Arlee 4th of July Celebration July 2-4

Fourth of July Celebration in Polson - parade, Concert, Fireworks Show

Flathead Lake 3-on-3 Hoop Shoot July 24-26

7th Annual Smokin’ on the Water Water Daze August 1

August 7-9

5th Annual Flathead Lake Blues Festival August 14-16

Polson Triathlon

July 4

August 15

Poker Paddle

Flathead River Rodeo

July 12

August 20-22

Standing Arrow Powwow, Elmo

Rotary Chili Cook Off

July 17-20

• Organic Produce • Grass Fed Beef • Wild Caught Fish • Bulk Herbs, Spices Tea • Supplements & Body Care • Houseware & Baskets • Jewelry, Crystals & Stones • Cards, Sunglasses & Hats • Scarves & Bags • Kids Toys & Games • Baby Clothes

Summerfest

August 22

Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival & Live History Days

Polson Fly-In

July 18 & 19

August 12

FOR UPDATED INFORMATION CALL (406) 883-5969 OR GO TO CHAMBER WEBSITE :

www.polsonchamber.com

319 Main Street • Polson 883-2847 M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

3 7

P O W W O W S Colorful regalia, surefooted dancing and toe-tapping drums 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. Powwows — gatherings and celebrations with singing, dancing, socializing, education, craft work and feasting — have been an important part of the Salish, Kootenai and Pend d’Orielle Tribes’ — and other Indian tribes’ — lives for centuries. Many Native Americans travel hundreds of miles each year to participate in this important tradition, because the powwow trail is much more than just entertainment; it’s a way to honor a spiritual connec-

C E L E B R A T E

tion to their ancestors. At powwows, various dance styles are performed, including: Intertribal Dance, where everyone is welcome regardless of dress; War Dance, where each warrior dances his own style to a wide range of songs with fast and slow

tempos; Women’s Traditional Dance, consisting of women remaining stationary with a slight up and down movement; Men’s Traditional Dance, in which the dancers tell stories in dance about battles or hunting. The outfits remain traditional and sub-

Looking to host a

• • • • • •

golf tournament? Give us a call for availability and upcoming tournaments and special events.

3 8

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

C U L T U R E

Only 2.5 miles west of Ronan on Round Butte Road.

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

dued, 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; 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. Some “newer” dances include: Fancy Dance, where dancers are dressed in colorful regalia and dance in less restricted styles with fancy movements; 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

18 Challenging Holes Golf Instructors Driving Range Pro-Shop Cart Rentals Enjoy lunch or dinner from our deck with mountain views.

outfits; and the Owl Dance, a social dance where couples dance together in a circular motion with men on the outside circle and women in the inside circle. The Arlee Fourth of July Celebration, a week-long event held each year during the first week of July, first 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 celebratory tradition was fraught with obstacles set up by the federal government. 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 traditions despite federal policies aimed at eliminating them. The Arlee Celebration is an example of survival 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 the “patriotic” link.

This year, the 117th Arlee Celebration runs Wednesday, July 1, through Sunday, July 5. The official opening of the celebration will take place Friday, July 3, beginning with a grand entry that includes an honor guard bearing the

M O N T A N A

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 opening ceremonies. After a veterans’ honoring ceremony, the dancing begins in earnest. For more event information, go to www.arleepowwow.com. Each third weekend in July, the Flathead Indian Reservation hosts the Kootenai Tribes’ annual celebration, the Ksanka Standing Arrow Powwow. The Kootenai Tribe, also known as the Ktunaxa Ksanka Band, welcomes all nations and the general public to attend the powwow July 18 at the Elmo Powwow Grounds. The Indian social gathering in the west shore community of Elmo features 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.

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

3 9

S H O O T I N G

R A N G E S

Road. (Go south from Polson on Back Road and turn right on Kerr Dam Road. The right turn to the shooting range is less than a quarter of a mile.) Range officers are on duty during that time. The fee for visiting shooters is $5 per day. Members may shoot any day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the stipulation there be no shooting after dark. Featuring a 210-yard rifle range and a 50-yard pistol range, the facility provides targets and target stands. No shotguns are allowed on the range. While the shooting range is outside of Polson city limits, be advised it is unlawful for any person to shoot or discharge any pistol, rifle, air gun or other firearm within the city limits. For more information see the

aybe a vacation isn’t a vacation unless you find a shooting range for a little target practice. Be advised that Montana state laws and Flathead Reservation laws allow open carry of weapons, meaning no part of any weapon on a person may be covered at all. Visitors may also open carry in a vehicle. A person must be 14 years of age to carry a loaded handgun in public. When in doubt, check for laws specific to National and State Parks within Montana and regional ordinances.

Polson The Polson Shooters Association welcomes visiting shooters on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The range is located at 38386 Kerr Dam 4 0

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

B A N G

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

O U T

S U M M E R

website at www.polson shooters.com. Contact Rob St. Clair, president of Polson Shooters Association, at (406) 270-8886. Ronan The Mission Valley Shooting Club, 46341 Leighton Road, Ronan, is set up as a membership club, but guests of members of the club may shoot for $5 per day. Club officer Tom Fieber hosts a .22 youth shoot for kids ages 8–18 on the first Sunday of each month, and it is open to the public. The event starts at about noon and lasts three or four hours, according to Fieber. The club provides lunch and doesn’t charge the kids to shoot. “It’s a good way to learn firearm safety and get to use different types of firearms and

F U N

sights,” Fieber said. “The only requirement (for youth) is that they have an adult with them when they are shooting,” he added. A .22LR IR 50/50 for adults is held on the third Sunday of the month, and it is also open to the public. Contact Ronan Sports and Western at (406) 676-3701 for information and memberships. Sporting clays For skeet shooters, Big Sky Sporting Clays, 3500 Irvine Flats Road, Polson, is open for business on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The business offers two sporting clay courses, one trap field, one skeet field and one five-stand. For more information, call (406) 883-2000.

S T O P

W A T E R C R A F T ,

he large orange sign sitting alongside Highway 93 in Ravalli bears a simple message: all watercraft must stop. Ignoring the order is tempting, but is also illegal and could undermine the multi-layered extreme measures organizations have put in place in recent years to prevent aquatic invasive species from wreaking havoc on the ecosystem and economy of the Flathead Basin. Last year inspectors at the Ronan aquatic invasive species inspection site intercepted 4,954 watercraft, but there were some that tried to sneak past, not out of malice, but ignorance. “People think: ‘It’s a kayak. That’s not a watercraft,’” Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Captain Lee Anderson

said of people who blew past the check station. Anderson clarified the situation for all waterbound travelers: anything that floats – boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, inflatables, etc., need to step on the brakes and pull over or run the risk of a citation. The five-minute stop might seem like an inconvenient delay for enthusiastic lake-goers, but it’s a small price to be paid to make sure the crystal blue waters and world class fishery aren’t harmed by disruptions in the ecosystem. The quick scan is done by trained individuals who can spot tiny plants or animals that could lead to an infestation. For locals who travel only to Flathead Lake without visiting another water body, a sticker certifying

S T O P

I N V A S I V E S

inspection is available to further expedite the process. Governor Steve Bullock visited the Ronan checkpoint in August 2013 and praised the state for paying the approximate $52,000 per year required to man a single station. The state has more than a dozen check points located across the state. In 2014 there were 16 failed inspections at the Ronan check point, with one case of vegetation, eight cases of standing water, one case of illegal fish, and six in the “other” category, meaning marine organisms or unidentified organic matter was found. The checkpoint was moved to Ravalli for the 2014 season because the reduced speed in the area makes it safer to

stop and because it intercepts two major avenues of traffic instead of just one. The Noxon checkpoint was also removed this year because authorities in Idaho are going to be stopping both incoming and outgoing traffic just across the border. “Montanans really can be proud that their government is working on their behalf to fight these invasive species,” Bullock said during his visit. Among the species that inspectors are checking for are zebra mussels. The mussels filter large amounts of nutrients from the water — something that could disrupt the food web and spell disaster for species in Flathead Lake that have worked to carve out a SEE PAGE 42

‘Watercraft’ that must be inspected at state check stations includes a l l water-bound flotation devices: boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, inflatables, even old tires.

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

4 1

FROM PAGE 41

er. In 2011 a boat carrying zebra mussels was intercepted just before it launched in Flathead Lake from a ramp near Dayton. There were three vessels caught carrying zebra or quagga mussels last year. The range of the mussel species is spreading closer. “We’ve now got more risks,” Bagley said. “Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, they are positive now. Lake Powell, we’re actually seeing fouled boats come out of Lake Powell (Utah).” Invasive species of plants also remain a concern. In 2013, 37 boats carrying Eurasian watermilfoil were intercepted at checkpoints, with 23 of those intercepted at the Thompson Falls checkpoint. Eurasian watermilfoil can crowd out native species

niche in an already low-nutrient body of water. The mussels also form a secreted layer of shells on everything that comes within its path. This can completely block pipes and cause financial devastation. Bullock made it clear that the projected $80 million price tag for a theoretical infestation of zebra mussels was too much for the state coffers to handle. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks aquatic invasive species coordinator Allison Bagley said that the inspection measures have worked so far. Montana is not one of the 29 states battling zebra mussels or the larger but similar quagga mussels. There have been close calls, howev-

NOW ACCEPTING THESE CARDS AT OUR SELF SERVE ISLAND

and is already found in Flathead Lake and the greater Flathead Basin. There were more cases of two other culprits that seem benign but pose a huge risk to the watershed. There were also 79 interceptions of vessels carrying standing water and 234 interceptions of other types of non-Eurasian watermilfoil. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist Linnaea Schroeer said these two types of hitchhikers are the ones people don’t think of as being dangerous. “Be sure that the plug on your boat is pulled between water bodies,” Schroeer said. “Don’t be carrying any water in live wells or in buckets or in any other container in your boat. Standing water can

carry microscopic larvae of invasive species. It can carry viruses that cause fish diseases and fragments of plants that can start new populations. I think a lot of people don’t understand the danger of moving even a small amount of standing water.” Fragments of plants and standing water are the easiest to handle when discovered by inspectors. The offending substances will be removed, and travelers can get back on the road quickly. If invasive mussel species are found, boaters can face hours or days of delays. The best way to prevent delays is to thoroughly clean boats immediately after they are removed from the water, so problems don’t arise later.

Suffering With Pain? Prolozone is a nutritional/oxygen injection technique developed and pioneered by Dr. Shallenberger MD. It is excellent for all forms of musculo-skeletal and joint pain including chronic neck and back pain, rotator cuff injuries, degenerative and arthritic hips and knees, degenerated discs, and shoulder and elbow pain. The good thing about Prolozone is that because it actually corrects the pathology of the disorder, there is a 75% chance for the chronic pain sufferer to become permanently pain free.

Conditions That Can Be Treated With Prolozone

Prolozone works on just about any pain problem you might have, including: • Neck pain • Whiplash • Degenerated or herniated discs • Low back pain • Plantar fasciitis

NON-ETHANOL PREMIUM GASOLINE!

14 Cleveland St. S.E., Ronan • (406) 676-3461 4 2

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

• Neuromas • Tennis elbow • Rotator cuff tears • Knee injuries • and virtually any other sports injury

Because Prolozone treatments also result in cartilage regeneration, the technique is also remarkably effective even for severe cases of osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.

We can also help you with: On Road Diesel, Off Road #1 & #2 Diesel, Propane, Cylinder Fill, Heating Oil and Lubricants.

JOHN’S FUEL FARM

• Carpal tunnel syndrome • Torn tendons • TMJ syndrome • Sciatica • Heel spurs

The good thing about Prolozone is that it is not just a treatment for pain. The results actually represent a permanent fix. Self Service Island located at 15 Buchanan St. S.E., Ronan

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

Mission Healing Arts For any questions or an appointment please call our office. Dr. Katie Carter, N.D. 420 1st Street E., Polson, MT Naturopathic Physician 406.883.4325

E N J O Y

L I V E

Port Polson Players celebrate 40 seasons of live theater in a beautiful 1938 log building gracing the southern shores of Flathead Lake. Your evening with the Port Polson Players will include pre-show and intermissions watching the sun set on the immaculate “old nine” of the Polson Golf Course, framed by the majestic Mission Mountains. Inside the air-conditioned comfort of the theater, summer audiences will be treated to a mystery, musical, and a comedy farce performed by some of Western Montana’s best-loved performers and guest artists. The Players 2015 Summer Theatre season opens with the Victorian thriller “Gaslight,” featuring a cast of six. Pictured here, Bob DiGiallonardo teams up with Karen and Neal Lewing in the show that gave rise to the psychological term “gaslighting,” which describes

T H E A T R E

an abuser’s attempts to make a victim doubt his or her sanity. When “Gaslight” ran on Broadway, Eleanor Roosevelt was quoted as saying, “I recommend this play to anyone who wants to be absorbed and taken out of his daily round of interests. You sit on the edge of your chair most of the time, as it is really a grand mystery story.” “Gaslight” plays Wednesday July 1, through Sunday, July 19. With summer in full swing, you’ll have three weeks to catch “Breakin’ Up is Hard To Do,” a musical featuring the songs of Neil Sedaka. A cast of

I N

L O G

eight sing and laugh their way through a hilarious story line with such familiar tunes as “Calendar Girl,” “Happy Birthday - Sweet Sixteen,” “Stupid Cupid” and “Laughter in the Rain,” plus a dozen more Sedaka hits. This jumpin’, jivin’ show plays July 23 through Aug. 9. Wrapping up summer theater on the lake, the Players present “The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Dramatic Society Murder Mystery.” “Farndale” returns to the Polson stage by popular demand. The comedy is a light, frothy fun evening featuring the Players’ original zany cast. The

B U I L D I N G show plays Thursday, Aug. 13, through Sunday, Aug. 30. Why revive a show with four ladies and their stage manager, you may ask? The sold-out crowds for the Players’ first production had folks falling out of their seats with laughter, simple as that. Make reservations early for all three shows. The theatre only seats 125. The Players are dark on Mondays and Tuesdays, with curtain times at 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Please note “Breakin’ Up” and “Farndale” open on Thursdays. Produced in association with The Mission Valley Friends of the Arts, all Port Polson Players productions take place at Polson’s beautiful log theater on the lake, 32 Golf Course Lane. Call (406) 883-9212 for reservations, or visit portpolsonplayers.com for more information.

We welcome our visitors Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center The Center works with farmers and food businesses to help them reach new markets. Check out our gift store for our Montana made products. You are welcome to visit our facility; please check out our monthly tours.

to experience a friendly country store in the St. Ignatius Amish Community.

DISCOVER THE LOCALS’ SECRET. Bulk Foods Sandwiches Hickory Rockers Wind Chimes

Large Jam - Salsa Selection Area’s Largest Deli Meat & Cheese Selection Groceries Rhythm Clocks SERVING ICE CREAM CONES AND SHAKES.

Ask us about growing your business through our

Business Development Center 407 Main Street SW Ronan, MT 406-676-5901 www.lakecountycdc.org

COME AND EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE. www.mission/general/store/.com Hours: Mon-Fri. 9-5:30 • Sat. 9-5 • Closed Sunday • (406) 745-7200 61307 Watson Rd. • St. Ignatius, MT ~ Turn East on Airport Rd. to Watson Rd. (Follow Signs) M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

4 3

S U M M E R

C A L E N D A R M 1 p.m. The theme will be “See You Soon,” and will include stories, songs, movements, crafts and more. For more information call (406) 883-8225. • POLSON – Come gather some wisdom from the experts at Delaney’s through their seminar series. The session on Thursday, May 21, at 5:30 p.m. is: “Beneficial Soil Organisms – How to Utilize Nature to Feed Plants.” Seminars are free and open to the public. • POLSON – SPLASH will be hosted by Miracle of America Museum, 36094 Memory Lane, from 5-7 p.m. Join the Chamber’s monthly after-hours networking

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 • POLSON – Sandpiper Gallery will have on display until May 30 a multimedia collection of Native American-inspired art from classes taught by Sandpiper Gallery member Heather Holmes to elementary children from Cherry Valley, Linderman and Valley View schools. Ledger art, totems, masks, clay pots, clay loons and mandalas will be displayed.

THURSDAY, MAY 21 • POLSON – North Lake County Public Library will host a special one-hour program for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers on Thursday, May 21, at 10 a.m. and

4 4

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

event. SPLASH events are held the third Thursday of each month from 5–7 p.m. at different Chamber businesses. Finley Point Grill and Flathead Lake Cheese will co-host this SPLASH event, sharing their delicious specialties. Children are eligible for a free train ride.

FRIDAY, MAY 22 • HOT SPRINGS – John Partrick Williams, a local singer-songwriter, will perform at the Symes.

SATURDAY, MAY 23 • POLSON – The Mission Valley Speedway will hold open practice on Saturday, May 23, from 2 p.m. until dusk.

• POLSON – The Polson Flathead Historical Museum opens for the season on Saturday, May 23, and goes until Tuesday, Sept. 15. They are located at 708 Main St. and the hours are MondaySaturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (406) 883-3049, for more information. • HOT SPRINGS – Mark Chase will perform Americana music at the Symes Hotel.

SUNDAY, MAY 24 • HOT SPRINGS – Celebrate Memorial Day at the Symes Hotel with a barbecue and dance from 4-6 p.m. The group Malarkey will play Celtic and bluegrass music.

M MONDAY, MAY 25 MEMORIAL DAY • POLSON — North Lake County Public Library will be closed. • POLSON/RONAN — The Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County will be closed. • POLSON/ RONAN — Memorial Day Parades, organized by the Polson and Ronan VFW posts, will be held in Ronan at 10 a.m. and Polson at noon. Memorial services at both the Polson and Ronan Cemeteries will be held immediately after the parades. Following all ceremonies a lunch will be served, about 1 p.m., at the Polson VFW, 423 Main Street. Open to all veterans. For more information, call (847) 331-5518.

TUESDAY, MAY 26 • POLSON – Boys and Girls Club parent/guardian summer orientation will take place in Polson on Tuesday, May 26. For specific information, call Polson Unit Director Shawnna Berthelote at (406) 883-0521 or email: bgcpolson@gmail.com. • RONAN — The Garden of the Rockies Museum, located at 400 Round Butte Road, will open on Tuesday, May 26. The museum features the Round Butte Gym, the fire escape from the old Ronan School, Sloan’s Flat Stage Stop, a one-room schoolhouse, an old log home with dovetailed construction, a tool shed and a farm machinery building. Hours S E E

for the museum are MondayFriday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call (406) 676-5454, for more information.

THURSDAY, MAY 28 • RONAN — Boys and Girls Club parent/guardian summer orientation will take place on Thursday, May 28. For specific information, call Ronan Unit Director Katie Salomon at (406) 676-5437 or email: ronanbgcdirector@gmail.com.

E please call the chamber office at (406) 883-5969.

are included: 6 years and under; 7 to 9 years; and 10 to 13 years. There will be door prizes, drawings and a fish identification test. There will be limited fishing poles, tackle and bait provided for kids who do not have fishing equipment. The pond will be stocked with Rainbow Trout. For more information, call (406) 381-7574 or go to: www.facebook.com/kidsfishingdaymt.

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 • HOT SPRINGS — Andrea Harsell will perform “Roots ‘n Rock” music at the Symes Hotel.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 • RONAN — The Ronan VFW, 35981 Round Butte Road, will serve breakfast from 7 a.m.-noon the first Saturday of every month. Prices are $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Everyone is welcome for this all you can eat meal that includes: two kinds of sausage, bacon, eggs, coffee, pancakes, biscuits and gravy. • RONAN — The Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana, located just south of Ronan, invites local artists to showcase their artwork on the first Saturday of each month, June-October, in the gift shop at the museum. Olivia Olsen is the guest artist for June 6. • HOT SPRINGS — Bases Covered will perform rock and roll music at the Symes Hotel. • POLSON — A statewide meeting for the Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks will take place in Polson June 6-8.

MONDAY, JUNE 1 FRIDAY, MAY 29 • HOT SPRINGS — Derek Smith will perform classic rock music at the Symes Hotel.

SATURDAY, MAY 30 • BIG ARM — The Big Arm Association is now accepting donations for their annual yard sale being held on Saturday, May 30. You can drop off your donations at the Big Arm Historic School on Thursdays between 10 a.m.-noon, or call (406) 849-5064 to make other arrangements. • POLSON — The Mission Valley Speedway will hold races on Saturday, May 30, for late models, hobby stocks and 4-cylinders. Racing starts at 2 p.m. • HOT SPRINGS — Kathy Colton and the Reluctants will provide folk and original music at the Symes Hotel. • NINEPIPES — Kids Fishing Day at the Ninepipes Pond takes place on Saturday, May 30, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Three age groups R E G U L A R LY

S C H E D U L E D

Polson Community Church

• POLSON — The Sandpiper Gallery presents the “Sky Above Us,” a show of Sandpiper member artists Sue Arneson (paintings), Jan Brooks (beaded tapestries), Marge Hendricks (paintings), Larry Kjorvestadt (photography), Jeff Morrow (leather work), with invited artists Chelsea Lipscomb (painting/sculpture) and Kelly Price (pottery/sculpture) from June 1-July 11. • POLSON/RONAN — Lake County Boys and Girls Clubs will be closed from Monday, June 1 to Friday, June 5.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 • POLSON – The Polson Chamber of Commerce general meeting and luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, at the KwaTaqNuk from noon-1 p.m. Polson School District’s Superintendent Dr. Linda Reksten will be the featured speaker, presenting on the State of the Schools. For more information, E V E N T S

O N

PA G E S

MONDAY, JUNE 8 • POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library Summer Reading Program registration begins at 10 a.m. June 8. SEE PAGE 46

5 8 - 5 9

Your One Stop Shop

1814 First Street East, Polson www.polsoncommunitychurch.com • 883-0260

RV Dump • Propane Gift Shop • Fuel • Snacks

Sunday Services:

It’s all here!

(June, July, & August) Worship - 10 a.m. Seekers - 8:45 a.m. (September-May:) Worship - 11:00 a.m. Seekers - 9:45 a.m.

Pastor Russell Barber 883-0584

63932 Hwy. 93 South, Ronan • M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

676-2201

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

4 5

adults must pay cash for meals at a rate of $4 per lunch and $2.50 for breakfast at the time of service. The program is open to all children 18 years and younger who wish to participate; they are not required to live in the district. • RONAN — Ronan School District’s Summer Feeding Program will take place at Ronan Middle School June 8, to Aug. 14, Monday through Friday. Breakfast is served from 8:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 12:55 p.m. The University of Montana, SpectrUM will provide many fun and engaging science activities for students of all ages to participate in. • POLSON — The Summer Food Service Program in Polson will be held at Cherry Valley Elementary School, 107 Eighth Ave. W from June 8-Aug. 7. This program provides free breakfast and lunch for all children age 18 and under, and will be served Monday through Friday. Breakfast will be served from 7:30-9:30 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. There is no registration needed; just show up. This year the Science SpectrUM Program from the University of Montana will be on hand to introduce children to the fun of science. A Food Co-op representative and someone from the SNAP program will also be on hand to discuss and encourage healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. For further information, call (406) 883-6355.

SUMMER CALENDAR FROM PAGE 45

MONDAY, JUNE 8 (CONTINUED) The theme of this year’s program is, “Heroes”—with three subthemes: for children: “Every Hero Has a Story;” for teens: “Unmask;” and for adults: “Escape the Ordinary.” Reading rewards operate simply: Children, teens, and adults receive a reading record at registration, with eight reading benchmarks they need to achieve (for a total of 32 hours of reading or reading to your child). For each benchmark they achieve, children receive a coupon or a prize and a ticket to enter raffle drawings. The raffle will be the final day of the Summer Reading Program. • PABLO — Ronan School District’s Summer Feeding Program will take place at Pablo Elementary School Monday through Thursday June 8 to July 2. Breakfast is served from 8:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 12:55 p.m. The University of Montana, SpectrUM is coming to the Pablo summer feeding program. SpectrUM will provide many fun and engaging science activities for students of all ages to participate in from June 8-11. RSD No. 30 is considered an “open site”; and may feed any and all children at no cost to the participant. All

Take a Break!

QUICK SILVER EXPRESS • Full service station • Laundromat - car wash • Snacks, drinks, ice cream • Weekly lunch specials • We sell Greyhound bus tickets! Quick Silver hours: Mon.- Thur. 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Fri.- Sun. 7 a.m.- 9 p.m.

4 6

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

Quick Silver • 675-5000 Hwy. 93, Pablo

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

• RONAN — Ronan School District No. 30 will offer summer school for Pablo Elementary students from June 8-July 2, Monday-Thursday. Free breakfast and lunch will be available for any person in the community under the age of 18. Breakfast will be available from 8:15-10:30 a.m. and lunch will be available from 11:30 a.m.–12:55 p.m. at both Pablo Elementary and Ronan Middle School. Adult meals will be available for a fee. If you have any questions regarding summer school, contact Francy Moll at (406) 676-3390 ext. 7728. • RONAN — Ronan School District No. 30 will offer summer school for middle school and high school students from June 8-June 30, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at Ronan Middle School. • RONAN — Ronan School District No. 30 will offer summer art camp at Ronan Middle School from June 8-11 and at Pablo Elementary School from June 15 18, from 12:30-3 p.m. Preference is given to students in the Ronan School District. Registration is required. Please contact Francy Moll at (406) 676-3390 ext. 7728 or email: Francy.moll@ronank12.edu to register. • CHARLO — Charlo School will offer a Volleyball Camp June 8-10 for 3rd - 8th grade students. The camp is from 9-11 a.m. at the new Charlo gym. Call the school for details. • CHARLO — Charlo School will

offer a Football Camp June 8-10 for 3rd - 8th grade students from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 pm. at the football field. Call the school for details. • ST. IGNATIUS — St. Ignatius Elementary School is offering summer school June 8-July 3. The summer school staff is dedicated to improving each student’s math, writing, and reading skills from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. daily (Monday-Friday). There will also be time for art, crafts and play. No transportation is available. Children must be brought to and from school. A free breakfast and lunch will be provided. • PABLO — “Making Fitness Fun” is a free program for children ages 7 and older. Activities run Monday to Thursday, June 8 to Aug. 22 from 8:30 a.m.-noon in the Joe McDonald Fitness Center on SKC campus. Sign ups can be done at any time throughout the summer at the Fitness Center. Organizers plan to provide free supervision to children while they participate in organized activities like swimming, bike riding, kickball, football, basketball, dodge ball, Native games, volleyball, soccer, and shinny. Activities are intended to keep kids busy and active during the summer months. Free transportation to Ronan and Polson Boys and Girls Clubs will be offered at noon. A free nutritional breakfast and lunch is offered. To sign-up or for more information contact Mike Tyron at (406) 275-4916.

Full Service Lawn Care & Landscaping

• Weekly mow schedules • Leaf & grass clean-up • Fertilizing • Thatching Commercial & Residential • Licensed & Bonded

(406) 529-2876 • (406) 676-3722

J MONDAY, JUNE 8 (CONTINUED) • POLSON/RONAN — The Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County will extend summer hours from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday – Friday, June 8–Aug. 21. Summer session is $25 a month or $20 a month for members who have paid yearly dues. The increase is due to additional costs incurred with extended hours. For those concerned about this increase, full and partial scholarships are available. The Club, in partnership with the school districts will have three meals and a snack available every day. The following camps will be offered over the course of the summer: culture, basketball, flag football, cheerleading, art, golfing, robotics and Glacier National Park’s week long photography trip. Members will also have the opportunity to join St. Andrew’s Episcopal week long Church Camp (3rd-8th grade). Regular summer programming, including Brain Gain, will also be offered. The Summer Brain Gain program consists of eight weeks of fun and engaging theme-based activities. The main goal of the pro-

gram is to mitigate summer learning loss. For more information, call either Polson at (406) 8830521 or Ronan at (406) 6765437.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10 • POLSON — The Marine Corps League meets every second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Driftwood Family Restaurant in Polson. For more information, call John Miller at (406) 890-0964 or email: usmcfox21@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 11 • POLSON — Join us at the Miracle of American Museum, 36094 Memory Lane, on Thursday, June 11, at 6:30 p.m. Local award-winning writer Carmine Mowbray will share her new work of historical fiction, “Havoc Red-Surviving the AlaskaSiberia Route, 1943,” set among the Army Air Forces from Great Falls to Fairbanks. Mowbray will autograph copies and is offering a discounted price of $15 with $5 of each sale going to the museum. Treats and donations are welcome. For more information, call (406) 883-6264 or go to: www.miracleofamericamuseum.org.

E FRIDAY, JUNE 12

• HOT SPRINGS — Andrea Harsell will perform rock music at the Symes Hotel. • HOT SPRINGS — Homesteader Days takes place June 12-14. Homesteader’s Days, an annual event in Hot Springs held the second weekend in June, is a family fun weekend including street games, live music on Main Street, a two-day rodeo, food and craft street vendors, a kiddie parade on Saturday at noon, a grand parade on Sunday at noon, art and craft shows, the Good Bad and the Ugly street dance Saturday night from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. and much more. The event honors the original homesteaders of the Hot Springs area. All are welcome to attend. For more information go to: http://www.hotspringsmtchamber.org. • POLSON — The Polson Splash Softball ASA tournament will be held at the softball complex between June 12-14. For details: www.montanaasasoftball.com/asa6.htm.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

UTV, and Dirt Bike Poker Run on Saturday, June 13. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Buffalo Bridge and ends at Sloan Bridge with a barbecue dinner. Pre-registration will take place Friday, June 12, from 6-8 p.m. at the VFW in Polson. Late registration starts at 8 a.m. June 13. Registration fees are $35 for the first poker hand and a T-shirt; $10 for additional hands. Additional T-shirts will be available for purchase: $15 for children and $18 for adults. The top three hands will receive prizes. For more information, contact Hanna at (605) 212-1173. • POLSON – Mission Valley Speedway will have a race on Saturday, June 13, with late models, hobby stocks, and 4-cylinders starting at 7 p.m. • POLSON — EAA chapter 1122 will fly Young Eagles at the Polson airport on Saturday, June 13, from 9-11 a.m. for International Young Eagles Day. All children between the ages of 8 and 17, with their parents’ approval, can get a ride in an airplane free of charge. A breakfast will be served. For questions, call Bud Radtke at (406) 883-1245.

• POLSON — Lake County Search and Rescue will hold a fundraising event with an ATV, M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

SEE PAGE 48

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

4 7

DONAADSEN.COM THE DON AADSEN AUTO GROUP

SUMMER CALENDAR

COME TAKE A LOOK AT OUR SELECTION

FROM PAGE 47

SUNDAY, JUNE 14 • HOT SPRINGS — Dan Debuque will play blues and rock and roll at the Symes Hotel.

MONDAY, JUNE 15

Open Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.donaadsen.com

COME IN FOR A CHECKUP. Visit us today for expert service and a great deal on routine maintenance.

$ • Synthetic Blend Oil Change • Tire Rotation & Pressure Check • Brake Inspection • Multi-Point Inspection

• • • •

Fluid Top-Off Battery Test Filter Check Belts & Hoses Check

*Up to five quarts of Motorcraft° oil and oil filter. Taxes, diesel vehicles and disposal fees extra. Hybrid battery test excluded. See Service Advisor for exclusions and details through 5/31/13. Motorcraft° is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. **Source: Based on EPA fuel economy 2010 MY data at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fetrends.htm and the $3.69 average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas in the U.s. on October 22, 2012, at www.fueleconomy.gov.

DON AADSEN FORD 64194 U.S. Highway 93, Ronan, MT 59864 406.676.4420 •service@donaadsen.com Service Hours: Mon. - Fri. • 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

4 8

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

• RONAN — On June 15 students in grades 3-5 and 6-8 (fall 2015) can begin submitting short stories and/or poetry to the Short Story/Poetry Writing Contest hosted by the Ronan Library District, 203 Main Street SW. Deadline for entries is Friday, July 24, at 7 p.m. Prizes for each age group are: $50, $35 and $25. Stop by the Ronan Library or call (406) 676-3682 for more information. • RONAN — The Family Summer Reading Program begins at the Ronan Library District, 203 Main Street SW. Registration begins for “Every Hero Has a Story,” the 2015 family summer reading program for the Ronan Library District and D’Arcy McNickle Library in Pablo. Readers of all ages receive incentive prizes, plus enter drawings for fantastic grand prizes. Register in person at either library, or online at RonanLibrary.org or call (406) 676-3682. • CHARLO — Charlo Schools is offering an Art Camp for K-12 students June 15-18. There is a fee. Call the school for details. • RONAN — The University of Montana, SpectrUM is coming to the Ronan School District No. 30 summer feeding program. SpectrUM will provide many fun and engaging science activities for students of all ages. No registration or sign up is required; just

come and go when you wish. Visit SpectrUM at Ronan Middle School from June 15-18, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. A free lunch is served for children 0-18 years old. An adult lunch costs $4. • POLSON — Soccer camp for kids in grades 5-8 will take place on June 15-18, from 10 a.m.noon in Polson. Boys and girls of all skill levels are welcome to attend. Come out and participate in fun activities designed to teach and improve soccer skills and abilities in an exciting ways. Skills learned will include passing, dribbling, shooting, and teamwork. Mike Moll will lead the camp. Mike has 17 years of experience coaching boys and girls of all ages, including club, recreational, and high school soccer. Also assisting will be several high school players bringing skill, knowledge, positive attitudes, and role modeling to this fun soccer-learning environment. The cost is $5 and space is limited. Call or text (406) 471-2397, to sign up and reserve your spot.

TUESDAY, JUNE 16 • ARLEE — The first day of activities for the Jocko Valley Library Summer Reading Program scheduled to take place on Tuesdays from 9:30-11 a.m. starting on June 16, at the Library, located in the basement of the Arlee Brown Building. See Regularly Scheduled Events under Tuesdays, for more information.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18 • POLSON — Support Polson Late Afternoon Social Hour (SPLASH) will be hosted by Anderson Broadcasting on Thursday, June 18, from 5-7 p.m. Anderson Broadcasting will be

J THURSDAY, JUNE 18 (CONTINUED) celebrating their 40th anniversary live, on air with fun in the studio, food and friends. Please join us for this monumental event. • POLSON — North Lake County Public Library weekly activities are on Thursday at 10 a.m. for school-age children. June 18 is “Outdoor game day.” • KALISPELL — “For One Another Family Camp” is a fun summer camp held each year for families who have a member diagnosed with cancer. This year’s camp is June 18-21 at Flathead Lutheran Camp near Kalispell. Our family camp activities provide a place of fun, support, and sense of community for the whole family. Families who have members with cancer are welcome to attend, free of charge. A variety of support seminars groups are also offered for caregivers and sur-

vivors. For more information, call Sarah at (406) 582-1600. Register for camp by May 29. You can download the registration packet at cancersupportmontana.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20 • RONAN — The 4-H Fun Run Walk will be on June 20 at 9:30 a.m. This 5K run/walk will begin at Community Bank in Ronan. Packets will be picked up here also. Registration is required. Call (406) 207-4586, with your questions. • POLSON — The Polson Chamber of Commerce annual “Chamber Blast” will be held on Saturday, June 20, at Big Sky Sporting Clays. We will start with a quick beginner’s shooting clinic, followed by a shooter’s safety briefing prior to the Sporting Clays Tournament. There will be a barbecue lunch and awards ceremony from 12:30-1:30 p.m. The

S E E

R E G U L A R LY

cost is $110 per shooter or $330 per three-person team. Bring your shotgun, eye protection and ear protection. No experience is necessary. The registration deadline is June 15. Send payment to: Polson Chamber of Commerce, 418 Main Street, Polson, Montana 59860. • DAYTON — An ice cream social will be held at Mission Mountain Winery. All summer gourmets are encouraged to attend this free event on Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This is part of the winery’s continuing program to educate the community about the pleasurable synergies created by the pairing of food and wine. Mission Mountain Winery is located on Highway 93 in Dayton on the west shore of beautiful Flathead Lake. For more information, call (406) 849-5524.

S C H E D U L E D

SUNDAY, JUNE 21 FATHER’S DAY • PABLO — The June Sunday History Series celebrates the “Month of Camas” for the Salish/Pend d’Oreille and the “Month of Strawberries” for the Kootenai. There will be presentations on camas and berries with crafts after presentations on Sunday, June 21, from 1-4 p.m. • RONAN — The annual Father’s Day car show, Cruisin’ Country, will take place on Sunday, June 21, from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Ronan Les Schwab Tire Store. There is no entry fee and there will be a barbecue, prizes and a poker run. Call (406) 676-7800, for more information.

MONDAY, JUNE 22 • POLSON — Polson Afterschool Celebrate Summer Program will offer a Nature Workshop and a SEE PAGE 50

E V E N T S

O N

PA G E

M O N T A N A

5 8 - 5 9

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

4 9

Symes Hotel. • POLSON — The Mission Valley NRA Rodea begins at 6:30 p.m. with youth events including mutton bustin’ and mini bull riding. At 7:30 p.m. bareback, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, team roping, tie down toping, ladies and youth barrel racing, ladies and youth breakaway roping and bull riding will begin. Tickets are available at the gate for $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. There are no pre-sale tickets. Food, beverage and beer garden concessions will be available. Live music after the Friday night performance. Free vendors fair, no food items. Call Sharon at (406) 261-2861, for more information.

SUMMER CALENDAR FROM PAGE 49

Nature Art Class from June 2225. Contact Mandie Steele at (406) 249-2572 or email: asteele@polson.k12.mt.us, for more information. • CHARLO — Charlo Schools is having a Basketball Camp June 22-25 for 3rd-5th grade students from 9-11a.m. and for 6th-8th grade from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Call the school for details.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25 • POLSON — North Lake County Public Library weekly activities are on Thursday at 10 a.m. for school-age children. June 25 is “Egg drop day.”

SATURDAY, JUNE 27 • CHARLO — Charlo Schools will offer a Junior High and High School Football Camp June 2729 from 6-8 p.m. on the football field. Call the school for details.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 • HOT SPRINGS — John Kelley will perform blues music at the 5 0

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

• PABLO — An Art Markets will take place at the People’s Center on Highway 93 in Pablo on Saturday, June 27, from noon-5 p.m. The market is open to all artists and vendors. Many items will be for sale by local artists including: beadwork, arts and crafts, music, sketches, drawings, food and much more. • ST. IGNATIUS — The 21st annual Fireman’s Picnic takes place on Saturday, June 27, at the Old Town Field, across from Cenex. A dinner of barbecue beef, pork and turkey will be served with salad, rolls, baked beans, ice cream, pop and popcorn between 2-4 p.m. for $7. A live auction for a freezer with half a beef will take place at 4 p.m. A raffle drawing for a whole hog, (cut and wrapped), two guns and a playhouse will take place at 6 p.m. There will also be a silent auction, kids’ games and door prizes including an Apple iPad

and an Air 2. To donate auction items, call (406) 745-4190 or (406) 745-4266. Bring your residential fire extinguisher for a free refill. Smokey Bear will be available for pictures with the kids. • RONAN — Come join the fun on Saturday, June 27, for the Circus and Carnival to be held at the Lake County Fairgrounds. This event will benefit Safe Harbor. Show times are 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and the carnival will run from noon-6 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance are $10 for adults, $6 for children 2-12 years old and children under 2 years are free. Tickets the day of the event are $13 for adults and $7 for children. For tickets, call (406) 676-9242. • RONAN — Ronan Library will be present at the Carnival and will be giving away great prizes. • POLSON — The Mission Valley Speedway will hold a race on Saturday, June 27. The event will

J feature late models, hobby stocks and 4-cylinders with racing to start at 7 p.m. • HOT SPRINGS — Roy and Rose will perform country music at the Symes Hotel. • POLSON — The Mission Mountain NRA Rodeo continues on Saturday, June 27, at the Polson Fairgrounds at 8 p.m. This event is in a beautiful setting at the Polson Fairgrounds arena located across the bridge on Highway 93 north and bordered by the Flathead River. For more information, call the Polson Chamber of Commerce at (406) 883-5969.

MONDAY, JUNE 29 • POLSON — Polson Afterschool Celebrate Summer Program will offer a bowling and an art exploration class from June 29-July 2. Contact Mandie Steele at (406) 249-2572 or email: asteele@polson.k12.mt.us, for more information.

Wednesday there will also be a material stickgame. Go to: arleepowwow.com, for more information.

THURSDAY, JULY 2 • POLSON — North Lake County Public Library weekly activities are on Thursday at 10 a.m. for school-age children. July 2 is “Craft Day.” • ARLEE — The 117th annual Arlee Celebration powwow continues with “Old Style Day.” At noon the “Borrowing wives” and “Painting each others face” takes place. The “Scalp Dance” takes place at 1:30 p.m.; the “Coffee Dance” is at 5:30 p.m.; at 7 p.m. is the “Old War Dance,” and at 8 p.m. there will be an evening “Ride Parade.” Go to: arleepowwow.com, for more information. • POLSON — Enjoy the beginning of the “Summer Concert Series” on Thursday, July 2, starting at 8 p.m. at the KwaTaqNuk on the patio.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1

FRIDAY, JULY 3

• POLSON — Polson Chamber of Commerce general meeting and luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, at the KwaTaqNuk Resort in Polson from noon-1 p.m. For more information, call the chamber office at (406) 883-5969. • POLSON — Port Polson Players will celebrate their 40th season with the classic thriller “Gaslight,” playing for three weeks, July 119. Wednesday through Saturday curtain times are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Call (406) 883-9212 for reservations. • ARLEE — The 117th annual Arlee Celebration powwow begins Wednesday, July 1, and ends Sunday, July 5. All events are open to the public and free of charge. Arts, crafts, stick games, dance competitions, Indian and other ethnic foods will be available. Absolutely no alcohol, firearms, unleashed dogs or motorcycles are allowed in the camp area. The event takes place on Powwow grounds on Powwow Road in Arlee. Wednesday is “Camp Day.” The memorial ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. On

• POLSON — North Lake County Public Library will be closed Friday, July 3. • ARLEE — The 20th annual 3 on 3 Celebration will take place in Arlee on July 3. The 2015 games will be held at the Lyles Memorial Courts at the Arlee Powwow grounds. Registration deadline is June 29. For more information, go to: missionvalley3on3.com. • ARLEE — The powwow celebration continues with the Grand Entry Competition at 7 p.m. • POLSON/RONAN — Lake County Boys and Girls Clubs are closed on Friday, July 3. • HOT SPRINGS — Kim Uhde will perform old country blues at the Symes Hotel.

SATURDAY, JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY • RONAN — The Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana, located just south of Ronan, invites local artists to showcase their artwork on the first Saturday of each month, June-October, in the gift shop at the museum. Dion Albert is the guest artist for July 4. • ARLEE — The “Powwow Trail”

run/walk will take place at 9 a.m. The “Snake Dance” and honoring veterans will take place at 2 p.m. Grand Entry will be at 7 p.m. Go to: arleepowwow.com, for more information. • HOT SPRINGS — There will be barbecue and The Good Bad and the Ugly will perform along. A fireworks show is planned. • POLSON — The Polson 4th of July parade begins at noon. The celebration includes a concert and a fireworks show at sundown. Contact the Polson Chamber for more information, (406) 883-5969 or go to: www.polsonchamber.com. • ARLEE — The Arlee Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual pancake breakfast from 711 a.m. at the old Arlee Fire Hall. The cost is $5 for adults and $4 for children and it’s all you can eat. For more information, call (406) 210-4144. • ARLEE — The Arlee 4th of July parade begins at noon so please assemble prior to that at the Arlee High School parking lot. • ARLEE — The Arlee Open Rodeo will be held at the Arlee rodeo grounds beginning at 2 p.m. This popular rodeo features a mix of local and regional cowboys and cowgirls competing in traditional rodeo events. Call (406) 726-3762, for more information. • ARLEE — The Arlee Jocko Valley Museum, run by the Arlee Historical Society, opens for the summer July 4 and will be open every other Saturday from 2-4 p.m. or by appointment, until Labor Day. The museum has many historical displays including many photographs of Native and homesteading families, genealogical and military information. The Arlee Museum is located at the corner of Bouch and Fyant (by the grade school). For information or to arrange a viewing, call (406) 726-3167.

SUNDAY, JULY 5 • ARLEE — The Arlee Celebration powwow ends on this day. Activities for Sunday, July 5, include an Indian Mass at 10 a.m. and Grand Entry at 2 p.m. The M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

celebration is open to the public and admission is free. Go to: arleepowwow.com, for more information. • POLSON — An open house will take place at Flathead Lake Cheese on Sunday, July 5, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be tours and tastings.

MONDAY, JULY 6 • POLSON — Polson Afterschool Celebrate Summer Program will offer a Horseback Riding course, Bubbleology class and an Origami class from July 6-9. Contact Mandie Steele at (406) 249-2572 or email asteele@polson.k12.mt.us, for more information.

FRIDAY, JULY 10 • RONAN — The Lake County Relay for Life will be held at the Ronan Sports Center July 10-11. The event all night event begins Friday at 7 p.m. and celebrates those who have won the battle against cancer, remembers those who have lost their battle and urges everyone to fight back against the disease. There are activities through the night, plenty of food, lots of laughs and many tears. All are invited to participate in this amazing experience with one common goal ... to find a cure for cancer. For more information, go to: www.relayforlife.org/ or email: carly.holman@cancer.org, karen.dellwo@fib.com. • HOT SPRINGS — Kevin Van Dort will play blues music at the Symes Hotel.

SATURDAY, JULY 11 • BIGFORK — The 5th annual Bigfork Battle in the Bay will take place July 11. All games will take place in the Bigfork High School parking lot. Registration deadline is June 30. Go to: www.missionvalley3on3.com for details.

SUNDAY, JULY 12 • POLSON — Bring your kayak, canoe, paddleboard or other human-propelled water craft and join us in the Narrows at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, July 12, for the Flathead Lakers Poker Paddle. SEE PAGE 52

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

5 1

July 3. • PABLO — The People’s Center Sunday history series for July is called “Celebration Month” for the Salish/Pend d’Oreille and “Month of the Serviceberry” for the Kootenai. There will be a presentation from 1-4 p.m. on Powwows and celebrations with drumming and singing afterward. • HOT SPRINGS — Conscious Sedation with Charlie Ryan will play blues music at the Symes Hotel. • LAKE MARY RONAN — Kootenai Christian Senior Camp for students entering grades 10 to 12 will be held July 12-17. The camp offers swimming, boating, Bible study, group worship times and more and will be held at Lake Mary Ronan. Register at www.kootenaichristiancamp.or go call (406) 546-9015.

SUMMER CALENDAR FROM PAGE 51

This is limited to the first 100 paddle craft. Cost is $50 for the first hand. Up to two additional hands can be purchased for $30 each. Players must be at least 18 years old. Participants start from King’s Point and paddle a 3.6mile course to five designated island stops, collecting one playing card at each location. Enjoy a catered picnic dinner, beverages and live entertainment. Prizes will be given for best and worst hand, and possibly for most extravagantly decorated boat. Proceeds benefit Flathead Lakers Student Education Program and support clean water. Register online at www.flatheadlakers.org or call (406) 883-1346. Early bird registration ends May 31. Deadline for all registrations is

MONDAY, JULY 13 • POLSON — Polson Afterschool Celebrate Summer Program will

offer a Beaks and Feats class, a Let’s Play Ball class and a Wood Crafting class from July 13-16. Contact Mandie Steele at (406) 249-2572 or email: asteele@polson.k12.mt.us, for more information. • POLSON — The Sandpiper Gallery presents the “Earth Beneath Us” with Sandpiper member artists Judith Colvin (textiles), Ron Hoff (photography), Karen Maurer (paintings), Sherry Jones (jewelry), Jean Stromnes (multimedia), and Nancy Zadra (watercolor nude series) presenting their work, along with invited photographer Michael Coles, July 13-Aug. 22. All are invited to attend the open house for this new showing.

Service Deli

Fresh Meat

RV Parking

Fresh Fish

Propane

883-2498 50331 U.S. Hwy. 93 • Polson

5 2

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

676-3301 63802 U.S. Hwy. 93 S. • Ronan

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

THURSDAY, JULY 16 • POLSON — North Lake County Public Library weekly activities are on Thursday at 10 a.m. for school-age children. July 16 is “Local Hero Day.” Guest for this event will be Tim Thorton, an ER physician’s assistant.

TUESDAY, JULY 14 • LAKESIDE — Join an afternoon cruise aboard the Far West to one of the Biological Station’s Flathead Lake monitoring sites on Tuesday, July 14, from 3:15 to

GREAT SELECTION, GUARANTEED FRESH! Fresh Produce

6:15 p.m. Join FLBS researchers for appetizers, beverages and an overview of Flathead Lake ecology and the FLBS Research and Monitoring program. Cost is $50 per person. Proceeds benefit the FLBS Research and Monitoring Program. Reservations are required as space on the tour boat is limited. For more information or to RSVP, email Tom Bansak or call (406) 982-3301 x229.

FRIDAY, JULY 17 • HOT SPRINGS — John Kelly will perform blues music at the Symes Hotel.

J • ELMO — The Kootenai Tribe, also known as the Ktunaxa Ksanka Band, welcome all nations and the general public to the 36th annual “Ksanka Standing Arrow Powwow” at Elmo Powwow Grounds Friday, July 17-Sunday, July 19. It is an Indian gathering featuring drumming, dancing and traditional dress.

SATURDAY, JULY 18 • POLSON — Mark your calendars for a fun-filled “Live History Days” weekend at the Miracle of America Museum, 36094 Memory Lane, on July 18-19. There will be historic movies, ice cream, train rides, Army rigs, spinners and wood carvers, a sawmill in action, a jet trainer cockpit, a blacksmith shop, whirling flywheel engines, a tennis ball cannon and a one room schoolhouse. Live music will be played on Saturday. New exhibitors and volunteers are welcome. Vendors must have a direct link to things historical. For more

information, call (406) 883-6264 or visit www.miracleofamericamuseum.org • HOT SPRINGS — John Kelly will perform blues music at the Symes Hotel. • ST. IGNATIUS — The 33rd “Good Old Days” celebration will take place all day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 17-19 at the St. Ignatius Good Old Days Park. Friday family night starts with a barbecue dinner, followed by entertainment and fireworks. Saturday will be a pancake breakfast, parade, fun and games in the park, lots of special events and food. • ST. IGNATIUS — The 2015 Buffalo Run in St. Ignatius, will take place on Saturday, July 18. It is a 1-mile Fun Run, 4-mile runwalk, 7-mile, and a half marathon. The half marathon starts promptly at 7 a.m. All other races start at 8 a.m. Entry forms are available at: stlukehealthnet.org.

S E E

R E G U L A R LY

• POLSON — The annual Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival will take place on Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, July 19, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be fun for the whole family. Enjoy over 125 vendors; Flathead cherries; homemade cherry pies; unique arts and crafts; cherry contests; live music; sidewalk sales and specials. For more information, visit: vendors@flatheadcherryfestival.com and to inquire about vendor space call (406) 883-3667. • DAYTON — On Saturday, July 18, from 10-5, “Muscat Madness” will take place at Mission Mountain Winery. This will be a complementary tasting of Muscat wines. The winery is located on Highway 93 in Dayton. For more information, call (406) 849-5524.

SUNDAY, JULY 19 • ST. IGATNIUS — St. Ignatius Airport will host a Fly-In on July 19 from 8 a.m. to noon. There will

S C H E D U L E D

E V E N T S

O N

PA G E

M O N T A N A

be a huckleberry pancake breakfast and EAA Young Eagle Flights. All children between the ages of 8 and 17, with their parents’ approval, can get a ride in an airplane free of charge. For further information, contact Mike Kuefler at (406) 544-2274. • LAKE MARY RONAN — Kootenai Christian Intermediate Camp for students entering grades 7-9 will be held July 1924. The camp offers swimming, boating, fishing, sports, plus Bible study, daily devotions and group worship times and will be held at Lake Mary Ronan. Register at: www.kootenaichristiancamp.org or call Dan Larsson at (406) 5469015.

MONDAY, JULY 20 • POLSON – Polson Afterschool Celebrate Summer Program will offer a Lego Robotics class, a Walking the Watershed class and SEE PAGE 54

5 8 - 5 9

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

5 3

Dunk contest. For more information, call (406) 883-5255. • HOT SPRINGS — The Hot Springs Blues Festival takes place with music performed by: Mudslide Charley, Mike Bader Band, Zeppo, John Kelly, Three Eared Dog and David Ricci. There will be beer, barbecue, camping, vendors and soaking for two days of fun at this festival. • POLSON — The MSU Scholarship Golf Scramble and Barbecue event begins Friday, July 24, with a Pig Roast at the home of Martin and Vicki Olsson, in Ronan. This event will include a “hosted bar” at 5:30 p.m., a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m., a silent auction and raffle. MSU coaches and staffs will be in attendance. For registration and information, call Shad at (406) 883-8803.

SUMMER CALENDAR FROM PAGE 53

a Chess/Checkers/Games class from July 20-23. Contact Mandie Steele at (406) 249-2572 or email: asteele@polson.k12.mt.us, for more information.

THURSDAY, JULY 23 • POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library has purchased the license to show the Disney movie “Big Hero 6” at 10 a.m. Note there will be no teen writing club on this day. • POLSON – Port Polson Players will present “Breakin’ Up is Hard to Do,” a musical comedy with the music of Neil Sedaka. This presentation will go from July 23Aug. 9. Wednesday - Saturday curtain times are at 8 p.m. and the Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Call 883-9212, to make your reservations.

SATURDAY, JULY 25 • POLSON — The MSU Scholarship Golf Scramble will be held Saturday, July 25. The scramble will be hosted at the Polson Bay Golf Club. The format will be similar to last year. The scramble begins with a shotgun start at 10 a.m., followed by a social hour and dinner. Cost is $125 per golfer or $500 per team. Fee includes golf, cart, flag prizes, team prizes, tee prizes, course refreshments, and entry to Saturday afternoon dinner with a spouse or guest. Dinner will be served at 4 p.m. Reservations are required. All proceeds to benefit Montana State University student athlete scholarships. For more

FRIDAY, JULY 24 • POLSON — The 23rd annual Flathead Lake 3-on-3 tournament is July 24-26 with 300 teams. All proceeds are donated back to the community. To enter and for bracket and other information, go to: www.flatheadlake3on3.com. Packet pick up is on Friday, July 24, from 5-9 p.m. at First Citizens Bank. The tournament games start 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Submit your slam-dunk video for a chance at $1,000 in the Budweiser/TownPump Slam

information, call Shad at (406) 883-8803. • HOT SPRINGS — The Hot Springs Blues Festival continues. • RONAN — Lake County Fair Shooting Sports events begin at 9 a.m.

SUNDAY, JULY 26 • RONAN — The Lake County Fair Shotgun event begins at 1 p.m. (Big Sky Sporting Clays).

MONDAY, JULY 27 • LAKE MARY RONAN — Kootenai Christian First Chance Camp for students entering grades 1-2 will be held July 2729. The camp offers swimming, boating, fishing, sports, plus Bible study, daily devotions and group worship times and will be held at Lake Mary Ronan. Register at www.kootenaichristiancamp.org or call Dan Larsson at (406) 5469015. • LAKE MARY RONAN — Kootenai Christian Junior Camp for students entering grades 4 to 6 will be held July 27-31. Register at www.kootenaichristiancamp.org • POLSON — Polson Afterschool Celebrate Summer Program will offer a Techno Summer class, a Junior Cheff course and a Flag Football class from July 27-30. Contact Mandie Steele at (406) 249-2572 or email: asteele@polson.k12.mt.us, for more information. • RONAN — The Lake County Fair begins on Monday, July 27 and ends Sunday, Aug. 2. The theme for this year is “Blue Jean

24-hour towing 676-3961

• Boat stereos • Boat repair

• Vehicle accessories • Jump starts • Lock outs

• Fuel delivery • Glass repair & replacement.

607 3rd Ave. NW, Ronan 676-3961 5 4

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 • RONAN — Pigs, cats, and beef will be shown at the Lake County Fair on Wednesday. Jim Pettit and the Little Big Band will put on a concert from 5-7 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 30 • RONAN –– A concert presented by Fresh off the Vine will take place from 5-7 p.m. at the Lake County Fair. A Market Livestock Auction will begin at 7 p.m.

We deliver! Go 1 1/4 mile

Caffrey

Hwy . 93

We also do:

TUESDAY, JULY 28 • RONAN — Highlights at the Lake County Fair are dog obedience, showmanship and 4-H poultry/rabbits.

• Concrete • Screen topsoil • Crushed aggregates • Free estimates & decorative stone Skyline

COMPLETE PAINT & BODY SHOP • ULTIMATE BED LINERS • ASTRO START (We work with all insurance carriers)

Blast.” Fairgrounds are located right off Highway 93. There will be 4-H and open class fair exhibits, food booths and kid’s games and activities all week. This rural country fair is recognized as one of Montana’s finest. Youth from all over the county exhibit livestock and projects with a 4-H emphasis. Each day of the fair offers spectator interaction with livestock shows, entertainment, youth activities and project judging. For complete information refer to the Lake County Fair Premium Book available in June at the Lake County Extension Office, (406) 676-4271, or from local businesses. The fairgrounds are located adjacent to Ronan High School west of Highway 93. Highlights for the first day of the fair are horse shows and judging.

Great customer service!

Call Jim or Chuck at

883-3773

37246 Caffrey Road • Polson

www.glacierlakesandandgravel.com

J FRIDAY, JULY 31 • RONAN — Pioneer Days celebration begins in Ronan. Events continue July 31-Aug. 2 and include fun for the whole family. The day begins with a Quilt Show at K.W. Harvey Elementary at 10 a.m. The Bulls and Boncs Rodeo is at 7:30 p.m. and the Street Dance is tenatively scheduled for 9 p.m. outside the Pheasant and Second Chance. For more information call at (406) 675-0177. • HOT SPRINGS — John Kelley will perform blues music at the Symes Hotel.

SATURDAY, AUG. 1 • RONAN — On Saturday, Aug. 1, the 20th annual Pioneer Days’ Mission Valley 3-on-3 tournament will take place. Registration is due by July 27. Visit www.missionvalley3on3.com for more information or call (406) 675-0177. • RONAN — Jim Rempp is the guest artist for the Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana first Saturday artwork exhibition. • DAYTON — A community-wide yard sale is held all day at Dayton Park. • POLSON — The seventh annual Smokin’ On The Water barbecue cook-off is Saturday, Aug. 1, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the KwaTaqNuk Resort. This years event will include: the barbecue, a Brew Tour, live music, vendors, prizes, trophies and more. A shuttle will run all day to and from Linderman Elementary. • POLSON — Polson Bay’s Water Daze is a one mile swim race

through the pristine waters of Flathead Lake at Salish Point to Boettcher Park. This great family event has activities for everyone. Registration starts at 11 a.m., start time at 1 p.m. For information call (406) 883-4567. • HOT SPRINGS — Living Well will perform old time soul and rock and roll at the Symes Hotel. • RONAN — The second day of Pioneer Days begins bright and early with a pancake breakfast served at the VFW at 7 a.m. The 3-on-3 basketball tournament starts at 8 a.m. along with the 34th annual Mountain Classic Run (5K and 10K). A co-ed softball tournament takes place at 9 a.m. as does the EAA’s open house at the Ronan airport. At 10 a.m. there is a car show and the quilt show continues at K.W. Harvey gym. The City Slickers Rodeo at noon includes: kids sheep riding and dressing, calf cash race, a pig scramble and more. The Open Rodeo and Ring of Fire begins at 7:30 p.m. Another street dance takes place at KD’s Valley Club starting at 9 p.m. and outside the Pheasant and Second Chance at 9:30 p.m. For information call (406) 675-0177.

SUNDAY, AUG. 2 • RONAN — The final day of the Ronan Pioneer Days celebration begins with a volleyball tournament at the city park at 9 a.m. Registration for the “Orange you glad we are doing this again…” parade begins at 9 a.m. with the parade down Main Street at

12:30 p.m. The Open Rodeo and Wild Buffalo Riding begins at 3 p.m. Family Karaoke Night is at KD’s Valley Club at 6:30 p.m. • PABLO — The People’s Center continues their Sunday History Series on Aug. 2, by celebrating “Huckleberry Month” for the Salish/Pend d’Oreille and Kootenai. A presentation on berries and their uses will be held from 1-4 p.m. • RONAN — St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ronan is celebrating 100 years. Join us for worship at 9 a.m. with Rev. Terry Forke. At 12:30 p.m. we will have a float in the Pioneer Days Parade followed by a picnic lunch at the church, 35681 Terrace Lake Road. For more information call (406) 6768280 or visit: ronanchurch.org.

MONDAY, AUG. 3 • POLSON — Polson Afterschool Celebrate Summer Program will offer a Walking, Water, Fun course and a Lacrosse course from Aug. 3-6. Contact Mandie Steele at (406) 249-2572 or email: asteele@polson.k12.mt.us, for more information.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 5 • WEST SHORE — The Flathead Lake Biological Station will hold their annual Open House from 1-5 p.m. The open house provides an opportunity for the interested public to learn more about the ecology of Flathead Lake and its watershed, as well as FLBS and its research around the globe. The event is open to all; there is

no admission fee. For more information, call (406) 982-3301 x229.

THURSDAY, AUG 6 • POLSON — Another summer concert series event takes place on the patio at the KwaTaqNuk on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 8 p.m. • POLSON — North Lake County Public Library weekly activities are on Thursday at 10 a.m. for school-age children. August 6 is “Bug Day.”

FRIDAY, AUG. 7 • POLSON — Join us for the annual Summerfest on Flathead Lake Aug. 7-9. There will be numerous activities in the park and on the water on Friday. On Saturday there will be a car show in downtown Polson and the Sandpiper Art Festival will take place on the courthouse lawn. There will also be a poker run, a parade, a cruise, and a concert at Riverside Park and more on Saturday. On Sunday the Celebrity Golf Scramble Tourney and concert to benefit Boys and Girls Club will take place at the Polson Golf Course. For more information call (406) 883-5255 or go to: andersonbroadcasting.com. • HOT SPRINGS — Pamela Vankirk will perform contemporary coffee shop music at the Symes Hotel.

SATURDAY, AUG. 8 • POLSON — The 44th annual Outdoor Art Festival, sponsored by the Sandpiper Art Gallery, SEE PAGE 56

To Kalispell & Glacier Park

Highw

Main St.

ay 93 To Missoula

Specialty Shops and Restaurants on Highway 93 in the Heart of Polson Polson Business Community M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

5 5

SUMMER CALENDAR FROM PAGE 55

takes place on the county courthouse lawn on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be fine art originals in all media, jewelry, handmade furniture, birdhouses, hand-sewn items, stained glass, rose mauling, pottery, candles and sculpture and many other interesting and unique items. No kits, commercially produced items, dealers, imports or bakery goods will be allowed. There will be music and food throughout the day. Call the gallery at (406) 883-5956 or visit Sandpiperartgallery.com, for more information or for an application. • HOT SPRINGS –– John Kelley will perform the blues at the Symes Hotel. • DAYTON — On Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., enjoy “Vertical tasting of Reserve Merlots” a free event at Mission Mountain Winery. This event allows you to make a comparison of older and current release of wine. The winery is located on Highway 93 in Dayton. For more information, call (406) 849-5524.

TUESDAY, AUG. 11 • CHARLO — Montana’s Shakespeare in the Park production of “Taming of the Shrew” will be on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 6 p.m. in Palmer Park in Charlo. If it rains, the play will move to the Charlo gym.

THURSDAY, AUG 13 • POLSON — Another evening of music is part of the Summer Concert Series on Thursday, Aug. 13 at the KwaTaqNuk Resort at 8 p.m. • POLSON — The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Dramatic Society Murder Mystery is a hilarious British comedy that will play Aug. 13-30. Wednesday-Saturday curtain times are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Call (406) 883-9212, for your reservations. • RONAN — August 13 is the last

5 6

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

day to turn in Reading Logs for the Family Summer Reading Program at Ronan Library District and D’Arcy McNickle Library in Pablo.

FRIDAY, AUG. 14 • POLSON — The fifth annual Flathead Lake Blues Festival has amazing talent lined up for this year including: International Blues Challenge winners and finalists. Come enjoy world-class blues and spectacular views on Flathead Lake. Join the fun on Friday from 6-11:30 p.m. and Saturday from 4 p.m.-midnight. The festival takes place at beautiful Salish Point on Polson Bay. Gates open two hours before the show. For information visit: flatheadlakebluesfestival.com. • HOT SPRINGS — Diane Torres will perform a variety of music at the Symes Hotel.

SATURDAY, AUG. 15 • POLSON — The 4th annual Polson Triathlon is Aug. 15 at Riverside Park. The race starts at 8:40 a.m. and is capped at 200 racers. Register at www.polsontriathlon.com. • RONAN — From 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the large pavilion on Eisenhower Street at the Ronan City Park, the grand prize picnic for the Family Summer Reading Program will take place. There will be a free barbecue lunch for readers and their family members, where top readers are recognized, and winners’ names are drawn for grand prizes. Winners of the 2015 Writing Contest will also be announced. • HOT SPRINGS — Tom Catmull, singer and songwriter and a Missoula favorite, will perform at the Symes Hotel. • ST. IGNATIUS — Wings For Wishes Over Montana is a radio controlled airplane fun fly event that benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Montana. This year we have a new home at the St. Ignatius Airport. A valid proof of AMA must be shown at registration. Spectators are free. Dogs must be leashed. Visit www.wingsforwishes.weebly.com for more details.

A U G U S T / E P T E M B E

SUNDAY, AUG. 16 • HOT SPRINGS — Acoustic music will be played by Woodlind at the Symes Hotel.

Goffe (photography), Brigitte Howard (mixed media textiles), Karla Martinsen (2D and 3D paintings), and Rachel Phelps (grass weaving).

THURSDAY, AUG. 20 • POLSON — The Summer Concert Series continues at the KwaTaqNuk Resort at 8 p.m. • POLSON — The Flathead River Rodeo, the Indian National Finals Tour Rodeo, begins at 7 p.m. with live music after the rodeo each night. There will be food and beverages available. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for students with children 6 years and under free. This event has been voted Tour Rodeo of the Year for the past three years. For more information, contact Pete White or Sheila Matt at (406) 883-3636.

TUESDAY, AUG. 25 • GLACIER PARK — Entrance fees to Glacier National Park will be waived on Tuesday, Aug. 25, for the 99th birthday of the National Park Service.

THURSDAY, AUG. 27 • POLSON — Another musical event, in the Summer Concert Series, takes place at 8 p.m. on the patio at the KwaTaqNuk.

FRIDAY, AUG. 28 • HOT SPRINGS — Rob QuistHalliday and Tim Ryan will perform at the Symes Hotel.

FRIDAY, AUG. 21

SATURDAY, AUG. 29

• HOT SPRINGS — Jessie will perform acoustic music at the Symes Hotel.

• ARLEE — The 11th annual Festival of Peace and the 5th annual Walk-A-Mile for Peace at the Garden of 1,000 Buddhas on Saturday, Aug. 29 begins at 10 a.m. People are invited to come together to pray for peace and harmony. There will be guest speakers, live music, meditation as well as vendors. Call (406) 726-0555 or go to: www.ewambuddhagarden.org/, for more information. • HOT SPRINGS — The Swingaderos will perform bluegrass music at the Symes Hotel.

SATURDAY, AUG. 22 • PABLO — The annual Social Powwow at the People’s Center on Highway 93 in Pablo is open to all artists and vendors from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Grand entry is at 4 p.m. This is a social gathering of native dancers, drums, and singers celebrating their different native dance styles. There will be vendors of native arts and crafts and food. • POLSON — The annual Rotary Chili Cook off will be held Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m.2:30 p.m. • HOT SPRINGS — John Kelley will perform blues music at the Symes Hotel.

MONDAY, AUG. 24 • POLSON/RONAN — Lake County Boys and Girls Clubs will be closed Monday, Aug. 24Friday, Aug 28. • POLSON — The Sandpiper Gallery presents the “Fire Within Us” from Aug. 24-Oct. 3. This exhibit features artists Susan Evans (mobiles and calligraphy), Joe Girsch (photography), Jane

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2 • POLSON — The Polson Chamber General Meeting and Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 2 at the KwaTaqNuk Resort from noon-1 p.m. Rob McDonald will speak on the State of the Tribe. For more information, call (406) 883-5969.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3 • PLAINS — The theme for the 2015 Sanders County Fair will be “Cowboy Boots, Bucking Chutes and Rodeo.” The 2015 fair happens from Thursday, Sept. 3SEE PAGE 58

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

5 7

ties, beginning at 8 a.m. • HOT SPRINGS — Carla Greene will perform jazz music at the Symes Hotel. • POLSON — Painters, young and old, come join in the 13th annual World Wide Paint-Out in Polson, on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. There is no charge; just bring your painting gear down to Riverside Park. Contact Margery at dcartworks09@yahoo.com, for details. • KALISPELL — The 4th annual Montana Dragon Boat Festival will be held Sept. 12-15, on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake. For more information go to: MontanaDragonBoat.com. • POLSON — The Lake County High School Rodeo will be held at the Polson Fairgrounds Sept. 1213. Watch as the girls and boys participate in a wide range of rodeo activities: barrels, saddle broncs, goat tying, and breakaway and possibly will be sports shooting. For more information, call (406) 644-2874 or (406) 6767600.

SUMMER CALENDAR FROM PAGE 57

- Sunday, Sept. 6. ($5 fee for parking) Fairgrounds entrance is free. Event fees vary. The PRCA Bull Riding event is at 8 p.m. Go to http://www.sanderscountyfair.com for more information. • POLSON — Stop by the KwaTaqNuk on Thursday, Sept. 3, and enjoy some great Summer Concert Series music, on the patio starting at 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT 4 • PLAINS — The Sanders County Fair PRCA Rodeo takes place at 8 p.m. • HOT SPRINGS — Kathy Colton and the Reluctants will perform folk and original music at the Symes Hotel.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5 • HOT SPRINGS — John Kelley will perform blues music at the Symes Hotel. • PLAINS — The Sanders County Fair PRCA Rodeo takes place at 8 p.m.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 13 • PABLO — The Sunday History Series at the People’s Center will celebrate “Chokecherry month” for Salish/Pend d’Oreille and Kootenai on Sunday, Sept. 14, from 1- 4 p.m. with a presentation on chokecherries, pounding and storing berries.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 6 • PLAINS — The Sanders County Fair Demolition Derby takes place at 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12 MONDAY, SEPT. 15

• DAYTON — It’s back to the Wild West for the 24th annual Dayton Daze celebration, “Outlaws and Gunslingers,” at the Dayton Park. There’ll be a parade, food, live music, raffle, silent auction, open car show, kids’ games, and no end to the fun. This is the costume party of the summer that benefits a great cause, the Chief Cliff Volunteer Fire Department. For more information, call (406) 849-5917. • POLSON — Chapter 1122 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) will host the 17th annual Polson Fly-In at the Polson Airport on Saturday, Sept. 12, and admission is free. The public is invited to join pilots for an exciting day of aviation activi-

5 8

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

• PABLO — Native American Awareness Week activities take place Tuesday, Sept. 15-Friday, Sept.18, at the People’s Center on Highway 93 in Pablo. This event educates school children about Salish, Pend d’Oreille and Kootenai history, culture and traditions. Activities are free and open to the community. See demonstrations of slicing and drying wild game, fry bread making, hide tanning, drumming and singing, and native dancing. There will be crafts for kids, native games, and tribal language demonstrations.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 18 • HOT SPRINGS –– Barnaby Wild

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

will perform retro-country music at the Symes Hotel.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 19 • HOT SPRINGS — John Kelley will perform the blues at the Symes Hotel. • DAYTON — On Sept. 19, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., enjoy “Vertical Tasting of Cabernet Sauvignon,” a free event at Mission Mountain Winery. You can compare older and current releases of wine. For more information, call (406) 8495524. • RONAN — Come to Ronan’s 7th annual Harvest Festival to be held at Community Bank parking lot and Ronan City Park from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call the Ronan Chamber at (406) 676-8300, for more information.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 24 • HOT SPRINGS — Paul Cataldo, from North Carolina, will play Americana and Grass Roots music at the Symes Hotel.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 25 • HOT SPRINGS — Paul Cataldo, from North Carolina, will play Americana and Grass Roots music at the Symes Hotel.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26 • GLACIER PARK — Entrance fees to Glacier National Park will be waived on Saturday, Sept. 26, in honor of National Public Lands Day. • HOT SPRINGS — Callie will play good old-fashioned country folk music at the Symes Hotel.

REGULARLY SCHEDULED EVENTS MONDAYS: • CHARLO — “Monday Night Football” will be held every Monday night at 7 p.m. for junior high and high school athletes. Call the school for a start date and details. • CHARLO — Volleyball open gym is 4:30-6:30 p.m. every Monday. Call the school for a start date and details. • CHARLO — A girls basketball open gym will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays. Call the school

for a start date and details. • POLSON — North Lake County Public Library, 2 First Ave., E., will host Mother Goose Time, a halfhour program, at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., for infants and toddlers with nursery rhymes and stories. For more information, call (406) 883-8225. • POLSON — A support group for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers meets twice a month on the second and fourth Mondays at the United Methodist Church, 301 Sixteenth Ave. E from noon-1 p.m. For more information, call (406) 824-2868.

TUESDAYS: • ARLEE — The Jocko Valley Public Library presents “Every Hero Has a Story,” summer reading program. Free activities are on Tuesdays from 9:30-11 a.m. and start June 16. The library is located in the basement of the Arlee Brown Building. The program finale will be on Aug. 4, immediately following regular activities. For more information, call the library at (406) 726-3572 or visit our website at: http://www.arleemontana.org/jock o-valley-library. All programs are free of charge. • POLSON — The Marine Corps League meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Driftwood Family Restaurant in Polson. For more information, call (406) 890-0964 or usmcfox21@gmail.com. • Charlo — A boys basketball open gym will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. Call the school for a start date and details.

WEDNESDAYS: • POLSON — AlAnon meetings take place on Wednesdays at noon in Polson at the Alano Club on Third Ave. W. • CHARLO — Volleyball open gym will take place from 4:30-6:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Call the school for a start date and details. • CHARLO — A girls basketball open gym will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Call the school for a start date and details.

REGULARLY SCHEDULED EVENTS (CONT’D) THURSDAYS: • POLSON — Thursdays will be North Lake County Public Library’s day for children’s programs, including an activity at 10 a.m. every Thursday morning and a 1 p.m. teen writing club every Thursday afternoon. • RONAN — Ronan’s Farmers’ Market will take place every Thursday until Aug. 27 on Main Street in front of Ronan Flower Mill. For more information, call (406) 676-5323. • POLSON — North Lake County Public Library will host a special one-hour story time for children age 3-5 years and their caregivers, every Thursday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, call (406) 883-8225 or visit northlakecountylibrary.org. • PABLO — The “Beading Circle” takes place at the People’s Center in Pablo every Thursday from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Local bead

workers work on projects or help new bead people learn to bead. Everyone is welcome. • ST. IGNATIUS — Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? AlAnon can help. Area meetings are anonymous, non-smoking, 12-step recovery for family and friends of alcoholics. Come join us. There are no membership dues. Meetings take place on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at the CMA Church on Third Ave. in St. Ignatius. • PABLO — Rez Hope Talk Circle holds their weekly talk circle every Thursday night from 6-7 p.m. at the Respite House in Pablo. • POLSON — Night at the Museum is a free monthly activity every second Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Miracle of America Museum on Highway 93. Programs vary, so call for content at (406) 883-6804 or click on Newsletter at: info@miracleofamericamuseum.org. • CHARLO — A boys basketball open gym will take place at 6:30

p.m. on Thursdays. • RONAN — On Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. May 7-13, (no story time on July 2), Ronan Library, 203 Main Street SW, will hold storytime.

FRIDAYS • ARLEE — The Farmers Market in Arlee takes place on Fridays from 4-7 p.m. May-Sept. 25, and is located at 34306 Pow Wow Road. The all-new farmers market in Arlee has fresh produce, pastries, hot food and locally handcrafted items. For more information call (406) 241-1390 or visit: www.facebook.com/groups/Farmers MarketArlee/. • POLSON — Are you affected by someone else’s drinking? AlAnon meetings are held Fridays at 8 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church on Fourth Ave. E in Polson. • POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library will have Friday Flicks and Game Days for children and teens that will take place on alternating weeks at

3:55 p.m. (the library will be closed on Friday July 3). The movie picks for our Friday Flicks are TBA. The North Lake County Public Library is located at 2 First Avenue E. For more information call (406) 883-8225. • POLSON — Polson’s Farmers’ Market, 11 Third Ave. W, takes place on Fridays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. May to October. The market now accepts debit and credit cards. Find everything from a variety of homemade breads to pottery, handcrafted woodwork and jewelry. Call (406) 675-0177 for more information.

SATURDAYS • RONAN — The Ronan VFW, 35981 Round Butte Road, will serve breakfast from 7 a.m.-noon the first Saturday of every month. Prices are $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Everyone is welcome. Profits help with VFW expenses and running the car show in Ronan.

Arnie’s Not just oil, Pennzoil®. Oil change specialists.

Arnie’s Gas & Tire Center 63145 US Hwy 93 • At the stoplight in Ronan

676-0400 “Your Mission Valley Tire Headquarters.” M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

5 9

P O L S O N Located at the base of Flathead Lake, 70 miles north of Missoula and 51 miles south of Kalispell, Polson is Lake County’s seat and has a total population of 4,488.*

School District #23 Schools: Cherry Valley Elementary School (grades K-1) Linderman Elementary School (grades 2-4) Polson Middle School (grades 5-8) Polson High School (grades 9-12) Valley View School (grades K-6) Dayton Elementary School (grades K-6) Private School: Mission Valley Christian Academy (grades K-12) Hospital: St. Joseph Hospital Library: North Lake County Public Library

Polson City Commission meetings are the first and third Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall. For more information about Polson, visit the Polson Chamber of Commerce: www.polsonchamber.com

B U S I N E S S KwaTaqNuk Resort & Casino 49708 US Hwy. 93 East Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-3636 www.kwataqnuk.com

Appliance Care 805 Main Street Polson, MT 5960 (406) 883-3904 Clearwater Montana Properties, Inc. 201 Main Street Polson, MT 59860 (406) 571-2220 www.cmpmontana.com Driftwood Café 50249 Highway 93 Polson, MT 59860 (406) 319-2154

Lake County Transfer Station and Recycling Center 36117 N. Reservoir Rd. Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-7323

Eagle Bank 80 Heritage Lane Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-2949 www.eaglebankmt.com

Mission Valley Aquatics 309 Ridgewater Drive Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-4567 www.mvaquatics.org

East Shore Smoke House 35103 MT Highway 35 Polson, MT 59860 (406) 887-2096 www.eastshoresmokehouse.com

Napa Auto Parts 49560 US Highway 93 Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-5251

Glacier Lake Sand & Gravel 37246 Caffrey Road Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883- 3773 www.glacierlakesandandgravel.com

6 0

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

Lake County Construction and Demolition Landfill 39276 Kerr Dam Rd. Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-5412

Navigator Travel 225 Main Street Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-5222 / (800) 735-6472 Fax (406) 883-5238

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

D I R E C T O R Y Nifty Thrifty 417 Main Street Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-3443

Providence St. Joseph Assisted Living 11 Seventeenth Avenue East Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-1011

Polson Chamber of Commerce 418 Main Street Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-5969 www.polsonchamber.com

Richwine’s Burgerville 50567 Highway 93 Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-2620 www.richwinesburgerville.com

Polson Farmers Market Third Ave West Downtown Polson (406) 675-0177 or (406) 261-5700 Check us out on Facebook!

Steve’s Videos 51112 Highway 93 S. Polson, MT 59860

Polson Flathead Historical Museum 708 Main Street Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-3049 www.polsonflatheadmuseum.org

Subway 50033 Highway 93 Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-9202

Polson Outdoor Equipment 705 First Street East Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-RENT (7368) www.polsonrental.com Pop’s Grill $1.00 fresh, hot coffee 214 Main Street Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-1115

(406) 883-5899

Super 1 Foods 50331 Highway 93 Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-2498 www.super1foods.com The UPS Store 48901 Highway 93, Suite A Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-6630 www.theupsstorelocal.com/2265/

based on 2010 census

R O N A N Located 56 miles north of Missoula and 14 miles south of Polson along Hwy. 93, Ronan is a community based largely on agriculture with a population of 1,871.*

School District #30 Schools: Pablo Elementary School (grades K-4) K. William Harvey Elementary School (grades K-6) Ronan Middle School (grades 6-8) Ronan High School (grades 9-12) Private School: Glacier View Christian School (grades K-9) H o s p i t a l : St. Luke Community Hospital L i b r a r y : Ronan City Library

Ronan City Council meetings are held the first and third Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. at City Hall. For more information about Ronan, visit the Ronan Chamber of Commerce: www.ronanchamber.com

B U S I N E S S

D I R E C T O R Y

Access Montana 63540 Highway 93 Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 676-3300 www.accessmontana.com

Lake Seed Inc. 35822 Spring Creek Rd. Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 676-2174

Ronan Area Chamber of Commerce Hwy. 93 next to Community Bank Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 676-8300 www.ronanchamber.com

Valley Journal 331 Main Street Ronan, MT. 59864 (406) 676-8989 www.valleyjournal.net

Bagnell Family Dentistry Dr. Timothy Bagnell Dr. Jeffrey Bird Ronan, MT (406) 676-8880

Les Schwab Tire Center 63360 Highway 93 Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 676-7800

St. Luke Community Hospital 107 Sixth Ave. SW Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 676-4441 www.stlukehealthnet.org

Westland Seed Your Complete Outdoor Outfitter 36272 Round Butte Rd. Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 676-4100

Dobson Creek Coffee Company 319 Main Street Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 261-5845 www.dobsoncreekcoffee.com

Don Aadsen Ford 64194 Highway 93 Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 676-4420 www.donaadsen.com

Harvest Foods 63802 Highway 93 S. Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 676-3301 www.harvestfoods.com

Mission Mountain Golf Course 46664 Golf Course Way Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 676-4653 www.golfmissionmountain.com

Mexpress 63951 Highway 93 Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 676-9000 www.mexpress.org

Napa Auto Parts 10 Main Street SW Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 676-5700

Stageline Pizza Old Creamery Mall 63915A Highway 93 Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 676-4411

Windermere Janette Rosman 63506 Highway 93 (406) 676-3443 www.ronanmontanarealestate.com

Twice But Nice 229 Main Street SW Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 676-2727

Wright Real Estate P.O. Box 725 63228 Highway 93 S Ronan, MT 59864 www.westernmontanaland.com

Valley Bank 63659 Highway 93 S. Ronan, MT. 59864 (406) 676-2000 www.valleybankronan.com

* based on 2010 census

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

6 1

P A B L O Located 62 miles north of Missoula and 60 miles south of Kalispell off of Hwy. 93, Pablo serves as headquarters for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Pablo is also home to Salish Kootenai College. Population: 2,254.* Public Schools: Pablo Elementary School (part of School District #30, grades K-4) Private Schools: Two Eagle River School (grades 7-12) Salish Kootenai College (Tribal College) Learn more about the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes by visiting their website at: www.cskt.org Learn more about Salish Kootenai College by visiting their website at: www.skc.edu

B U S I N E S S Quick Silver Express Highway 93 Pablo, MT (406) 675-5000

6 2

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

D I R E C T O R Y Salish Kootenai College 58138 Hwy 93 Pablo, MT (406) 275-4800 www.skc.edu

* based on 2010 census

C H A R L O Located 55 miles north of Missoula and 5 miles east of Hwy. 93 on MT Hwy 212, Charlo is a small town rooted in farming and ranching with a population of 379.*

School District #7 Schools: Charlo Schools (grades K-12)

B U S I N E S S Ninepipes Lodge/Allentown Restaurant 69286 Highway 93 Charlo, MT 59824 (406) 644-2588 www.ninepipeslodge.com

D I R E C T O R Y

Ninepipes Musem of Early Montana 69316 Highway 93 Charlo, MT 59824 (406) 644-3435 www.ninepipesmuseum.org

M O N T A N A

* based on 2010 census

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

6 3

S T . I G N A T I U S Located 43 miles north of Missoula on Hwy. 93, St. Ignatius is Lake Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest town founded in 1854 by Jesuit missionaries, and has a population of 842.* The Mission Church, more than 100 years old, is adorned with beautiful frescoes and murals and is open daily to visitors. School District #28 Schools: St. Ignatius Elementary School (grades K-5) St. Ignatius Middle School (grades 6-8) Mission High School (grades 9-12)

St. Ignatius Town Council meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at City Hall. For more information about St. Ignatius visit www.stignatiusmt.com

B U S I N E S S Mission General Store 61307 Watson Road St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Turn East on Airport Rd to Watson Rd (follow signs) (406) 745-7200

D I R E C T O R Y

Mission Valley Properties 101 Mountain View Drive St. Ignatius, MT 59865 (406) 745-4940 www.missionvalleyproperties.com

Mountain View Cenex 240 Mountain View Drive Just off Highway 93 St. Ignatius, MT 59865 (406) 745-3634

Stuartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Napa 153 N. Main Street St. Ignatius, MT 59865 (406) 745-2190

A R L E E Located 26 miles north of Missoula on Hwy. 93, Arlee is a developing community grounded in the arts with a population of 636.* Arlee is also home to the annual Arlee Celebration and Powwow.

School District #8J Schools: Arlee Elementary School (grades K-6) Arlee Junior High (grades 7-8) Arlee High School (grades 9-12) Private Schools: Nkwusm School (grades preschool-8) Library: Jocko Valley Library The Arlee Community Development Corporation meets the third Tuesday of each month, September through June, at 6 p.m. in the Arlee High School business lab. For more information about Arlee visit www.arleemontana.org

B U S I N E S S D I R E C T O R Y 6 4

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

Gray Wolf Peak Casino 20750 US Highway 93 (Evaro) Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 726-3778 www.graywolfpeakcasino.com

* based on 2010 census

G L A C I E R Say “Montana” and most people nationally or even globally think Glacier National Park. So naturally Glacier National Park is a major draw to the area, with about two million visitors annually. People have flocked to the area since President William Howard Taft proclaimed Glacier the nation’s 10th national park in 1910. A unique mix of mountains, lakes, the trail of the cedars, valleys, glaciers and waterfalls, Glacier is breathtaking. The Glacier Park website provides information — maps, webcams of sites, photos and hours of operation — at www.glacierparkinc.com or the visit Montana website at visitmt.com/national_parks/glacier. But don’t just look through the photos and check out the webcams and think you’ve seen Glacier. There’s something about the pine-scented high country air, muddy hiking trails that make your muscles work, interesting rocks and lakes that just can’t be dis-

N A T I O N A L

tilled onto a website. The rolling gait of a grizzly bear or a resting mountain goat on the side of Going-to-the-Sun Road can be photographed, but there’s just something about hearing the sheep’s delicate breathing and hoping you’re far enough away from the bear. Glacier is home to many species of wildlife from grizzly bears and moose to elk, wolves, deer, black bear, big horn sheep, mountain lions and coyotes to smaller mammals such as marmots, picas, badgers, porcupines, wolverines and lynx. Birds — 260 species from meadowlarks to bald and golden Eagles and harlequin ducks — also live in the park. One of Glacier’s highlights is Going-ToThe-Sun, a 50-mile engineering marvel that takes people through the wilderness to Logan Pass and down the other side to St. Mary. It carves its way along the edge of mountainsides and seems hardly large enough for two vehicles to meet. Vehicles with large mirrors should fold

P A R K

them in because sometimes the road is littered with mirror frames and pieces from those who didn’t. Going-To-the-Sun Road is plowed each spring, with short stretches opening along the way. The entire road is generally plowed by mid-June, but travelers must check Glacier’s website for daily plowing status updates. The last day for visitors to drive the entire length of Going-To-The-Sun is Sept. 22. The iconic Glacier National Park red buses offer tours for those who would prefer to not drive. Check the website for specifics. Since it’s located on the border of Montana and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, Glacier National Park actually connects with Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park to form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. So no matter where you are in the area, visit Glacier.

Friendly service. Fair prices.

Loving & working the Mission Valley since 1994. Janette Rosman

On-location rental cars.

63506 Highway 93, Ronan 406-676-3443/261-6792

www.Ronanmontanarealestate.com

Brendeon Schoening/Owner 53466 Hwy. 93 • Polson, MT • Office: (406) 883-3041 • Fax: (406) 883-3042

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

6 5

V I E W S ,

P A V E D

H I K E S ,

B I K I N G

P A T H S

P O S S I B I L I T I E S A system of paved pedestrian/bicycle paths are gradually growing throughout the county, linking communities and offering scenic views a safe distance from highway traffic. Each path can be reached by streets or sidewalks connecting cyclists and walkers from Polson to Ronan. Two Polson parks are connected by a walking bridge that dips beneath Highway 93 and the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge. The path links Sacajawea Park to the north with the Riverside Park on the south side of the bridge. West of downtown Polson along Kerr Dam Road, a gentle half-mile climb southward alongside ranchland offers a unique perspective of Flathead Lake and the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge. The north end of the .7-mile trail connects to a sidewalk surrounding a city playground, skate park, sports fields and an

Twice But Nice Ronan

Conveniently located!

Nifty Thrifty Polson

Bring this ad with you for a

20%

discount! 229 Main Street SW • 676-2727 Open Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5

417 Main Street • 883-3443 Open Mon-Fri 9-6 • Sat 9-5

Call for pickup of large donations 6 6

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

off-leash dog park where the trail turns east onto Seventh Avenue West. Sidewalks continue along Seventh Avenue West to Main Street and Polson’s downtown shopping district. A few blocks east, a paved path heads north off Seventh Avenue East and follows a former Northern Pacific railroad route. This section of path is dedicated in memory of Polson resident Carol Sampson Sherick, a lifelong community volunteer who loved to hike; a bench along the way is also set in her honor. The path leads to the junction of U.S. Highway 93 and State Highway 35. Cyclists and pedestrians may cross at the signal and head east along Highway 35, passing a cherry orchard and endless green fields dotted with cattle along the south end of Flathead Lake. The path ends two miles east at Ducharme Fishing Access Site, just a short walk north up a gravel road to the lake’s wetland shoreline. Back at the junction, those who continue south along Highway 93 can follow a paved path to within a half-mile from Ronan, roughly 11 miles. Along the way, the path leaves the highway and winds through Ponderosa pine, cherry, mountain ash and fir trees, reaching the top of Polson Hill with a gentle incline and breathtaking views of Flathead Lake and surrounding farmland. A right turn at Caffrey Road and another right turn onto Skyline Drive will lead back uphill into Polson along the newest walking path, completed in early 2014. At the summit of Skyline, the path crosses to the south side of the street, boasting birds-eye views of Flathead Lake, Polson Bay and the Polson community

as it makes its descent onto Second Street East. Those who don’t turn at Caffrey Road will continue south toward Pablo and Ronan. Along the way, the path crosses beneath the highway through an underpass and continues to the community of Pablo, headquarters for the government of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Salish Kootenai College. Connecting the college with tribal offices across the highway is a 265-foot-long steel pedestrian and bicycle bridge, built in 2011, boasting attractive rockwork and four steel tipi structures. The bridge offers safe passage across the highway to the west side, where the asphalt path continues south. From Pablo, the trail meanders alongside farmland, rising over Mud Creek animal under crossing, one of 47 wildlife crossings built between 2005 and 2008 when most of Highway 93 between Polson and Evaro was widened to four lanes. The unique wildlife underpasses allow deer, bear and small critters to safely access both sides of the highway, and drivers to avoid unnecessary roadkill. Although the paved path ends just before Ronan, the shoulder widens and the speed limit for vehicles slows. A quick right turn onto Third Avenue West will link cyclists and hikers to Ronan. Another paved path begins near Main Street and Second Avenue, and meander alongside Spring Creek through four blocks of Ronan’s beautiful Bockman Park. Or, follow Round Butte Road west past the abandoned grain elevator, where a paved, two-mile trail leads to one of the best broadside views of the Mission Mountains.

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

6 7

W H E A T L E S S M I S S I O N

VA L L E Y

H O M E

Rolling down the highway, popping into a diner or stopping in at a grocery store for picnic supplies may seem like a simple activity suitable for most wayward summer travelers. But for those with food allergies and sensitivities, finding a place to chow down that can accommodate those needs might be a little difficult, especially in rural small towns where pickings are typically a bit slimmer than in large population centers. For people with celiac disease, wheat allergy, or gluten-sensitivity, one misplaced bite containing wheat, barley, rye can lead to a bellyache, dose of medicine or trip to the hospital. Because of a surge in demand for glutenfree goodies, the specialty treats aren’t quite widespread yet, but there are plenty of places to enjoy a gluten-free meal or find picnic supplies in Lake County, if a person knows where to look. Arlee The Biscuit Although the name conjures up a warm flour-heavy delicacy, The Biscuit owner Judy Morton offers “as much gluten free as I can,” she said. “I always have gluten-free bread, and lot of veggies — mostly organic.” Morton doesn’t list “gluten free” on her menu, but opts to use potato flour to thicken her spud soups and clam chowder. With advance notice she is happy to make her homemade pies with gluten free crust. St. Ignatius Mission General Store The southernmost township on the Flathead Reservation is a hub for the local Amish community, and at its heart is the Mission General Store. The establishment is dually frequented by motorized and horse and buggy-traveling patrons, with a common sight of horses tied to a hitching post out front, as if time has stood still for 100 years. The wholesale store has many bulk goods and other wholesale items that are purchased as they are available from retailers. The supply is not always steady, but for those trying to stock up on specialty flours at a rate much lower than other places, Mission General Store sometimes holds many options. On a recent visit several varieties of Bob Mills flours were in stock, as well as many other gluten free mixes. Salvaged cookies, crackers, pastas and

6 8

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

T O

N U M B E R

W O N D E R S O F

G L U T E N - F R E E

pastries were also available. “We do have some gluten-free stuff,” Owner Delbert Troyer said. This spot is likely best for those wanting supplies for gluten-free baking, cooking, or wanting to go on a treasure hunt for discounted goodies. Ronan Pizza Cafe Forgoing some staple American favorites like burgers and pizza can be a downside to gluten-free living, but Pizza Cafe has a medium gluten-free pizza crust that owner Burton Cannon said is delicious. “They are very popular,” Cannon said. “They are very good.” Cannon said his staff will label tickets with 911 for people who have celiac disease or severe allergies. “We have to cut it with a different knife, we have to put it on a different board,” Cannon said. “Just tell them you are celiac and we’ll be extra careful.” Stella’s Stella’s Bakery is also dipping in to the gluten-free market. “We’re taking our first baby steps,” owner Jayna Brown said. “People come in and ask ‘Do you have gluten-free cookies?’” Wheatless cookies aren’t on the menu at Stella’s yet, but there is a gluten-free bread people can use as the base for the establishment’s well-known farm fresh sandwiches. “We have Udi’s gluten-free bread,” Brown said. “We recently added it and it has been a big hit.” Brown also has at least one gluten-free soup each day. Many of the salads are also gluten-free with the Luncheon Salad being the most popular. Brown said there might be more gluten-free options available in the future. “People want more choices,” she said. Polson The Cove Deli and Pizza The Cove Deli and Pizza doesn’t have to rave about its locally-sourced gluten-free pizza: fans of their Facebook page do it for them. “You have the best gluten-free pizza!” and other happy testaments about the wheatless wonder are regularly posted there. Owner Ryan Avison said he sells six to eight of the 8-inch or 12-inch pies per day. The restaurant uses mix from Gluten Free

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

G O O D I E S

Mama, a Polson-owned gluten-free manufacturing company. The pizzas have been available for five years and are popular, according to Avison. “Gluten-free Mama does an amazing job,” Avison said. “We were the first in town to offer the gluten-free option. Every time we do the gluten-free we have a separate area to prepare it and we use separate things. We take extra precaution, no matter what. We even use separate utensils, everything.” Betty’s Diner and Stageline Pizza At Betty’s Diner and Stageline Pizza, glutenfree is personal. Owner Johna Morrison and her husband Dan are familiar with how it feels to go out to a restaurant and have a bad experience because of cross contamination. “I’m a severe celiac,” Morrison said. “Like one crumb and I am sick for nine days. I take them to that level with every order. They must be careful with absolutely every order.” Separate cooking facilities, including a fryer, are stocked in Betty’s kitchen, where most of the ingredients are gluten-free, even if a person without celiac orders a regular order. Morrison has substituted gluten-free, homemade ingredients wherever possible. She was worried about how chicken-fried steaks might taste without flour, but after much experimentation, she’s nailed a scrumptious version down, and all of the chicken-fried steaks at Betty’s are battered in it. The American favorites on her menu include chicken strips, burgers, and fries. Morrison is constantly experimenting with new ideas, but most people are impressed with the wide variety available. “They are ecstatic,” she said. “Sometimes I wait tables and they are blown away with the choices they are allowed to have.” Next door, the Morrisons’ other business, Stageline Pizza, also has many sans gluten choices. Pizzas are ordered pre-wrapped so there is no chance of cross-contamination. Celiac-friendly nachos and salads are also available. “We get it,” Morrison said. “We know how to handle that food. It’s beaten into everybody’s head that cross-contamination is terrible.” Morrison said gluten-free customers worried about cross-contamination can feel free to call the diner and quiz the staff on their food handling policies. She’s sure they will pass the test.

D I N I N G

G U I D E

T A S T E S O F L A K E

C O U N T Y

No place like our place... almost home! Where Friends and family feast!

676-5585 Featuring: “Take ‘n Bake” Pizza, Homemade Desserts, Chicken Salad w/Honey Shallot Dressing, Gluten Free Options, Hand Tossed Pizza

YOUR “TO GO” ORDER IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY! Hwy 93, North, Ronan

Open Mon. - Sat. • 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

6 9

Available at both locations!

676-3301 63802 U.S. Hwy 93 S., Ronan

883-2498 50331 U.S. Hwy. 93, Polson

Find fast fresh food at our Super One Foods or Harvest Foods Delis Grab any one of our featured value meals or any of our sides and don’t forget the dipping sauce.

Breaded fresh daily!

Espress Yoself • 8 flavors of Frozen Yogurt • Bagels & Wraps • Breakfast Bagels • Build your Own

CLASSIC FLAVOR

SKINNY FLAVOR

• MEAT LOVER’S • VEGGIE LOVER’S • PEPPERONI LOVER’S • ULTIMATE CHEESE LOVER’S • BBQ LOVER’S • SUPREME • CHICKEN SUPREME • SUPER SUPREME • BACON CHEESBURGER DLX. • FIESTA TACO • HAWAIIAN LUAU

• SKINNY BEACH • SKINNY LUAU • SKINNY ITALY • SKINNY CLUB • SKINNY WITH A KICK

LUNCH BUFFET MON. - FRI. 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

KIDS MENU CARRY OUT MENU

EXPLORE FLAVOR • GARDEN PARTY • OLD FASHIONED MEATBRAWL • COCK-A-DOODLE BACON • HOT AND TWISTED • PRETZEL PIGGY

Drive thru Coffee & Tea Beverages including David Rio Chai

• BBQ BACON CHEESEBURGER • GIDDY-UP BBQ CHICKEN • BUFFALO STATE OF MIND • CHERRY PEPPER BOMBSHELL • 7-ALARM FIRE • SWEET SRIRACHA DYNAMITE

WINGSTREET WILD

16 oz. double shot latte all day for $2.50

TRADITIONAL Non Breaded Bone-In Wings BREADED BONE-IN Breaded Traditional Wings BONE-OUT Breaded Tender All-White Meat Chicken NAKED SWEET CHILI GARLIC PARMESAN SPICY BBQ HONEY BBQ HONEY SRIRACHA BUFFALO MILD BUFFALO MEDIUM BUFFALO BURNIN’ HOT

Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Yum

(406) 883-6277 406-883-1919 • 50599 Hwy. 93 Polson, MT 59860 7 0

M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

1402 Hwy. 93 E. Polson, MT. 59860 Carry out menu • Delivery after 4 pm

BURGERS Royal burger cheese dx & fries . . .$5.65 Dbl. 1/3 Lb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8.05 Tri. 1/2 Lb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10.45 Cheeseburger Dx. . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.80 Dbl. 1/3 Lb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6.20 Tri. 1/2 Lb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8.60 Cheeseburger Plain . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.65 Dbl. 1/3 Lb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6.05 Tri. 1/2 Lb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8.45 Hamburger Dx. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.30 Dbl. 1/3 Lb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.20 Tri. 1/2 Lb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7.10 Hamburger Plain . . . . . . . . . . . .$3 .15 Dbl. 1/3 Lb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.05 Tri. 1/2 Lb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6.95 BERNIE BURGER . . . . . . . . . . .$5.00 Cheese Dx w/Ham DBL 1/3 lb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7.40 TRI 1/2 lb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9.80

rating

Celeb

SANDWICHES * Gluten-2015! Free Buns Available

BL T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.00 Garden Veggie Burger . . . . . . . . .$4.25 Steak Sandwich . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.15 Pork Sandwich . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.90 Chicken Burger . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.40 Hot Fish Sandwich . . . . . . . . . . .$4.25 Shrimpwich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.25 Grilled Cheese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.75 Grilled Ham And Cheese . . . . . .$3.95

SPECIALTIES Shrimp Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9.00 Seafood Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9.00 Oyster Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9.00 Chicken & Chips . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.85 Fish & Chips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6.10 Foot Long Hot Dog . . . . . . . . . .$3.60 Foot Long Hot Dog w/Chili . . . .$4.35 Foot Long Hot Dog w/Chili & Cheese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.85 Burrito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.85 Corn Dog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.85

DRINKS Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Root Beer, Lemonade, Orange, Iced Tea 12oz . . . $1.00 16oz . . . $1.25 24oz. . . $1.50 32oz . . . $1.75 Malts, Shakes, Sodas, Floats & Spins . . . .16oz $2.95 24oz $3.45 Coffee & Tea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12oz $1.00 Hot Chocolate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12oz $1.00 MILK . . . . . . . .12oz $1.50 16oz $1.75 24oz $2.25 32oz $2.50 Huckleberry Shakes . . . .16oz $4.45 . . . . . . . . .24oz . . . . .$4.95 Frozen Huckleberry Lemonade 16OZ. $2.75 with ice cream $3.50 Huckleberry Sundae . .$3.75 Huckleberry Sundae Deluxe . . . .$4.00

DESSERTS Hot Fudge Sundae. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Plain $2.75 Deluxe $3.00 Sundaes Plain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.25 Sundaes Deluxe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.50 Black And White Sundae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3.00 Cones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Small $1.35 Large $1.85 Dip Cones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Small $1.85 Large $2.35 Big Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.25 Soft Ice Cream Quart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.50 1/2 Gallon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8.50

EXTRAS Tomato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$0.50 Cups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$0.25 Catsup/Fry Sauce/Ranch 1oz $0.15 2oz $0.25 Flavors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$0.25 Cheese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$0.50 Patties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.95 Bacon or Ham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.20 Gluten-Free Buns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.50

rs ye2a- 2015 196

SIDES Onion Rings 4oz. . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.10 8oz. . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4.20 Family Fries 14oz. . .$4.70 Potato Salad . . . . . .$1.50

Green Salad . . . . . . .$1.50 Fries 5oz. . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.85 7oz. . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.35

Prices May Change Without Notice We Accept

50567 Hwy 93, Polson â&#x20AC;˘ (406) 883-2620 M O N T A N A

S U M M E R

VA L L E Y J O U R N A L . N E T

7 1

Open Daily Lunch 11:30 a.m. Dinner 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (9 p.m. summer) Fri. & Sat. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. summer)

Full service bar for your favorite cocktail or 10 Montana Craft Beers on tap, plus 60 of the best beers in bottles

View our menu at:

www.eastshoresmokehouse.com

35103 MT Hwy 35 Just North of Finley Point Rd.

(406) 887-2096