Polson, St. Ignatius elect new council members
KRISTI NIEMEYER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 9 months AGO
Kristi Niemeyer learned her newspaper licks at weekly newspapers, beginning at the Mission Valley News in 1981, then at the helm of the Ronan Pioneer and, eventually, as co-editor of the Lake County Leader until 1993. She launched and co-published Lively Times, a statewide arts and entertainment monthly, before returning to the Leader in 2022, and serving as its editor until July 2026. Reach her at [email protected] | November 15, 2023 11:00 PM
Despite some confusion over the write-in election for Polson’s Ward 2 in last Tuesday’s election, Lisa Rehard received 230 votes to David Coffman’s 121. Since neither name actually appeared on the ballot, voters had to write in their preferred candidates.
Rehard, a native of Butte and retired attorney, will serve a four-year term on the Polson City Commission beginning Jan. 1. She replaces commissioner Tony Isbell, who opted not to run for another term.
St. Ignatius voters chose one incumbent and one newcomer in a close three-way race for two seats on the city council. Incumbent Janis Heffern received 78 votes, Rikki Menz-Merchant tallied 75, and incumbent Steve McCollum collected 68.
The St. Ignatius Rural Fire District levy passed easily, 326 to 164.
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