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Polson and Ronan have competitive mayoral races

KRISTI NIEMEYER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 2 months AGO
by KRISTI NIEMEYER
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] | June 19, 2025 12:00 AM

A few races have materialized for municipal elections since last Wednesday’s filing deadline.

Two candidates have filed for mayor in Polson and Ronan and four candidates are vying for two positions on the St. Ignatius Town Council.

In Polson, Ward 2 City Commissioner Laura Dever will face Phillip Marlow Thelen, who sits on the Local Government Study Review Commission, in the race for mayor. The seat is currently held by Eric Huffine.

Lori Schrader-Young has filed to replace Dever in Ward 2; incumbent Jake Holley seeks to retain his seat in Ward 1 for a second term; and Tracie McDonald is vying to replace Brodie Moll, who is stepping down from Ward 3 after serving two terms.

In Ronan, City Councilman Ryan Corum will face Wendy Davis in the race for mayor, a seat currently held by Chris Adler. Incumbent Lindsay Myers seeks to retain her seat in Ward 2, and Micah Robertson has filed to replace Corum in Ward 3. Incumbent Allysen Jones is the sole candidate for city judge.

In St. Ignatius, incumbents Chris Heffern and Daniel Thompson face Shay Farmer and Steve McCollum in the race for two openings on the four-member council. Incumbent Daren Incashola is the only candidate for mayor and Mary Leishman has filed to retain her post as town judge.

Municipal elections are Nov. 4.

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