Tuesday, April 21, 2026
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Four St. Ignatius candidates for town council

EMILY MESSER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months, 2 weeks AGO
by EMILY MESSER
Emily Messer joined the Lake County Leader in July of 2025 after earning a B.A. degree in Journalism from the University of Montana. Emily grew up on a farm in the rolling hills of southeast Missouri and enjoys covering agriculture and conservation. She's lived in Montana since 2022 and honed her reporter craft with the UM J-School newspaper and internships with the RMEF Bugle Magazine and the Missoulian. At the Leader she covers the St. Ignatius Town Council, Polson City Commission and a variety of business, lifestyle and school news. Contact Emily Messer at [email protected] or 406.883.4343 | October 9, 2025 12:00 AM

Shay Farmer, Steve McCollum, incumbent Daniel Thompson, and incumbent Chris Heffern are running for two open seats on the St. Ignatius Town Council. The Lake County Leader was unable to reach Steve McCollum for an interview before the deadline for publication.  

ARTICLES BY EMILY MESSER

Polson City Manager resigns
April 16, 2026 5:05 p.m.

Polson City Manager resigns

Meece explained that this is an opportunity for him and his wife, Karen, to move closer to their family in Washington. He also describes it as a great opportunity to continue working in local government.

Mission police receive surprise gear upgrade
April 16, 2026 midnight

Mission police receive surprise gear upgrade

St. Ignatius Police Chief Jason Acheson was surprised and grateful when he stopped by Gambles Hardware to check on his rifle order and found out that the owner, Clay McCready, had ordered out-of-budget rifles for the department.

Polson Rural Fire requests levy to keep pace with growth
April 16, 2026 midnight

Polson Rural Fire requests levy to keep pace with growth

On the ballot this year for Special Purpose Elections is the Polson Rural Fire District’s request for a $250,000 annual levy to maintain safety and equipment as the outskirts of Polson continue to grow.