Reporter
EMILY MESSER
[email protected]
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
ARTICLES BY EMILY MESSER
City Commission hears proposal from golf association
The Polson Bay Golf Association, a local non-profit, presented a draft proposal during a Polson City Commission Workshop on Thursday, March 18, to lease the Polson Bay Golf Course.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 15 HOURS AGO
Polson Commission honors retired chief
Polson Police Chief George Simpson nominated and gifted retired Police Chief Ron Buzzard the Polson Treasure Award for his service to the Polson community during the Polson City Commission meeting on Monday, March 16.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 15 HOURS AGO
Polson Restaurant Recap: New eateries on the way
Andrew Perkins, the owner of Salt Cafe, received $64,800 from the Polson City Commission during its meeting on March 2, which will help him complete work on his Salt Cafe and hopefully open the establishment before the onset of Polson’s hectic summer.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 15 HOURS AGO
Pinewood Derby cars fly to the finish in Ronan
Fourteen Polson and Ronan Cub Scouts brought their creativity and innovation to a block of wood and wheels, creating a speedy and colorful car to race down the track.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 1 DAY AGO
Police seek suspects in attempted ATM grab
Around 4 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, the driver of a Ford F-350 appeared to intentionally back into the front door of Wilson Foods in Arlee, and two suspects attempted to remove the ATM inside.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 3 DAYS AGO
Landfill rate changes
Following the recent expansion of the Lake County landfill, the county commissioners made minor adjustments to some of the waste fees.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 3 DAYS AGO
Pinewood cars fly to the finish
Fourteen Polson and Ronan Cub Scouts brought their creativity and innovation to a block of wood and wheels, creating a speedy and colorful car to race down the track.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 3 DAYS AGO
New garbage hauler comes to county
At the beginning of March, Grizzly Disposal and Recycling began serving Lake County and, within 10 days, had secured 300 customers. Just like its competitor, Republic Services, Grizzly had to apply for a carrier license with the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC). This allows commercial haulers to haul municipal solid …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 3 DAYS AGO
Ballots for special purpose and school trustees go out next month
Mail-in ballots for the Lake County Special Purpose Districts and School Districts will be sent out April 15 and must be returned to the Lake County Election Office by election day on May 5.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 3 DAYS AGO
Mission Valley Animal Shelter plans for the future
Mission Valley Animal Shelter hopes to build a new home and expand its capacity over the next three years to better serve a community without animal control.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 2 DAYS AGO
Attempted ATM theft at Wilson Foods
Early Thursday morning, a truck backed into Wilson Foods in Arlee, and two individuals attempted to remove the ATM.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 3 DAYS AGO
Animal control: A problem without a clear solution
As of March 3, Mission Valley Animal Shelter had a waitlist of owner surrenders that included 41 cats or kittens and 28 dogs awaiting placement in the shelter, which is funded by donations.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 3 DAYS AGO
MME brings home winners from first Winter Olympics
Mission Mountain Empowerment athletes, who call themselves the Mission Mountain Grizzlies, attended their first Special Winter Olympics on the slopes and brought home multiple medals after years of lessons at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 3 DAYS AGO
Mission Town Council amends the McCready subdivision
The St. Ignatius Town Council made an amendment during their last meeting to the previously granted preliminary approval for phases one and two of the McCready subdivision off Airport Road.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 3 DAYS AGO
