Editor
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 in the rolling hills of southeast Missouri. She's lived in Montana since 2022 and honed her reporting craft through the UM J-School newspaper and internships at the RMEF Bugle Magazine and the Missoulian. At the Leader, she covers government, business, education, agriculture and community news. Contact Emily Messer at [email protected] or 406.883.4343
ARTICLES BY EMILY MESSER
County commissioners discuss ending county collection of irrigation fees
Lake County Commissioners once again considered no longer collecting Flathead Irrigation District fees during a commissioner meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 30, after news broke about another minimum fee increase for small parcels.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
Polson City Commission approves short-term rental permit and annual golf course fees
The second reading of an ordinance to create a short-term rental permit for vacation rentals like Airbnbs returned to the agenda for a second reading at the Polson City Commission meeting on Monday, Sept. 21.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 DAYS, 1 HOUR AGO
Polson City Commission approves short-term rental permit and annual golf course fees
The second reading of an ordinance to create a short-term rental permit for vacation rentals like Airbnbs returned to the agenda for a second reading at the Polson City Commission meeting on Monday, Sept. 21.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 1 HOUR AGO
Two political newbies compete to represent Polson in the statehouse
Two political newbies, Democrat Dalton Bradford and Republican Finley Warden, will face off this November for Polson’s House District 13 seat.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 1 HOUR AGO
Lake County Friday night football recap for week five
Football teams from across the valley are showing tenacity and bringing home some wins as they enter the middle of their seasons.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 1 HOUR AGO
Polson City Commission approves closing SID, tables taxpayer refund
Taxpayers within the bounds of Special Improvement District 42 raised several questions during a recent Polson City Commission public hearing about SID 42 after the City of Polson posted a document detailing the properties and possible refund amounts, which totaled about $6,000 less than the approximate amount in the SID …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 1 HOUR AGO
Local CEO uses her values to empower young Native students
Native Forward Scholars Fund CEO Angelique Albert was recently named to Forbes' 2026 50 Over 50, but Albert explained that she did not receive her education to succeed as an individual; rather, she did it to serve her community and tribal communities on a broader scale.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 5 DAYS AGO
Leader welcomes new intern reporter
Intern reporter Katie Mihalik has joined the Lake County Leader this fall and is already diving into community news, covering the beloved Ronan Chamber of Commerce Trail of Bales and the annual Harvest Festival.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 5 DAYS AGO
Grizzly bears cause havoc in Polson
Some young grizzly bears were caught swimming in Flathead Lake, and one wandered through Boettcher Park, causing chaos as officials worked to keep the public and the bears safe on Friday, Sept. 18.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 5 DAYS AGO
Lake County Friday night football recap for week four
On Friday night, teams across the valley faced tough opponents, but they kept fighting and put points on the board regardless of who they faced.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 5 DAYS AGO
Dedicated Charlo woman serves community needs by balancing firefighter and bus driver
Earlier this summer, Ashlea Wolf-Sherman took on a new job on the front lines, driving a new engine, assisting hand crews, putting out hot spots, and mopping up as a wildland firefighter.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 5 DAYS AGO
Pablo residents raise concern over nearby gravel pit
Pablo residents are raising concerns about the many problems a proposed gravel pit in their backyard may cause.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 5 DAYS AGO
Polson eighth grader hits a hole-in-one at Browning Invite
Thirteen-year-old eighth-grade golfer Sara Dumouchel made a notable hole-in-one at the Browning Invite tournament at Marias Valley Golf & Country Club last month.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 5 DAYS AGO
Lake County Friday night football recap for week three
On Friday night, teams across the valley faced tough opponents, but they're showing tenacity and bringing home more some wins as their season continues.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 5 DAYS AGO
