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
Lake County Fair hosts first and successful rodeo weekend
When the Pioneer Days Committee announced there would be no rodeo this year, the public cried out, as this long-standing tradition seemed to be fading away. But just one month ago, the Friends of the Fairgrounds, alongside the Lake County Fair Board, announced they would bring a rodeo back.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
Fire danger increases to very high as nearby blazes continue to grow
This summer, the wildfire smoke remains persistent throughout the Mission Valley, with air quality declared as unhealthy for sensitive groups.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 HOURS, 3 MINUTES AGO
Lake County Fair hosts first and successful rodeo weekend
When the Pioneer Days Committee announced there would be no rodeo this year, the public cried out, as this long-standing tradition seemed to be fading away. But just one month ago, the Friends of the Fairgrounds, alongside the Lake County Fair Board, announced they would bring a rodeo back.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 HOURS, 3 MINUTES AGO
City Commission approves grant match for a potential road resurfacing machine
The Polson City Commission unanimously approved a 20% match for a Federal Highway Administration grant to fund advanced transportation technology and innovation programs, with the city intending to use the funds for an asphalt reclaimer.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 HOURS, 3 MINUTES AGO
City of Polson receives $30,000 grant to finalize wayfinding signage project
The City of Polson was awarded a $30,000 tourism grant from the Montana Department of Commerce on Thursday, July 30, to finalize its wayfinding signage project.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 HOURS, 3 MINUTES AGO
Charlo community nearly raises enough funds for new track at Charlo Schools, but still seeks funds to finalize project
The Charlo Community Outdoor Complex board has almost secured enough funds to replace the old dirt track at Charlo School District with a new, modern rubberized track, but they still need an additional $200,000 to reach their goal.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 HOURS, 3 MINUTES AGO
Former St. Ignatius music teacher joins Arlee as superintendent
Kendal Baldwin, the music teacher at St. Ignatius Middle and High School for the past 21 years, has been selected as the new superintendent of the Arlee School District.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 HOURS, 3 MINUTES AGO
Combination of changes results in Salmon Prairie Elementary’s closure
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, one-room rural schoolhouses formed in vast numbers across western Montana, alongside the isolated farming, ranching, mining and logging communities. This was the foundation of rural education across America.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 DAY, 2 HOURS AGO
Combination of changes results in Salmon Prairie Elementary’s closure
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, one-room rural schoolhouses formed in vast numbers across western Montana, alongside the isolated farming, ranching, mining and logging communities. This was the foundation of rural education across America.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK AGO
City Commission approves Push Play splash pad behind skatepark
The Polson City Commission approved Push Play’s request to create a public splash pad behind the Seventh Avenue Skatepark.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK AGO
Cherry Festival attendance ‘well above and beyond expectations’ despite the heat
The Flathead Cherry Festival was a busy weekend in Polson, with crowds still in their cherry attire despite the hot, smoky weather.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK AGO
Polson Lube is excited to join Ronan with second location
Polson Lube is in the process of constructing a new location off Round Butte Road, next to the Ronan VFW, and father-and-son owners, Dennis and Nick Baughman, are excited to join the community this August.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS AGO
Community fundraises to complete Valley View School multi-purpose building
Valley View School was started in 1910 as a three-room schoolhouse, and now stands as one of the last remaining rural schoolhouses in Lake County.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS AGO
Polson’s ‘largest draw’: handMADE Montana prepares for Flathead Cherry Festival
The large, shiny, juicy and sweet cherries are about to arrive in downtown Polson, along with the local artists, crafters and more filling the streets. This is Polson’s largest event, otherwise known as the Flathead Cherry Festival, on Saturday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, July …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS AGO
