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
Reminiscing: White Elephant goes away, the new comes in
White Elephant Second Hand Store, owned by Brian and Donna Corum, will be demolished as Tractor Supply Co., a large nationwide farm store chain, takes its place. Ronan Mayor Ryan Corum, Brian and Donna’s son, said they have to be out of the building by May 18.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
400 Horses: New casino plans grand opening for May 5
After dreams, concepts and plans for different sizes and locations over the years, S&K Gaming announces the grand opening ceremony of 400 Horses Casino on May 5 at 2 p.m.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
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.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 DAYS, 12 HOURS AGO
Six candidates file for two openings on Arlee School Board
Six candidates are vying for two openings on the Arlee Joint School District School Board. Candidates are Alfred Deroche, Brandon O’Brien, Cammie Dupuis-Pablo, Justin Curtiss, Kristine Gardner and Whitney Larson.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 5 HOURS AGO
Ranchers ask city to act on tumbleweed infestation
Ranchers Steve and Susie Speckert, who own a 400-acre ranch off Highway 35, approached the Polson City Commission on Monday, April 6, to bring awareness to the tumble mustard causing havoc to their ranch.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 5 HOURS AGO
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.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 5 HOURS AGO
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.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 5 HOURS AGO
One incumbent, three newcomers file for Mission school board
The St. Ignatius School board has two board seats open, and four candidates have filed.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 5 DAYS AGO
Tribal water resources division will move to new building in Ronan
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Natural Resource Department is constructing a new building for the Division of Engineering and Water Resources. Completion of the spacious new structure, located west of the Boys & Girls Club in Ronan, is estimated for the end of October.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 5 DAYS AGO
Easter Haul
St. Ignatius Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Easter egg hunt at the St. Ignatius High School Football Field on Saturday, April 4.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 5 DAYS AGO
Lake County jail commander charged and booked in Missoula jail
Lake County Detention Commander Joel Shearer was arrested and charged with a first offense misdemeanor for alleged partner or family member assault that caused bodily injury, according to the Lake County Justice Court filing from Monday, March 30.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 5 DAYS AGO
Polson Fire responds to two fires last week
In the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 25, the Polson Fire Department was responded to a report of a possible burning building on Fourth Avenue East near the Lake County Courthouse.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 5 DAYS AGO
Arlee superintendent to resign June 30
At the most recent Arlee School Board meeting on Thursday, March 26, the board voted to accept Superintendent Cory Beckham's resignation letter, effective June 30.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 5 DAYS AGO
County Commissioners proceed with plan to reassign jail administration
After posting an administrative position to take charge of the Lake County Detention Center on the county’s job website in February, the county commissioners held a public meeting on Tuesday, March 24, with a resolution of intention to reassign control of the jail.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 5 DAYS AGO
