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 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 0 MINUTES AGO
Photos: Community-built green space for St. Ignatius Middle School is officially open
The St. Ignatius School District hosted a ribbon-cutting at the new middle school green space on Thursday, Sept. 10, to thank the community for their donations and hard work, which made this possible.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
City commission meeting diverts into short-term rental impacts on housing discussion
The first reading of an ordinance for the city to establish an annual short-term rental permit turned into a lengthy discussion about housing needs during the Polson City Commission meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
A short but competitive season: Mission flag football is back
After a break last season due to a lack of players, the club sport of flag football is back at St. Ignatius High School, and the team is fired up for this season, according to coach Jason Sargent.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 0 MINUTES 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 0 MINUTES 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 0 MINUTES AGO
Department of Revenue receives over 1,000 property assessment protests, resulting in over $400,000 refunds
Over 1,000 informal reviews, also known as property assessment value protests, were filed with the Montana Department of Revenue, resulting in Lake County refunding $446,000 this year from collected 2025 property taxes.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 DAYS, 22 HOURS AGO
Plane makes dive into Polson Airport field near Highway 93
A 1960s Cessna 210 made a crash landing into the Polson Airport field fence just after 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, after losing lift as it made its way over The Shoe and Highway 93.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 9 HOURS AGO
Plane makes dive into Polson Airport field near Highway 93
A 1960s Cessna 210 made a crash landing into the Polson Airport field fence just after 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, after losing lift as it made its way over The Shoe and Highway 93.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 10 HOURS AGO
Arlee starts year with community support despite decreased enrollment
Arlee School District’s new Superintendent Kendal Baldwin explained that there are lots of things to be scared of as she takes on her first year in administration, but as students enter the classroom this school year, she’s most excited about how involved the community is in the district.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 22 HOURS AGO
Department of Revenue receives over 1,000 property assessment protests, resulting in over $400,000 refunds
Over 1,000 informal reviews, also known as property assessment value protests, were filed with the Montana Department of Revenue, resulting in Lake County refunding $446,000 this year from collected 2025 property taxes.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 22 HOURS AGO
Lake County Friday night football recap for week two
On Friday night, teams across the valley faced strong opponents, but they're finding their rhythm and bringing home more wins as their seasons kick off.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 22 HOURS AGO
County Commissioners approve $52 million annual budget
The Lake County Commissioners approved the county’s $52 million budget for the 2027 fiscal year on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 22 HOURS AGO
St. Ignatius School District starts year with steady enrollment and academic improvements
St. Ignatius Superintendent Jason Sargent said he’s excited about everything as the year starts off positively, thanks to the culture they have, “great teachers, great kids, great community and great parents.”
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 22 HOURS AGO
