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
A lapse in time: Fort Connah hosts Rendezvous
Attendees climbed into the horse-drawn wagon, plopped onto the bales of hay, and rode down the hill to the recreated homesite of Angus P. McDonald and the original trading post, which still stands as the oldest building in Montana.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
Mission Town Council discusses changing fee schedule later this summer
The St. Ignatius Town Council discussed changing the fees for municipal services the city offers at its last meeting on Tuesday, June 15, and tentatively plans to put the proposed changes to a vote in July.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
Is idle industrial land an option? City commission hears opportunities for potential redevelopment
Back in the day, “everybody had a gas station,” and much of western Montana was fueled by commercial industries like railroads, lumber and mining. Now, those properties, industrial buildings or even plain old residential houses can often contain heavy-metal contamination, various chemicals or asbestos.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
No more ‘ruts and bumps’ as Polson Airport finalizes runway revamp
A $6.8 million upgrade is underway at the Polson Airport, all being completed in a planned 90-day window with construction expected to wrap up on July 2.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 DAYS, 17 HOURS AGO
No more ‘ruts and bumps’ as Polson Airport finalizes runway revamp
At the Polson Airport, a $6.8 million entire airport upgrade is underway, all being completed in a planned 90-day window with the projected construction wrapping on July 2.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 17 HOURS AGO
Polson Bay Junior Golf Camp brings in 165 kids
The Polson Bay Junior Golf Camp has been a part of the community for over 30 years, allowing kids to experience golf and the resources in their community.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 17 HOURS AGO
Auxiliary hosts 31st annual picnic to support St. Ignatius Volunteer Fire Department
On a warm Saturday afternoon, a crowd filled the pavilion at Good Old Days Park in St. Ignatius, browsing the auction items, purchasing tickets for the many raffles and enjoying the pork dinner, all to support the St. Ignatius Volunteer Fire Department.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 17 HOURS AGO
Polson School District aims to complete construction by this fall
The Polson School District has been working on numerous remodels and additions throughout the district, and work will continue through this summer.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 DAYS, 17 HOURS AGO
‘One of the many milestones’: Arlee celebrates the class of 2026
The Arlee class of 2026 crossed the finish line and proudly accepted their diplomas on Saturday, June 6. This was Arlee High School’s celebration of the 33 graduates' growth and accomplishments.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 5 DAYS AGO
Small-town Mission graduates bring home nearly $1.1 million in scholarships
It was a slightly breezy but heartfelt night on the football field as St. Ignatius High School celebrated the 28 graduates of the class of 2026.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 5 DAYS AGO
Community-focused Polson senior earns leadership award
Polson High School senior, Emma Boogerd, was recently awarded the Winslow Nichols Leadership Award for her “extraordinary initiative, organization and leadership across every aspect of her school and community life.”
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 5 DAYS AGO
Need for housing trumps infrastructure in city commission meeting
The Polson City Commission approved many items during its latest meeting on Monday, June 1, and concluded the meeting with an executive session to discuss litigation.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 5 DAYS AGO
'Just a cowboy': After accident, Polson rancher navigates the unknown
Long-time rancher and Mission Valley resident Jesse Johnston suffered an extensive injury during his annual cattle branding last month and is now navigating the unknown – a lengthy healing process with a massive medical bill possibly on the way.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 5 DAYS AGO
