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
Photos: Polson schools and chamber join forces for community block party
Businesses, student athletes, families and community members gathered behind Linderman Elementary School for the annual Purple and Gold Day, accompanied by the Polson Chamber of Commerce's annual block party, on Thursday, Aug. 20.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
City Commission approves intent to dissolve SID, pushes city manager hiring
The Polson City Commission also had a packed agenda on Monday, Aug. 18, beyond approving the annual budget document.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
Polson continues in ‘okay’ tax revenue this budget season due to growth
As Montana’s taxable values have continued to change over the last few years, small cities have felt the impact, leaving them with a less reliable basis for projecting their next budget.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 0 MINUTES AGO
S&K Gaming recently installed license plate reader cameras amid public scrutiny
S&K Gaming recently installed Artificial Intelligence-powered automated license plate readers — a technology that has faced nationwide scrutiny — at both major casinos and at the Kwataqnuk Resort & Casino on the Flathead Indian Reservation.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 8 HOURS AGO
Irrigation water prevails despite mild winter and lack of staffing
As the irrigation season nears its end, most reservoirs remain in “pretty good shape,” said Nick Belcourt, the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project operator.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 8 HOURS AGO
Polson City Commission approves $11 million budget for upcoming fiscal year
The Polson City Commission adopted the city’s fiscal year 2026-2027 budget during Monday night’s meeting on Aug. 17, which includes an estimated in revenue funds and approximately $12.49 million in budgeted expenditures.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 8 HOURS AGO
Governor visits Irvine Flats ranchers to honor their sustainable practices
On his sixth annual 56-county tour, Governor Greg Gianforte stopped by the G&G Livestock ranch in Irvine Flats on Thursday, Aug. 13, to honor its sustainable operation.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 8 HOURS AGO
‘Remain calm’: First batch of Dixon Melons hit local markets
The Dixon melon harvest started last week, with the sweet fruit quickly dispersed to Charlo and St. Ignatius grocery stores and the Polson Farmers Market.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 20 HOURS AGO
Polson's Kwataqnuk resort starts family-friendly renovation project
S&K Gaming is starting a large-scale renovation project this week at Kwataqnuk Resort & Casino, with the goal of creating a family-friendly space that will be completed this December.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 1 WEEK AGO
Polson's Kwataqnuk resort starts family-friendly renovation project
S&K Gaming is starting a large-scale renovation project this week at Kwataqnuk Resort & Casino, with the goal of creating a family-friendly space that will be completed this December.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 4 DAYS AGO
‘Remain calm’: First batch of Dixon Melons hit local markets
The Dixon melon harvest started last week, with the sweet fruit quickly dispersed to Charlo and St. Ignatius grocery stores and the Polson Farmers Market.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 5 DAYS 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 1 WEEK, 6 DAYS AGO
‘Remain calm’: The first batch of Dixon Melons is here
Last week, the first picking of the Dixon melon harvest started, and it was quickly dispersed to Charlo and St. Ignatius grocery stores and the Polson Farmers’ Market.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 6 DAYS AGO
Kwataqnuk starts family-friendly renovation project
S&K Gaming is starting a large-scale renovation project this week at Kwataqnuk Resort & Casino, with the goal of creating a family-friendly space that will be completed this December.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 6 DAYS AGO
