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
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 6 HOURS, 22 MINUTES 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 6 HOURS, 22 MINUTES 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 6 HOURS, 22 MINUTES 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 6 HOURS, 22 MINUTES 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 1 WEEK AGO
CKST-Montana Water Compact approved by Montana Water Court
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes gained final approval of the CSKT-Montana Water Compact through the Montana Water Court last month, meaning the court formally resolved objections and is integrating about 300 tribal water rights into Montana’s statewide water rights system. That move protects those rights alongside state-issued rights.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK AGO
Personal goodbyes: Charlo celebrates class of 2026
The Charlo class of 2026 walked across the stage on Sunday, May 31, and proudly held up their diplomas for the crowd to see.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK AGO
Non-stop rainfall causes flooding in the Mission Valley
All the reservoirs are either “close to restriction or full,” according to Flathead Indian Irrigation Project manager Nick Belcourt, who has been coordinating the efforts to transfer water into the natural drainages to help with flooding mitigation as continuous rainfall floods the Mission Valley.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 1 DAY AGO
Commission decides outside legal counsel is next move for golf course proposals
The open greens on “invaluable” city land situated above Flathead Lake could be subject to a change in oversight after the Polson City Commission discussed its interest in leasing it during a workshop on Wednesday, May 20.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS AGO
Polson Commission votes to change meeting time, approves new workers comp carrier
After a suggested joke about changing the meeting time, during its meeting May 18 the Polson City Commission unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance changing the meeting time from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. to better accommodate staff and the public.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS AGO
Mission Town Council hires temporary clerk, donates back to the community
The St. Ignatius town clerk, Amberly Walker, submitted her resignation and will serve her last day on Thursday, May 28, leaving the town to find a quick solution.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS AGO
Lake County ranching family hopes this is their last cleanup effort for tumbleweeds
The Speckert family, ranchers who approached the Polson City Commission on April 6 about the havoc-causing tumble mustard weeds coming from a nearby property, hope this is the last massive pile they have to burn so they can get back to ranching.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 1 DAY AGO
Lake County ranching family hopes this is their last cleanup effort for tumbleweeds
The Speckert family, ranchers who approached the Polson City Commission on April 6 about the havoc-causing tumble mustard weeds coming from a nearby property, hope this is the last massive pile they have to burn so they can get back to ranching.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 6 DAYS AGO
