Reporter
KRISTI NIEMEYER
[email protected]
Kristi Niemeyer learned her newspaper licks at weekly newspapers, beginning at the Mission Valley News in 1981, then at the helm of the Ronan Pioneer and, eventually, as co-editor of the Lake County Leader until 1993. She launched and co-published Lively Times, a statewide arts and entertainment monthly, before returning to the Leader in 2022, and serving as its editor until July 2026. Reach her at [email protected]
ARTICLES BY KRISTI NIEMEYER
Much Ado About Shakespeare: Traveling troupe performs in Polson, Charlo
As the sun began its westward slant, a crowd of about 400 people gathered on the hillside above the Flathead River, facing the new stage at the Polson Fairgrounds amphitheater – all eager for an annual dose of The Bard, courtesy of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 HOURS, 24 MINUTES AGO
Former Ronan mayor appointed county commissioner
Former Ronan Mayor Chris Adler has had his eye on serving as county commissioner for the past few years. On Monday, that goal took a sizable step toward reality when commissioners Bill Barron and Gail Decker appointed Adler to fill the remaining two years left in Steve Stanley’s term after …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 HOURS, 24 MINUTES AGO
New Ronan superintendent: 'Our best days are still ahead'
Ronan’s new superintendent, Sandra Beal, bounds to her office door like an athlete – or an Alaska fisherman. She’s been both, and brings that same seemingly boundless energy to her new job of helming School District 30.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK AGO
Sunny yellow canola offers another tool for Mission Valley farmers
The tiny sun-hued flowers that turned fields across the Mission Valley a brilliant shade of yellow in early July are now shifting to pale green, signaling the ripening of canola seed pods and an ensuing harvest.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS AGO
Players continue season with "Peach Pie Reunion"
Laughter and love lace “Peach Pie Reunion,” an original lyrical comedy with music staged through July 26 at the Theatre on the Lake in Polson.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 WEEKS AGO
Orchardists enjoy 'one of the best markets ever' for Flathead cherries
Cherry grower Brian Campbell couldn’t be happier with this year’s harvest, and what he describes as “probably one of the best markets we've seen” for the luscious red fruit grown on the shores of Flathead Lake.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 WEEKS AGO
St. Ignatius Police signs on to Simply Report anti-trafficking partnership
The St. Ignatius Police Department is the first agency in Lake County, and among the first in Montana, to sign on to a new initiative that aims to combat human trafficking.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 WEEKS AGO
Weed Eaters Inc.: Goat brigade goes to work
A herd of 190 industrious goats went to work Sunday, devouring weeds and mowing grass on a steep hillside at Bear Harbor Condominiums in Polson.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 MONTH AGO
Teamwork helps state continue to thwart aquatic invaders
“We gotta keep it protected,” said Quinn Erwin of Helena as he waited in line at the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) check station in Ravalli July 2. He was on his way to Flathead Lake with two jet skis in tow.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 MONTH AGO
Aloha spirit infuses sixth annual Paddle Palooza
“Today, as we place our flowers on the lake, we honor every life touched by breast cancer,” read breast-cancer survivor Vicki Olson Saturday morning. As she spoke, pink, purple, orange and white flowers colored the tranquil surface of Flathead Lake, as 18 outrigger canoes clustered around the dock at Salish …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 MONTH AGO
St. Joe plans to open rural clinic in early October
After breaking ground a year ago, Providence St. Joseph’s new rural health clinic is swiftly taking shape on the hillside above the Polson hospital.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 1 WEEK AGO
Spirited Fourth: Redcoats and Minute Men meet again on Main Street
A spirited skirmish between the Redcoats and Minute Men preceded Polson’s Fourth of July parade, and once again, the ragtag militia forced the British to surrender.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 1 WEEK AGO
Champions of Ronan revitalization partner in new Main Street business
When Dave Liegakos reached out to his friend, real estate agent Katie Jo Elliott, for help finding an office space on Main Street in Ronan for his growing business, she suggested they look at some “off-market” opportunities.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 2 WEEKS AGO
Let the goofing off begin!
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 2 WEEKS AGO
