Reporter

KRISTI NIEMEYER

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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

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 1 WEEK 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 1 WEEK 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 1 WEEK 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 2 WEEKS 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 2 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 2 WEEKS 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 3 WEEKS 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 3 WEEKS AGO

Lake County celebrates 250 with reenactment, parades and fireworks

Lake County celebrates the nation's 250th birthday with parades, fireworks and festivals in almost every town from Arlee to Polson.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 WEEKS 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 4 WEEKS AGO

Let the goofing off begin!

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 WEEKS AGO

Breached irrigation canal threatens Polson Rehab

The irrigation canal that runs above Polson Health and Rehabilitation overflowed last Friday, spilling water north onto the facility’s parking lot and edging into the back hallway of the building.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 MONTH AGO

New phase underway for Public Law 280

The long saga of Public Law 280, a law enforcement agreement between the State of Montana, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Lake County, entered a new phase April 21 when all three entities signed an agreement on how to spend a $6 million legislative appropriation.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 1 MONTH AGO

New phase underway for Public Law 280 in Lake County

The long saga of Public Law 280, a law enforcement agreement between the State of Montana, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Lake County, entered a new phase April 21 when all three entities signed an agreement on how to spend a $6 million legislative appropriation.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 1 WEEK AGO

'A story of greed and vengeance': Lawrence sentenced to 50 years for Ed Loder's murder

James Lawrence, 71, was sentenced to 50 years in prison last Friday for shooting Ed Loder in 2024 near the victim’s home on Timberlane Road in Ronan.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 MONTH, 1 WEEK AGO

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