Wednesday, September 09, 2026
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

One Crew, One Ship: Polson High starts year under one roof

The Polson High School theme this year, “One Crew, One Ship,” chosen by the incoming senior class, aptly reflects changes students and staff will see when school starts next week.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 DAYS, 17 HOURS AGO

One Crew, One Ship: Polson High starts year under one roof

The Polson High School theme this year, “One Crew, One Ship,” chosen by the incoming senior class, aptly reflects changes students and staff will see when school starts next week.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 DAYS, 17 HOURS AGO

Mission Valley Aquatics and Fitness undergoes major facelift

Devoted swimmers were forced to find their swim fix in Flathead Lake this month while Mission Valley Aquatics and Fitness was closed for significant repairs and upgrades.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 5 DAYS AGO

Dozen area artists share work, process in annual studio tour

A dozen professional artists showcased their work and creative processes last weekend during the annual Artists of Polson Studio Tour.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 6 DAYS AGO

Mission Valley Aquatics & Fitness undergoes major facelift

Devoted swimmers were forced to find their swim fix in Flathead Lake this month while Mission Valley Aquatics and Fitness was closed for significant repairs and upgrades.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 6 DAYS AGO

County officials, employees to receive 4% salary boost

The Lake County Commissioners unanimously approved a 4% salary increase Monday that applies to all elected officials as well as most county employees.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 6 DAYS AGO

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 WEEKS, 6 DAYS 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 WEEKS, 6 DAYS 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 3 WEEKS, 6 DAYS 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 1 MONTH 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 MONTH, 2 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 1 MONTH, 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 1 MONTH, 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 1 MONTH, 3 WEEKS 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, 3 WEEKS AGO

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