Voting opens for Lake County’s Athlete of the Year
The Lake County Leader is initiating its first ever “High School Athlete of the Year,” voted on by you, our readers. The nominees were submitted by athletic directors in Polson, Ronan, Charlo and St. Ignatius, based on the athletic achievements of the 2024-2025 seasons. Two Eagle River School and Arlee High School were also invited to participate, but did not submit nominations via our guidelines.
Registration open for Buffalo Run
St. Luke Community Healthcare sponsors the 42nd annual Buffalo Run on Saturday, July 12, as part of the St. Ignatius Good Old Days celebration.
Mission Valley splits weekend series
The Mission Valley Mariners faced a challenging doubleheader in Missoula on Saturday but rebounded with a pair of solid wins on Sunday against Bitterroot to close the weekend at .500 on the season.
Polson sophomore organizes summer football camp
A Polson High School student is stepping up to give local athletes a big opportunity — and support a worthy cause. Incoming sophomore Case Cox is organizing the “More Than a Game Football Camp,” set to take place June 30–July 1 at Polson High School. The camp will feature youth and high school sessions led by a roster of experienced coaches and former pros, including Jim McElwain, Greg Peach, Sammy Akem, Mac Mallohan, Mike Cutler, and Tyler Whittier.
Lake County seniors selected for inaugural Montana Shrine Baseball Classic
Three standout seniors from Lake County high school baseball programs will suit up for the West in the inaugural Montana Shrine All-Star Baseball Classic, set for August 16 at Three Legends Stadium in Butte.
Mission Valley evens record with bounce-back wins
The Mission Valley Mariners split a packed week of American Legion baseball, shaking off a rough start in Hamilton with four wins over the weekend to bring their season record back to .500 at 11-11.
Mariners go 3-3 in busy week
The Mission Valley Mariners battled through a packed week of American Legion baseball, finishing 3-3 over six games from June 24 to June 29. The Polson-based club showed flashes of dominance, particularly on the mound, while also navigating tough losses in low-scoring contests to even their record at 14-14
Lake County runners shine at Missoula Marathon
Lake County runners delivered standout performances at the 2025 Missoula Marathon and associated races over the weekend, with top finishes from athletes young and old across multiple events.
Readers choose Koda King as Athlete of the Year
Koda King was one of four candidates, selected by athletic directors across Lake County and voted upon by Leader readers, for the Leader's inaugural Athlete of the Year. He won with 246 votes. Nominees also included: Ryan Sharbono, St. Ignatius, with 104 votes; Samantha Rensvold, Polson with 93 votes; and GG Hawk, Charlo, with 87 votes.
Local riders fare well at Mission Mountain Rodeo
Several Mission Valley cowboys and cowgirls rode to victory (or came close) in last weekend’s Mission Mountain Rodeo, sanctioned by the Northern Rodeo Association and held at the Polson Fairgrounds.
