Former Polson Mayor Mike Lies dies at age 89
Former Polson Mayor Mike Lies, an educator and dedicated community volunteer, died March 7 at age 89.
Lies was a member of the Polson City Commission from 2006 to 2018. He served as the city’s mayor from 1998 to 2001.
In 2008, when Mayor Lou Marchello was injured in a fall, Lies took over the mayor’s duties during Marchello’s recovery. He also served as interim city manager from July to November that same year.
Over the years Lies also served on the Polson City/County Planning Board, the Board of Adjustments and on the Golf Board.
Lies was a veteran of the Korean War who served briefly at the Pentagon. After his military service, he began a career in education and taught science in the Polson School District for 30 years before retiring.
He was also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Club.
Polson Mayor Paul Briney, who also taught at Polson High School, though during a different era, acknowledged news of Lies’ passing during Monday’s meeting of the Polson City Commission.
“Mike had an amazing life,” Briney said. “He was a farmer who served in Korea, a science teacher, and he was deeply involved in church, the Knights of Columbus and Elks. I’d like to extend condolences to his wife, Jean, his entire family and all his friends. He will be missed greatly by the Polson community.”