World's top chainsaw carvers compete in Libby
SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months AGO
Chainsaw carver Emil Szkilpala has a bit of fun during a break from his work at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
The carving team of Jamie and Lisa Doeren showed off their display of creations at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Kansas chainsaw carver Rachel Mirth works on one of her creations at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Chainsaw carver Ryan Villiers works his way through a bighorn sheep carving at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Lisa Doeren works on a carving at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Chainsaw carver Marina Cole works on one of her creations at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
A wide array of chainsaw carvings were on display at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Another Clash of the Carvers is in the books and attendees are still talking about the creativity and remarkable talent of the artists and their creations.
Several hundred people attended the four-day festival, held at the end of Mineral Avenue in Libby.
Carvers included Marina Cole, Ryan Villiers, Brigitte Lochhead, Dennis Beach, Zoe Dussia, Mark Colp, Denny Henson, Emil Szkipala, Taylor White, Alex Pricob, Sam Bowsher, Steven Higgins, Bongo Love, Adrian Bois, George Dorjsuren, Lisa Doeren, Micky Grayum, Rachel Mirth, Jenna Whiting, Bruce Thorthinstein and Robby Bast.
The winners of the 2025 event were all new as no one repeated from 2024.
Dorjsuren was the Carver’s Choice winner and he also claimed first place. He carved a horse with its rider holding an eagle.
Sam Bowsher’s two bobcats and a hare earned him second place while Ryan Villiers’ trio of bighorn rams earned him third and People’s Choice.
Brigitte Lochhead’s Kokanee salmon was good for fourth place and she was also named the top female carver.
Joe Dussia’s carving of two bald eagles placed fifth.
The carving team of Jamie and Lisa Doeren showed off their display of creations at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Kansas chainsaw carver Rachel Mirth works on one of her creations at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Chainsaw carver Ryan Villiers works his way through a bighorn sheep carving at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Lisa Doeren works on a carving at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Chainsaw carver Marina Cole works on one of her creations at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
A wide array of chainsaw carvings were on display at the 2025 Clash of the Carvers on Mineral Avenue in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)ARTICLES BY SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER
Fierce winds damage homes, cut off power for thousands
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to only drive or travel if it's an emergency.
Gov. seeks federal help; Libby, Troy schools closed Wednesday
The National Weather Service is predicting a 100% chance of rain Tuesday night with possible amounts between one-half and three-quarters of an inch.
Lincoln Co. officials attempt to dispel local resident fears
The condition of reservoirs and dams in both communities were hot topics of conversation at both gatherings.