Claudette King coming to Blues Festival
The word is out about the Riverfront Blues Festival, and now top acts are contacting festival organizers and asking to be part of the two-day show.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
City plans repaving of 18 blocks of streets
Libby City Council members have approved a plan to repave 18 blocks of city streets, and while the project will address some of the worst streets in town, some are left wondering why it’s taken so long.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
Two alumni to be inducted into Libby hall
Two Libby High School graduates who left Libby and excelled in their respected careers will be honored at 7 p.m. Monday during the Honor Society’s Induction Ceremony at Ralph Tate Gymnasium.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
Williamses named Nordicfest King, Queen for 30th annual
Royalty for the 30th annual Nordicifest is set, and leading the way are King and Queen Duane and Peggy Williams.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
Biologists agree: Census could be better
It was a meeting of the most-known bear biologists in Northwest Montana, and the message was this: Grizzlies are making a comeback in the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem, but it could be better.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
Munros mark 20 years serving Lincoln County
As Treasure Mountain Casino, Restaurant and Lounge marks its 20th anniversary next week, Mike Munro, who co-owns the business with his wife, Dori, understands the connection of a successful business to the community.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
A Montanore milestone
The release of the biological opinion for the Montanore Mine project by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service leaves only the Environmental Impact Statement and the Record of Decision remaining for permitting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
Wagner to pay Cleveland's $7K deductible
Michael Wagner agreed in Justice Court on Tuesday to pay the $7,000 medical deductible as a result of the Nov. 16 accidental shooting of John Cleveland.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
Two in Libby file for board
Two candidates — an incumbent and another — have filed for the two expiring seats on the Libby School Board of Trustees. The filing deadline ended Thursday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
Bull Lake Fire District looks to its first election
Registered voters in the Bull Lake Volunteer Fire District will vote for two-of-three candidates to fill expiring terms in what will be the first election in the district’s 25-year history.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
Restitution hearing set Tuesday for shooting
Michael Wagner, the 48-year-old Libby man who shot and critically wounded another man on Nov. 16 near Libby Creek Road, will be in Lincoln County Justice Court on Tuesday for a restitution hearing.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
Online testing works for LES
The technology push at Libby Elementary School is paying off.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
Electric rates to increase
Flathead Electric Cooperative members will see higher bills beginning in June, according to utility officials.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
Dam cost increases $172K
A project as involved as the Flower Creek Dam often has cost overruns, however, City Council members on Thursday learned the cost of the project has increased $172,300 before actual construction begins.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
County unemployment rate hits 18 percent
Montana’s unemployment rate may have dropped one-tenth of a percentage point in January to 5.3 percent, but that’s no consolation to Lincoln County residents seeking work who are witnessing jobless rates at more than three times the state rate.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
LES carnival beats the winter blahs
The Libby Elementary School Carnival was the brainchild of Assistant Principal Scott Beagle and the Parents Council to further behavioral lessons and improve attendance, but it turned out to accomplish that and more.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
EPA to change removal criteria
Bolstered by the completed release of background soil studies, the Environmental Protection Agency has formalized a decision process for the removal of contaminated soils in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO
Flower Creek Dam funding in jeopardy
Behind the decaying concrete that is the Flower Creek Dam is the sole source for Libby’s water supply. For more than a year, a permitting snafu has delayed the project, and it now appears the city may miss a third release date of federal funding for the project that was …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Business leaders express frustration with process
Upon the conclusion of the Libby merchant-requested meeting Tuesday with U.S. Forest Service officials on the Montanore Mine permitting process, it was clear both sides want the same thing — a successful document that will survive a legal challenge.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
County sells finger jointer
The finger jointer, idle for five years, soon will be producing again.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
District awaits signature
All that remains for the Libby School District to have a new superintendent is a signature on a contract.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Berget files for commissioner on last day
Presiding Commissioner Tony Berget was a last-day filer Monday for the June 3 Primary Election.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Despite flooding, area creeks holding
Despite the double onslaught of non-stop melting snow and nearly constant drizzle, creeks in Lincoln County are handling the water, said an Emergency Management Agency official.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Rebo agrees to deal
Naomi Rebo, the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce executive director who recently resigned her position amid allegations of inappropriate use of a chamber debit card, has paid restitution, and she and the governing board have parted ways permanently.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Acting supervisor hears Montanore concerns
Interim Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Pam Gardner was advised of the pending projects before she assumed the temporary position on Feb. 11. During the Lincoln County Commission meeting Wednesday, she heard first-hand residents’ weariness of the long permitting process for the Montanore Mine Project.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Avalanche danger high after snowfall
Jon Jeresek knows all too well the beauty of the backcountry can become dangerous in an instant.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
LiV Golf Car company moves ahead
To look around the assembly area of LiV Golf Cars, first noticeable is the 26 chassis of mostly assembled golf cars. Then, it’s the absence of workers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Field grows in county races
The June 3 primary election for Lincoln County offices is still more than four months away, but the field of candidates has grown as races for clerk, sheriff and commissioner have become a bit more crowded.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Board to begin contract talks
Libby School Board members will convene Monday to further discuss and begin drafting a contract for superintendent candidate Craig Barringer.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Chamber director abruptly quits post
Naomi Rebo, hired last fall to fill in for Executive Director Shanda Jennings, quit her job as executive director of the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Avalanche kills local man
Attempts to resuscitate a 49-year-old Libby man buried when a wall of snow cascaded down upon him and a companion Saturday afternoon were unsuccessful, reminding Lincoln County residents of the dangers of back-country travels.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Butler receives four-year deferred term
Amy C. Butler, the former Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office detective’s assistant, fired from her position in June for suspicion of felony embezzlement, was given a four-year deferred sentence Monday in 19th Judicial District Court.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
KVCS fifth-grader heads to bee finals
Aleah Ford, 11, might be small in stature, but when it comes to spelling, she’s mighty.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Barringer offered contract
Craig Barringer has every intention of accepting the contract offer that will be extended to him to become the next superintendent of Libby schools.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Two posts open for school board
The terms of Libby School Board members Lori Benson and Amy Fantozzi will expire this year, and thus far nobody has filed to run for their seats.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby board extends superintendent contract offer to Barringer
Craig Barringer has every intention of accepting the contract offer extended to him to become the next superintendent of Libby schools.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Barringer's superintendent interview set for Wednesday
Conrad School District Superintendent Craig Barringer will be available to meet the public beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Central Administration Building.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Desire to correct a wrong helped bring Montana 500 to Libby
The Montana 500 Model T tour is coming to Libby — thanks in a great part to the generosity of the Venture Inn and the woman who manages it.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Sheriff's Office agrees to host county's Unite for Youth effort
Seeking to expand the scope of its influence beyond the realm of schools, the Lincoln County Unite for Youth Coalition received the approval of Lincoln County Commissioners on Wednesday to come under the umbrella of the Sheriff’s Office.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Board seeks query
Libby School Board members have their sights set on one candidate, and if he turns out not to be the one, they will start the superintendent-selection process all over again.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
County OKs litter ordinance resolution
By March 10, Lincoln County residents should have a new litter ordinance.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Trio to visit candidate's job site
Libby School Board members are going to visit Thom Peck’s job site in Charlo.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Council rejects DUI ordinance that would fine for test refusals
For residents who believe they have little influence in the decisions of their elected officials, they should have been at the Libby City Council meeting Monday for a vote on a proposed ordinance.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Chief Smith: Lock cars at home, store
Libby Police Chief Jim Smith has a message for residents: Lock your cars.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Fantozzi baby girl is CPMC's first born
Last Friday, a little more than an hour after the ribbon-cutting ceremony that dedicated Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, the hospital obstetrics department was christened with its first birth, that of Quinn Adalyn Fantozzi.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Superintendent hopefuls meet Wednesday
During a three-day span, Libby residents will have the opportunity to meet the four remaining candidates for Libby Schools superintendent.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Libby Medicare program expands
U.S. Sen. Max Baucus made his final trip to Libby on Saturday as a sitting senator and in doing so, announced the expansion of the Libby Pilot Program to 18 additional counties in Montana, Idaho and Washington.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Formal ceremony opens Cabinet Peaks
Amid falling snowflakes at noon Friday, Cabinet Peaks Medical Center was formally dedicated during a Libby Area Chamber of Commerce-sponsored ribbon-cutting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
KNF Supervisor Bradford's last day on job is Monday
Editor’s note: Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Paul Bradford, 58, will end his career with the U.S. Forest Service on Monday. Bradford fielded questions as he looks toward retirement and the last time he goes into work on Monday. This is the first half of that interview.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Goodbye St. John's, hello Cabinet Peaks
With the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel, teams of healthcare workers transitioned 10 patients from St. John’s Lutheran Hospital to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center on Thursday, completing the move from the 61-year-old hospital to a modern state-of-the-art facility.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Dam quandry: Pay or sacrifice funding
Given little alternative than to go along with a biological opinion draft that calls for a costly study for a fish ladder for about a one-mile stretch of Flower Creek, Libby City Council members agreed Tuesday to move ahead with the application.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
School board OKs land swap with county
Libby School Board members have approved the land swap deal with Lincoln County that would give the district 30 additional acres near Libby High School for a similar amount behind the McGrade Center.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Board trims superintendent candidates
Libby School Board members have narrowed the candidates to replace Libby schools Superintendent K.W. Maki to five.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Savage receives probation
Daniel James (D.J.) Savage, Jr., is a free man and soon to be betrothed to the woman he was convicted Monday of assaulting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Troop honors four Eagle Scouts
Assistant Scoutmaster Ron Thatcher of Boy Scout Troop 1971 reminded the unit’s latest Eagle Scouts of their responsibilities during their Court of Honor Saturday, telling them they now are “marked men who must live up to the honor of the rank and all those who came before them.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Hundreds tour new medical center
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
New coffee, bakery shop to open Monday
Jack Richmond’s butterhorn Danish are coming back to Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Nearly 50 attend litter, lakeshore meeting
A combined public meeting at the Troy Senior Citizens Center on Tuesday concerning two pending county ordinances drew 47 interested residents, but it was discussion on the litter proposal that dominated the two-plus hour gathering.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Hundreds take tour of new medical center
Lincoln County residents have seen the new face of medical technology, and it is Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Volunteer, 47, dies in crash
Cameron Mitchell Goins, the 47-year-old Libby man who died Saturday morning after crashing his snowmobile while on a training exercise, will be remembered as a caring, unselfish volunteer.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Community Health Center takes over WIC program Feb. 1
When Lincoln County ends its role of the Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) on Jan. 31, patients served by the federally funded program will scarcely miss a beat as the Northwest Community Health Center will assume care on Feb. 1.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
County plans for rail disaster with limited resources
Vic White knows how situations can change in an instant. He knows disasters, and it’s his job to plan for the unexpected.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
With felony conviction, Butler may avoid jail
The guilty plea agreement presented for Amy C. Butler, the former Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office detective’s assistant fired from her position in June for embezzlement, allows four years to pay back the money taken, and it does not include jail time.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
After delay, Stinger crane exodus continues
After a three-day stoppage last week, the final cranes from the former Stinger building got the green light to proceed with transport to Arizona.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Proposed Butler plea agreement provides for restitution, does not include jail time
UPDATED: 12:21 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Kirschenmann completes Eagle Scout project
Another Boy Scout from Troop 1971 in Libby has reached scouting’s highest achievement.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
RAC projects accepted until Jan. 22
If you have an idea for improving the Kootenai National Forest, the Lincoln County Resource Advisory Commitee wants to hear from you.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Cabinet View petition coordinator vows to continue fire district fight
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Medical Center tour will give a glimpse into restricted areas
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Opposition delays a decision on new county litter ordinance
Lincoln County commissioners put off a vote Wednesday on a proposed litter ordinance after a groundswell of opposition to the proposal demanded revisions and explanations from County Attorney Bernie Cassidy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby looking for new school superintendent
Libby School Board members are advancing toward a replacement for Superintendent K.W. Maki and hope to hire a new superintendent next month.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Superintendent search advances
Libby School Board members are advancing toward a replacement for Superintendent K.W. Maki and hope to hire a new superintendent next month.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Dale Goucher is New Year's baby
The happiest – and certainly the proudest – man in Libby these days could be Chris Goucher, who with is wife, Jennifer, welcomed into the world a son, Dale Williams Douglas Goucher.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Peck files an intent to challenge Berget
Mark Peck, the unit manager of the Department of Conservation Libby Office, has filed an intent with the Commissioner of Political Practices, to run for Lincoln County Commissioner.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Split vote cuts county posts
After public hearings in both Libby and Eureka, Lincoln County Commissioners on Monday cut a justice of the peace and the county school superintendent’s positions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
City Attorney Reintsma plans to leave Libby
Libby City Attorney James Reintsma is making plans to leave Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
County jobless number highest
While Montana’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.2 percent in November, the jobless rate in Lincoln County climbed to the highest in the state at 13.5 percent.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council to consider DUI breath-test refusal fine
Libby City Attorney James Reintsma has drafted a proposed ordinance that would make it punishable by fine within city limits to refuse a breathalyzer test when suspected of driving under the influence.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Ex-Lincoln County worker charged with theft
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Savage changes plea to guilty
Dan James Savage, Jr., the Troy man who fled town after an Aug. 29 altercation with his girlfriend resulted in an assault charge and his capture in Portland, Ore., has accepted a plea agreement that would allow him freed on his own recognizance.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Former LCSO staffer faces charges
A former Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office detective’s assistant, fired from her position in June, faces a charge of felony embezzlement brought by a special prosecutor from the Montana Attorney General’s Office.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Kalispell man, 38, jailed for burglary, kidnapping
A 38-year-old Kalispell man spent Christmas in jail after being charged with burglary, kidnapping and unlawful restraint after an overnight altercation at a Troy mobile home.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Judge lifts order, allowing company to take back cranes
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Turner Mountain now open daily until Jan. 5
Turner Mountain Ski Area is open, and sufficient snowfall couldn’t have come at a better time.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
District cuts lead to end of a Christmas concert
Budget cuts and a desire to continue an emphasis on education and technology has led Libby Elementary School to cut the fourth- and fifth-grade Christmas concert.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby men arrested for vehicular trespassing
Two Libby-area men each have been charged with 46 counts of vehicular trespassing and other charges, culminating an investigation by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Judge lifts order; cranes go to Stinger
Employees of Stinger Welding Inc. are planning to visit Libby soon to take possession of six industrial cranes now that a judge has lifted a temporary restraining order filed in November by the Lincoln County Port Authority.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Mill fire judgement upheld
The Montana Supreme Court has decided that the Lincoln County Port Authority will receive a multimillion-dollar judgment against the insurer of the property formerly known as the plywood plant. However, the justices also lowered the amount of money that the insurer would have to pay.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Hayes: Wolves make for good business
When John Hayes started studying taxidermy he didn’t think it one day would be his livelihood.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby native earns Eagle rank in Alaska
Like many boys, Keegan Halsey of Wasilla, Alaska, was a Cub Scout. He joined with his friends, and like many of those friends as he grew, Halsey felt the allure of a paycheck and the desire for a car, distractions from achieving Scouting’s highest accomplishment.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners agree to move forward on land swap
With three Libby School Board members in attendance, Lincoln County commissioners on Wednesday agreed to move forward with a land swap that would exchange equal-sized tracts of land the county owns for land the school district owns.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Resolutions OK'd that may cut superintendent, justice of peace
Lincoln County commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved two resolutions that could eliminate one of the county’s two justices of the peace and the position of Lincoln County Superintendent of Schools.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
County funding restored
The collective sigh of relief coming out of the Lincoln County Courthouse this week is a result of notice that the county will receive 95 percent of the Secure Rural Schools funding it received last year, or about $4.8 million.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Hair study tallies 42 Cabinet grizzlies
LIBBY — The three-year study has found the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem has at least 42 grizzly bears — almost half of what the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined as full recovery.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Petition seeks stop signs returned
Almost as soon as the stop signs on Mineral Avenue came down last week, shopkeepers up and down the street sought their return.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Hunter pleads not guilty
Michael Wagner, the 48-year-old Libby man who critically wounded another man while hunting near Libby Creek Road, has pleaded not guilty Tuesday to three misdemeanors in Lincoln County Justice Court.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
'Shop with a Cop' sends the right message
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
'Mike & Gabe's' plans Jan. 1 opening
When Matt and Nichole Hollingsworth open their restaurant to the public on Jan. 1, the date will culminate a journey that has spanned the last decade — both literally and figuratively.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Koats 4 Kids well under way in 13th season
With temperatures soon expected to drop below zero, the demand for winter clothing from the Kootenai Kiwanis Koats 4 Kids Kloset at Asa Wood is growing. Since it opened Oct. 7, the charitable group this season has given away 800-plus articles of winter clothing.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Local hunter found safe
Judy Lundstrom will long remember Thanksgiving 2013, not for how it began but for how it ended.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Stolen Model T recovered
A Flathead County man was arrested Tuesday and charged with the theft of a 1918 Ford Model T from a family that intended to give the antique automobile to the Heritage Museum.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Colorado man, 60, is stable after weekend hunting accident
Lincoln County Sheriff’s officials on Monday released the names of the two men involved in a hunting accident in the Libby Creek area Nov. 16 that left one man critically injured with a gunshot wound in his leg.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Pilgrim timber sale challenged by nature group
The Alliance for the Wild Rockies, the organization that filed a lawsuit to halt the Pilgrim timber sale in the Kootenai National Forest, lists thousands of contributors. But a call to the organization’s Helena office found just one person who performed multiple duties.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Fire department expects answer soon on new engine
Libby Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD) officials should learn tonight whether the offer they made on a 10-year old fire engine in Albany, N.Y., will be accepted by the Hudson City Council, giving the local agency its first new fire engine since 1999.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Cabinet View signees now want off petition
Faced with a mutiny of signed petitioners, members of the committee attempting to organize a fire district with similar boundaries of the now-dissolved Cabinet View Fire Service Area are reassessing the petition to see whether it still meets criteria for consideration.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
High court backs BLVFD
The Montana Supreme Court has decided that the Bull Lake Volunteer Fire District has the authority to respond to emergencies within the district’s boundaries as it sees fit.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Tale of camaraderie: Vets tell their service
Libby High and Middle School students who thought they were getting out of class — and a lesson — for a Veterans Day assembly on Monday got schooling anyway in Americana and late 20th century world affairs from two guest speakers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Cabinet View district forum is set for today
Members of a committee hoping to restore a fire agency within the Cabinet View area will be available at 11 a.m. today at the Ponderosa Room at City Hall for the purpose of establishing a fire district.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
County OKs sole-source stove ordinance
Lincoln County commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved an ordinance that will allow homeowners whose sole source of heat is a stick wood-burning stove to use that even during alerts, the most-restrictive air-quality period.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
St. John's sponsors Great American Smokeout Poster Contest
The Great American Smokeout is coming to a school near you.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Roll remains mayor; Benson, Teske, Desch earn seats
The tallies during the recount of Election Day votes for Libby City Council candidates changed Thursday, but it didn’t alter the outcome: Robin Benson, Brent Teske and Barb Desch will serve four-year terms.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby woman, 100, is oldest voter
Evelyn Davis remembers women’s suffrage like it was yesterday. She was seven years old in 1920 when Congress passed the 19th Amendment to the Constitution that guaranteed women the right to vote.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Port Authority attorney gets restraining order reinstated
For the second time in three weeks, an attorney for the Lincoln County Port Authority has filed paperwork obtaining a temporary restraining order to keep Stinger Welding, Inc., employees away from the building where the company built steel and bridge spans.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Fog cited as reason for slow start to whitetail deer season
Anxious hunters eager for an opening-day kill were met with limited success, largely attributed to heavy fog, says a local wildlife biologist.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Chief: Snow routes in effect today
Libby Police Chief Jim Smith reminds residents that city ordinance prohibits parking on city streets between 2:30 a.m. and noon on days when there is freshly fallen snow.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Search for new firetruck takes LVFD officials to Albany, N.Y.
As early as Saturday, a decision could be made on a fire engine for Libby Volunteer Fire Department that will replace the agency’s No. 1 pumper, a 36-year-old Ford that recently failed a capacity test.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Long Lost Hall tours will begin at 5 p.m
All Hallows’ Eve is the day that initiates the triduum of Hallowmas, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs and all the faithful departed believers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Judge lifts crane restraining order
A judge has lifted a temporary restraining order that prohibited Steel Girder Inc. from removing any additional cranes from the building that once housed Stinger Welding, but he warned the company that penalties may apply if any of the six remaining cranes are removed before ownership rights are decided in …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Motion may affect election
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
County verifies signatures to re-establish fire agency
Lincoln County Administrator Bill Bischoff on Wednesday confirmed the validation of signatures on a petition presented to Lincoln County commissioners Oct. 2 to re-establish a fire agency at Cabinet View.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
County to rework litter ordinance draft
Citing concerns for residents’ health, a desire for aesthetics and a want to put existing ordinances in one document, Lincoln County commissioners on Wednesday presented a draft litter ordinance that drew both praise and criticism from about 30 people who attended a public hearing.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
St. John's CFO Jacobson retires from staff
Loren Jacobson, who took the chief financial officer position at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital on an interim basis, has quit the post for the purpose of retiring.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Crane hearing scheduled Monday
Allan Payne, the attorney for the Lincoln County Port Authority, will be in a Virginia City courtroom on Monday for a preliminary injunction hearing that is yet another step in determining ownership of the overhead lift cranes in the Stinger Welding, Inc., building.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Undefeated Wildcats stop Loggers; Fuller lauds athletes for their efforts
When an undefeated football team meets another that has but a single win in six tries, the conclusion is seldom in question. Someone forgot to tell the Libby Loggers that Friday as a gutsy Logger squad battled the more-accomplished Wildcats before succumbing 44-6 for their sixth loss.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Stinger crane is removed
Employees of Steel Girder, Inc., a company formed by a creditor of Stinger Welding, removed a 25-ton overhead crane Wednesday from the Port Authority building where until months ago steel bridge spans were built.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Reintsma memo challenges Olsen residency
Libby City Attorney James Reintsma is using Allen Olsen’s own testimony from a child-custody case as ammunition against him as a sitting councilman and candidate for mayor. The election is Nov. 5.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Med student impresses staff with his caring way
Take a good look, Libby. Marc Schwartz is the face of medicine of the future.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Civil War-era railcar arrives in Libby
The Shay Locomotive has had a long history of hauling timber in Libby, and as Heritage Museum volunteers sought to pump new life into No. 1643, they were searching for the perfect companion piece.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Stating insufficient evidence, county won't prosecute Olsen
Lincoln County Attorney Bernard Cassidy says there is insufficient evidence to charge Libby City Councilman Allen Olsen with improperly tagging a deer shot last fall on the land where his business is located.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Savage's return expected by Nov. 1
Dan James (D.J.) Savage’s fight to avoid extradition to Montana may soon end.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
10th Street paving set for Monday
Weather permitting, crews will begin paving the six-block stretch of 10th Street from Idaho to Louisiana streets upon the completion of the water-distribution projects in that area.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Troy Mine suffers setback
Underground excavation at Revett Minerals, Inc., Troy Mine will not resume during the fourth quarter this year as hoped, officials said Wednesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Maki retirement surprises board members
K.W. Maki, Libby’s superintendent of schools, surprised everyone — his board members, staffers and even the principals who direct his two campuses — Monday night when he announced his intention to resign at the end of the current school year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council candidates
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Rotary program helps young readers
The Kootenai Valley Rotary Club is doing its best to stress the importance of literacy, continuing a program started last year at Kootenai Valley Head Start.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby women die in crashes
Two women, ages 43 and 46, died in separate vehicular accidents during the past week, the first coming Thursday and the latter Sunday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby absentee, mail-in ballots sent Friday
As early as Saturday, active registered absentee voters in Libby will begin receiving ballots in the mail.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby golfers fare well at state tournament
Libby High School Head Coach Dann Rohrer has been teaching golf for about 30 years, and this year’s squad that finished second in divisional play and eighth in state still has him smiling.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Veterans get $2,000 grant for their park memorial
The Lincoln County Veterans Foundation Committee moved a little closer toward its fundraising goal Wednesday during a brief presentation at Riverfront Park.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners, district to continue land-deal discussion
Seldom are land deals discussed so openly, where even neighbors of the property to change hands have input, but that was the case Wednesday during the Lincoln County Commissioners meeting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Cabinet View panel submits fire district petition
Members of a board hoping to re-establish a fire department from the old Cabinet View Fire Service Area firehouse on Wednesday presented a petition to Lincoln County commissioners to establish a fire district.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Shutdown affects activities
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Golf cars building renovation under way
Workers are continuing renovations on the Port Authority’s Maintenance Building in preparation for the manufacturing of state-of-the-art, lithium ion-powered golf cars.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Loggers score six TDs to beat Indians, 40-19
Libby High School Offensive Coordinator Kyle Hannah believes his team has emerged from the offensive funk that plagued the squad during its previous four contests.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Homeowner still seeks removal of asphalt from backfill
During Bert Ward’s 32 years working as a forester for the U.S. Forest Service, he was used to things a certain way.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Savage fights extradition
Dan James Savage, Jr., the 36-year-old Troy man who was arrested Sept. 9 at a Portland, Ore., laundry for the Aug. 29 assault of a Troy woman, is fighting extradition to Lincoln County.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
KNF Forest Plan complete, ready for final process
The Kootenai National Forest has completed the revised Forest Plan, Final Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Record of Decision and now are subject to a predecisional objection process.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Two busloads tour Flower Creek Dam
Two buses of about 85 people interested in the Flower Creek Dam took a 75-minute tour of the 67-year-old dam Saturday. Many of them were surprised at the poor condition of concrete arch structure.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Bullet ricochets into home
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department is reviewing its protocol for discharging a weapon, specifically for euthanizing an injured animal, after one of three shots fired by a deputy pierced a metal door and entered a home in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
City memo warns Councilman Olsen of censure
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Wildlife Recapture gets national contract
Wildlife Recapture, a local taxidermist studio co-owned by two Libby men, has received a contract from a national sporting goods chain that will bring both expansion of the business and new jobs to Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
County begins removal of Troy landfill debris pile
The saga of the minimally contaminated wood-chip pile at the Troy city landfill will very soon be a thing of the past.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Libby school district and country discuss land swap
Libby School District and Lincoln County officials will meet next month to discuss a land swap that allows for a combined 55-acre tract near Libby High School that could provide one large mega-campus building site.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Gov. Bullock to attend Nordicfest
Democratic Montana Gov. Steve Bullock is coming to Nordicfest.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Johnson joins Western News staff, will cover Troy, sports
Philip Johnson, who last month completed his masters degree in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has joined
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Laffoon: Assault was a plot
In the days since the arrest of D.J. Savage, there have been widely conflicting accounts of events that led up to his arrest at a Portland, Ore., laundry.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Troy Mine efforts re-establish mining route
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Copperheads beat Loggers, 28-0
Libby High School football coach Neil Fuller was upbeat after his team fell to 0-2 Friday after a 28-0 home field loss to the Anaconda Copperheads.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Lauer: Establishing budget was an orchestrated effort
Few things are as difficult as developing a county budget, especially with diminishing revenues, but that’s what Lincoln County Clerk and Recorder Tammy Lauer has been dealing with the last six weeks.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Woman escapes sinking car
Like so many, Julia Long and William Marshall were enjoying their Labor Day weekend. The couple had just finished floating one of the most-popular stretches of the Kootenai River — from River Bend Restaurant to Osprey Landing.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
City says no to water rate hikes
A new dam in the design and permitting phase and a water-main repair effort are two projects with a combined cost of more than $12.2 million that could translate into a rate increase, but that won’t happen this year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Anaconda Copperheads blank football Loggers, 28-0
Libby High School football coach Neil Fuller was upbeat after his team fell to 0-2 Friday after a 28-0 home field loss to the Anaconda Copperheads.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Manhunt for Savage ends with capture
Troy Police, working with law-enforcement officers in Portland, Ore., have arrested fugitive Dan James “DJ” Savage at a laundry.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Loggers grab early lead but can't hold on, bow 35-14
The Libby Loggers jumped out to an early 14-0 lead against the Bonners Ferry Badgers on Saturday, but they could not hold on as the Badgers scored five unanswered touchdowns to win the season football opener for both teams.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Local artists fare well at county fair
Two Libby women, who have earned consecutive titles for Exhibitor of the Year at the Lincoln County Fair, are urging other residents of south Lincoln County to compete at the annual event.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Wrong tint in concrete leads to partial nonpayment by city
Chuck Riley is out $325 for doing what he thought was right.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Hopfingers take possession of 10th Habitat home
Labor Day 2013 is one holiday weekend Shannon and Justin Hopfinger and their three sons will remember for the rest of their lives.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Hospital move-in date scheduled for Jan. 30
St. John’s Lutheran Hospital will become Cabinet Peaks Medical Center with the move on Jan. 30 — two months ahead of schedule — and Plant Operations Manager Tony Rebo couldn’t be happier.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Trojans optimistic about playoff potential
Football is a numbers game. Four downs to get at least 10 yards on a battlefield of 100 yards. Two teams with a total of 22 players on the field at a time.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Expect property taxes to increase
Call it trickle-down economics in reverse.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
USFS keeps busy with fires
As many as 60 firefighters from the Kootenai National Forest have been battling as many as 16 small, start-up fires in the forest since Sunday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Bailey wins Scatterguns' Ironman competition
Every marksman excels in one event, but then there are those who excel at all shotgun events, and that person for the Libby Scatterguns is Tom Bailey.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Loggers hope to run into postseason
After Friday night’s Libby High School football scrimmage, Head Coach Neil Fuller was a happy man. His 2013 team will have a distinct advantage over last year’s team — a running game.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Libby High School students' average ACT score drops
Libby High School students dropped below the state average on ACT testing during scoring this spring.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council expected to OK dam payment to engineering firm
Libby City Council members, at their next meeting on Sept. 3, are expected to approve one of two outstanding payments to the engineering firm that is handling virtually all phases of the application process for the construction of the $8.4 million Flower Creek Dam.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
County OKs $15.4 million budget
Lincoln County commissioners went beyond their preliminary budget proposal for 2013-14 and cut another $146,547 to come up with a final budget of $15.419 million.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
School board to seek planning grant for LES ductless heating
Libby School Board members on Monday unanimously agreed to pursue a $25,000 planning grant that will study the feasibility of adding ductless heating units to Libby Elementary School.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Pilot program to be expanded
When Marilyn Tavenner met with Sen. Max Baucus earlier this year to solicit his support for her confirmation hearing in the U.S. Senate, Baucus gave her a photograph of a well-known man from Libby who died of asbestos-related cancer several years ago. The photo came with strict instructions to keep …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Peoples' Choice: Troy couple take home show's top prize
A man’s passion for his car — or truck — is for the making of a country song, especially if you do most of the restoration work yourself.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Thompson Lakes changing
There is change coming to the Thompson string of lakes, and the public likely will be the beneficiary.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
County Health Board to pursue $48,500 grant
The Lincoln County Health Board is looking toward the future — after the EPA leaves Libby — and has begun steps to independently determine safe asbestos levels in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Emergency Management takes over communicable disease duties
After a three-year absence, responsibility for reporting Lincoln County’s communicable diseases has returned to the county’s Emergency Management Agency.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Crucial part of fire season upon forest
To hear the Kootenai National Forest’s acting forest fire management officer tell it, after a July where not a drop of rain was recorded by the agency, the forest has been fortunate to have only the recent lightning-strike ignitions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
County trims $2.5M from budget
Lincoln County Commissioners have teamed with Lincoln County Clerk Tammy Lauer to hammer out a $15.566 million 2013-14 budget that is $2.5 million leaner than the one submitted last year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Class of '73 donates to food pantry, issues challenge
Some of them have achieved retirement status, others will within the next seven years, and they are the Libby High School Class of 1973.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Engineers: City knew about permit problem in March
The Kalispell engineering firm under contract to build a new Flower Creek Dam spoke up at the Aug. 6 Libby City Council meeting to explain that the city knew as early as March that the project was in jeopardy due to the lack of a permit.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
School district considers kitchen, approves 2014 budget
Libby School Board members are studying the benefits of constructing a district kitchen and will discuss the issue during a meeting on August 19.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
65 attend Riverfront ceremony
The transformation of Riverfront Park is nearly complete, Mayor Doug Roll told the estimated gathering of about 65 people who attended the dedication Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Big Sky Business Supply to reopen
Any marketing strategist will say there are three things important to a successful business: location, location, location.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Lincoln County jobless rate surges after big mine layoff
Nearly 13 percent of job seekers in Lincoln County were out of work in June as the county’s unemployment figure rose by 1.4 percent, compared to the previous month.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby Care Center celebrates 'Gorgeous Grandmas'
Twenty-seven ladies were honored recently at Libby Care Center as “Gorgeous Grandmas,” an annual event to recognize the matriarchs of their families.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Firm knew of USFWS denial
The engineering firm under contract to oversee the permitting process for the Flower Creek Dam project was notified in February that an environmental study would be needed to secure a permit, although another three months passed before the city publicly acknowledged that the project was in jeopardy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Two-time cancer survivor takes aim at Relay
To say Jerry Madill is a fighter is like saying Muhammad Ali liked to skip rope. Fast.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
City receives $450,000 grant for Flower Creek Dam
Libby has received a $450,000 grant from the state to assist with the building of a new dam to replace the aging Flower Creek Dam.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Cowboy, 82, says rodeos keep him going
For 76 years, Charlie Hahnkamp has sat tall in the saddle, just like he did last weekend as a pickup cowboy during the Kootenai River Rodeo.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
County to meet with tribes
Lincoln County Commissioner Ron Downey is concerned the desire to turn a tract of land owned by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes into a land trust is part of a larger plan.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Dam project remains stalled
Because of a federal permitting snafu, the Libby Flower Creek Dam project is all but stalled until next year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Hospital spending tops $2M since start; Jan. 1 move-in set
A mild winter that allowed uninterrupted building of Cabinet Peaks Medical Center through the winter and an agreeable spring that has put construction about five months ahead, has put the facility on pace for a move-in date before Jan. 1, a hospital spokeswoman said Monday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Zipper use sought previously
Libby Mayor Doug Roll went around the City Council – and may have violated a city policy – when he decided to lease city-owned equipment to a local contractor last month.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Aviators plan RC fly-in to Libby airstrip Saturday
Their airplanes may be smaller, but to say these aviators pamper their planes less than their full-scale aircraft cousins would not be accurate.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Former county official seeks meeting with agency on dam
Former Lincoln County Commissioner Rita Windom thinks Libby is not getting a fair shake by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and she is looking for some answers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Cabinet View opens records
Former members of the Cabinet View Fire Service Area have agreed to allow Lincoln County officials review past records of the now-defunct fire protection area.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Junior Fair gears up for big show
The Lincoln County Junior Fair, which begins Thursday, is a long tradition that exceeds the lives of its volunteer board members.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Agencies differ on opinion
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is on the cusp of letting Troy deal with its three-year-old massive wood debris pile. However, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality says not so fast.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Klepfer: Montanore is closer than ever to achieving permit
Eric Klepfer, environmental consultant for the Montanore project, admits its been a long road in the permitting process of Montanore Minerals, Inc., but he said he still expects to see the mine receive a permit this fall.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Linehan receives prestigious Orvis award
Imagine fly fishing for a living.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Deal puts Zipper to work
The Asphalt Zipper, the city-owned implement that chews up asphalt roads and leaves it behind, essentially as recycled material to be used again, has found work on a Noble Excavating job site.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Loggers rally past Lakers; Reichel gets win for 4-3 effort
Libby Logger right-hander Will Reichel gladly shared his success with teammate and ace hurler Jared Winslow on Tuesday night, as the home nine picked up a 4-3 American Legion baseball victory over the Kalispell Lakers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Pit-bull terrier owner says he plans to move family from city
Matt Wallace is a veteran who battled dictators abroad so foreigners might enjoy the freedoms he had come to know in the States. However, Wallace is now battling to keep the pet he has raised from a puppy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Single-springboard competition
Eric Holberg was the first in his head during the single-springboard competition.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Treasure Mountain fundraiser will benefit the Memorial Center
Treasure Mountain Casino, Restaurant and Lounge owners Mike and Dori Munro know the importance the Memorial Center plays in Libby, so to benefit the performing arts center they are hosting a fundraiser this Friday, June 28.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Tribes near land trust deal
It appears 8.3 acres near Kootenai Falls sought by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are just an appeal from becoming a land trust.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby city workers receive 2.7 percent pay hike
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby Dollar Store gets off to fast start in its first week
When partners Michelle Swagger and Carl Pulver worked on the business plan for the new Dollar Store in Libby, they anticipated it would be two weeks before they placed their first order to restock shelves.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Green thumbs: Community garden grows
An idea presented during the dead of winter in January has grown like the vegetables residents seek to grow.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
State forestry plan stressed
In an attempt of unity, Boundary County, Idaho, Commissioner Dan Dinning urged leaders from both Lincoln and nearby Sanders counties to participate in a forum to discuss state agencies logging on federal lands.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
County awaits EPA approval
Lincoln County Troy Commissioner Ron Downey will be watching the mail next week, waiting for a letter from the EPA.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Hotel Libby receives grant to restore part of grand staircase
Hotel Libby received last week the first of three grants it is pursuing as it continues its renovation project for a 2017 reopening, Project Manager Gail Burger said Friday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
District seeks to rehire 3
Libby School Board members during Monday’s meeting agreed to advertise for the rehiring of two paraprofessionals and a teacher, just a month after a failed mill levy vote.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby Council tables animal ordinance
Libby City Council members on Monday, taking a cue from a parade of residents who expressed opposition to a new animal control ordinance as written, tabled the proposal until committee members can make revisions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Salary panel nixes pay hike
Lincoln County commissioners are expected to vote next week on whether to give themselves and other county employees a raise, but it may be more than a formality judging by the meeting Wednesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
52 voice cemetery concerns
If the notices left at Libby Cemetery gravesites just before Memorial Day were meant to get attention, they did.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Central School students create grizzly mural
Two Libby Central School seniors are doing their part to beautify their hometown.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby man, 21, arrested for Whitefish burglaries
A Libby man is being held in the Flathead County Jail as a suspect in several Whitefish area burglaries, thefts and acts of vandalism.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
RV Care-A-Vanners build Habitat for Humanity home
It was former President Jimmy Carter who used his celebrity to bring prominence as he helped to build homes for Habitat for Humanity.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Laws soften school district deficit
Libby School District, announcing a $700,000 shortfall just five months ago, has been bolstered by new funding laws that effectively reduce the deficit to just $92,127 below the 2013 budget.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Teddy Roosevelt impersonator highlights Heritage Museum opening Saturday
Teddy Roosevelt is returning to Montana, and it’s just in time for the season-opening day of the Heritage Museum.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center
When Carrie Schikora submitted the winning name to St. John’s Lutheran Hospital, Cabinet Peaks Medical Center was just one of four that came to mind.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Troy High School graduates 31; 106-year-old librarian honored
Seldom are the benefits of a small-school education so evident as they were Sunday evening during Troy High School’s commencement ceremony.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Roosevelt coming to Heritage Museum for Saturday opening
Arch Ellwein will portray Theodore Roosevelt during Heritage Museum opening Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby school district announces cuts, callbacks
Libby School Board members on Monday approved staff cuts and rehirings for the 2013-14 school year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
County seeks to trim $700,000 from 2013-14 budget
Declining returns on investments and the elimination in Secure Rural Schools funding has pinched Lincoln County to the point where officials are looking at cutting at least $700,000 from its 2013-14 budget.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Sheriff warns of scam artists
Every parent and grandparent will do anything for a child or grandchild in need, and that desire to assist is where scam artists are preying with more frequency in Lincoln County.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Troy Mine lays off workers
Laying off workers was a decision Revett Minerals President and CEO John Shanahan lamented, but during shift changes on consecutive days Wednesday and Thursday those reluctant words came.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Bullock steps back in time to McCormick
When Gov. Steve Bullock saw McCormick School for the first time on Friday, he saw it much as it looked on its first day 104 years ago.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Mine lays off 100 workers
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Confirmed pertussis cases now at 12 in Lincoln County
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, but the Lincoln County Health Department is up to its neck in a pertussis outbreak that has seen 12 confirmed cases.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
New law will aid Libby schools
Libby School District, despite a failed mill-levy vote last week, will receive additional state funding that could drastically reduce the deficit the failed ballot initiative was meant to remedy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Federal agencies arrest three
Nine governmental law-enforcement agencies combined manpower and intelligence recently to arrest three Lincoln County men in an investigation that netted methamphetamine, cash and firearms.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Head Start faces cutbacks
Kootenai Valley Head Start, the preschool educational program that serves about 100 three- and four-year-olds in Libby and Troy, has made cuts because of the federally mandated sequestration.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Fifty-five percent of voters reject mill levy; Nelson, Carlson win seats
Fifty-five percent of Libby voters on Tuesday rejected a mill-levy request that would have infused the cash-strapped school district with $350,000 annually.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Mill levy will add $350,000 to budget
Today is Election Day in Lincoln County for positions on Libby and Troy school boards.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Polls open at 8 a.m. in Libby and Troy
South Lincoln County residents will go to the polls Tuesday to choose two school board members to serve in each Libby in Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Some see properties as solution for cash
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
District's budgets show similarities
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners OK block grant to aid golf-car company at Port Authority
By late summer, workers in Libby could be assembling state-of-the-art lithium ion-powered golf cars.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Anti-Montanore group disbands
A citizens group that formed to oppose the Montanore Mine will disband at the end of this month, according to a press release from the group’s co-founder.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Wings co-founder now battles cancer, like many she aided
Almost everyone in Libby has a family member or knows someone who has been helped by Wings.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
EPA official defends actions
Acting Region 8 EPA Administrator Howard Cantor makes no bones about it: Libby is a much safer place now than it was before the agency began its cleanup.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Mining may resume in June
Crews at Troy Mine are expected early next month to complete the Mine Safety and Health Administration-approved effort to remove rock-shaft debris that for months has halted mining operations.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Wings Week begins May 4; Mexican dinner on the menu
During the last 16 years, Wings has raised more than $1.579 million and helped 2,380 afflicted with cancer in three counties.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
City committees weigh cemetery plot options
Libby city officials are considering a plan that would change the burial rules for gravesites at Libby Cemetery.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
School board reaches agreement with two more unions
Libby School Board members on Monday agreed to contracts with two more of its five unions, clearing the way for approvals of the final two in the coming weeks.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Cabinet View FD officials explain district intent
The group of Cabinet View residents who seek to start a fire district in the old Cabinet View Fire Service Area vow transparency as it moves forward.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
District is recognized for its improved lunches
Libby Elementary School was recognized recently for earning a Bronze Award in the USDA’s Healthier School Challenge program.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners deny Health Department grant app
Lincoln County commissioners on Wednesday voted to reject a request to further allow for funding for the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting program.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Hunters prepare for bear season
Hunters experiencing withdrawal after a long winter will be able to get their fix as black bear hunting begins Monday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
3 to join LHS Hall of Fame
Nineteen people will be honored Monday evening during the National Honor Society’s Induction Ceremony at Libby High Schools Ralph Tate Gymnasium. Three are graduates who rose to accomplish great things and the balance are current students who aspire to do the same.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Habitat for Humanity effort breaks ground for new home
Despite an ominous beginning under drizzly skies Sunday, home ownership for the Hopfinger family of Libby looks bright.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
LHS grad to lead Texas Tech
Libby High School graduate M. Duane Nellis is going back to the Big 12 Conference, and he couldn’t be happier about it.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Glacier Bank completes move; opened new facility Monday
Operations Supervisor Deborah Gidley on Friday was busy arranging things in her office at the new Glacier Bank.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Couple starts candy business
So, are you feeling a little withdrawal since your favorite chocolate candy maker has closed? You know, the one that offered deliciously covered berries.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Olsen files court papers on Roll conflict-of-interest case
Libby City Councilman Allen Olsen is proceeding with a conflict-of-interest lawsuit against Libby Mayor Doug Roll, and the first-term city official last week filed papers in district court alleging wrongdoing.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
BLRFD plans new station
Bull Lake Rural Fire District is planning a new fire station just a stone’s throw across Highway 56 from the district’s old fire station.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Judge's ruling favors lawyers
Despite written pleas from family members and those suffering the effects of asbestos exposure, attorneys representing victims will receive 25 percent of the money earmarked for those suffering from asbestos disease.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Lincoln County joblessness drops slightly
Lincoln County’s unemployment rate was 16.3 percent in February, reflecting a decrease of nearly a full percentage point compared to January’s figures.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
New movie rental store offers gamers, buffs another outlet
There is another choice movie-lovers have from which to choose.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
School board adopts mandate for driver's education program
Libby High School Principal Rik Rewerts may be looking toward semi-retirement upon the conclusion of the current school year, but his commitment to Libby education will not end when he walks out of school on graduation night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Revett awaits MSHA approval
Revett Minerals officials are expecting approval of their plan this week from the Mine Safety and Health Administrationa to begin clearing groundfall within the silver and copper mine.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Attorneys to get $4.9 million for work in Libby Medical case
Despite written pleas from family members and those suffering the effects of asbestos exposure, attorneys will receive 25 percent of the money earmarked for victims.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Welch gets a 20-year prison term
Kristina Lynn Welch, the 54-year-old woman who accepted a plea bargain for the shooting death of her husband, was sentenced Thursday in Judge James B. Wheelis’ courtroom to 20 years in a state prison.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Tribes seek trust for land near falls
A certified letter from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes received by Lincoln County commissioners seeks to establish a trust for 8.3 acres near Kootenai Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Scatterguns wrap up another season
Another Lincoln County trap and skeet winter league is in the books, and for the third consecutive year a record number of shooters competed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
School Board extends offer to VanWorth-Rogers
Libby School District Board members on Wednesday agreed to offer a contract to Libby High School Principal candidate Ruth Ann VanWorth-Rogers, the former Bakersfield, Calif., administrator.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Residents split on new fire district
As a group of residents south of Libby begin efforts to establish a new fire district in the dissolved Cabinet View Fire Service Area, other residents of the area are quick to say “not so fast.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
School board conducts final LHS principal interviews
After two interview sessions with candidates for Libby High School principal, Libby School Board members will soon come to a decision on whom to offer a contract.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Veterans break park ground to honor all those who serve
Lincoln County veterans finally got their day in the sun, and, oh, what a beautiful spring day it was.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Stinger files for bankruptcy
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
County jobless rate 17.2 percent
Lincoln County’s unemployment rate rose to 17.2 percent in January, the highest in 12 months.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Stinger files for bankruptcy
Stinger Welding, Inc., the span and bridge builder that during its heyday employed more than 100 workers in Libby, has filed for Chapter 11 protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy code.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Widow of Stinger CEO seeks Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
The widow of Carl Douglas, the CEO of Stinger Welding, Inc., who died Dec. 19 when his plane crashed into Swede Mountain, has sought bankruptcy protection from creditors.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Mild winter puts SJLH construction ahead
A mild winter without building setbacks has put construction of St. John’s Lutheran Hospital about five months ahead of schedule.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
Group urges new fire district
Going against advice of legal counsel, Lincoln County Commissioners have met with a group of Cabinet View-area residents seeking to establish a fire district.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO
11-year FVCC tax shirked
Back taxes and fees with interest that total $41,937.30 for the Lincoln County campus of Flathead Valley Community College appears to be a clerical issue that can be resolved by a vote of commissioners.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Accident averted: Shooter fires rifle while others downrange at complex
Sometimes even a good idea needs a little tweaking, and that’s the best way to describe improvements being made to the rifle range at the Lincoln County Shooting Complex.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Kootenai Valley Collision closes
Kootenai Valley Collision, the auto-body repair business located at 314 Montana Ave., has closed its doors.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
County attorney will not pursue case against Mayor Roll
Asked to pursue an action of conflict of interest against Libby Mayor Doug Roll by City Councilman Allen Olsen, Lincoln County Attorney Bernard Cassidy has indicated those charges will not be forthcoming.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
County wins BLFD case
For the second time in nine months, Lincoln County has won a legal decision against a fire department within its jurisdiction that sought a definition of self-governance and expansion of services.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Dome Theater is sold; new owner hopes to reopen in two months
Libby will soon again have a movie theater.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Berget concerned about cuts on firefighting
Lincoln County Presiding Commissioner Tony Berget knew he would have Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Paul Bradford’s ear during a recent meeting, and he wasted no time in asking about the effects of sequestration on the county’s woodlands.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Judge weighs BLVFD suit
The Bull Lake Fire District and Lincoln County got one step closer to determining who has oversight authority over the rural fire department by submitting their written arguments to a district court judge last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Welch sentencing delayed until March 28
A sentencing hearing for a Lincoln County woman who has admitted to killing her husband was postponed until later this month after a judge determined the defense attorney had not been given enough time to review a pre-sentencing report.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Revett CEO: No new setbacks
Lincoln County commissioners anticipated hearing from Revett officials on Wednesday about progress on the Troy Mine, but they didn’t expect to get it from CEO and President John Shanahan.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Savage is acquitted of witness tampering, assault charges
Dan James Savage, Jr., was acquitted of four criminal charges during a three-day trial in 19th Judicial District Court last month.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Welch sentencing Thursday
Kristina Lynn Welch, the 53-year-old woman who pleaded guilty in December in the shooting death of her husband, Charles Bryan Welch, is scheduled for sentencing Thursday in 19th Judicial District Court.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Proposal to mitigate bull trout is pending
If a corporation is going to spend money to enhance the environment, it would rather those improvements be local than regional, and so would Montanore Minerals, Inc.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Conflict of Interest
Libby Mayor Doug Roll on Tuesday addressed his business’ repair of a city-owned truck, but the explanation came after his gavel closed the City Council meeting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Alternative school gives kids an option
From the moment an outsider approaches Central School, it is apparent this place looks at learning differently.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
City pays mayor for truck repairs
Libby Mayor Doug Roll is being criticized by City Councilman Allen Olsen for mechanic work performed on a city-owned truck.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Improving graduation rates now puts Libby in the forefront
Doing as much or more with fewer educators and less budget has been the mantra in Libby School District 4, a task Libby High School Principal Rik Rewerts has embraced.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Firewise timber harvest delayed until spring
Lincoln County Forester Ed Levert is a pragmatist. For Levert, it’s not whether an area will be ravaged by wildfires, but when.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Veterans, Park Committee reach agreement
The Parks Committee, a group comprised of City Council members, and the Lincoln County Veterans Memorial Foundation have come to a tentative deal to place a monument at Riverfront Park.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Eatery officials like new ranking
Libby restaurateurs see the recently approved food-preparation grading system for Lincoln County as an act that will improve food quality overall but say their restaurants are and have been compliant.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
'Wind down' of Stinger Welding begins
MCA Financial, Group, Inc., the Arizona court-appointed receiver for Stinger Welding, Inc., on Monday issued a statement spelling an end for the bridge and span manufacturer.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
City selects hydro planner
Libby City Council members have received a preliminary engineering report for the potential of the new Flower Creek Dam to produce hydro-electric power.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
City offers credit-debit card payment
Libby water customers may now pay their bills with a credit or debit card. The service began Feb. 1.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Council OKs street closure for three-day art show
An outdoor art show is coming to Mineral Avenue this Fourth of July weekend.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Montanore wetland mitigation progresses
Few know the frustration of the lengthy mine permitting process better than Montanore Minerals CEO and President Glenn Dobbs and Environmental Consultant Eric Klepfer, but the two were smiling Tuesday
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners OK study on library move
Lincoln County Librarian Rick Ball wants to move the Libby Branch Library to the former Asa Wood Elementary School, and he said the right thing Wednesday to get a nod from commissioners to study the move.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Stinger closure imminent
Stinger Welding employees were told that their jobs in Libby would be eliminated soon, the company’s vice president has been relieved of his day-to-day duties, and a financial group temporarily running the company’s operations is trying to determine the market value of Stinger’s remaining assets.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Revett: Blockage found at south adit
Revett Minerals officials have completed underground inspections from the south adit of the Troy Mine, and they found more groundfall, however, plans are being made to resume mining operations by April.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
VP: Stinger not removing assets
Entangled in litigation, Stinger Welding, Inc., the steel bridge and span builder with nearly four years of operation in Libby, is fighting for its life.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
County considers eatery rankings
During an evening dining out at a favorite restaurant, have you ever wondered just what it looks like in the kitchen? So have others.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Timber to jet fuel bio-mass project explained
Lincoln County commissioners on Wednesday heard from college engineering students who are participating in a bio-mass study project that could make jet fuel from timber and its byproducts.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
County jobless rate hits 14.8 percent
Montana’s unemployment rate continued to drop in December, falling 0.1 percentage points to 5.7 percent, but it was little consolation to the jobless in Lincoln County who are still looking for work.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Crews rescue injured hiker stranded on mountainside slope
A grateful Keith Meyers was scheduled for surgery Monday at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital to insert a rod in his right leg to reinforce the fractures sustained in a mountainside fall Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners OK $20K loan for airport fuel
Libby Airport Board Chairman Ron Denowh’s request for funds to purchase fuel for the airport was granted Wednesday, although the revenue is less than he initially requested and comes with strings attached.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Nickel auto dealership closes
Nickel Auto Group, the budget car dealership on the west end of Libby located on U.S. Highway 2, has closed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Family man: Rewerts scales back workload family
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Mayor: SJLH job does not violate law
Libby City Council members, acting upon the recommendation of City Attorney Jim Reintsma, will not take action against Swank Enterprises construction crews for what some see as a violation of a city noise ordinance.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Revett miners back to work
Underground work at Revett Minerals, Inc., Troy Mine has resumed, but those miners are doing more preparatory tasks for ore extraction than actual mining, according to Revett CEO John Shanahan.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Libby schools in transition
• Libby High School Principal Rik Rewerts, citing a desire to spend more time with family, will retire from District 4 service at the end of the current school year. Rewerts, 56, tendered his resignation during Monday’s school board meeting, which board members accepted.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
County gives 22 acres behind museum to Troy
Lincoln County commissioners have agreed to give about 22 acres of land behind the Troy Museum to the city for the purpose of a recreational area.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Mission Lady Bulldogs top Lady Trojans, 38-21
Lady Trojans Coach Kara Sevalstad used three defenses against the Lady Bulldogs of Mission on Saturday, but it was the defense Mission employed that was the difference in the game.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Bulldogs outduel the Trojans, 52-33
The Trojans got a stiff dose of the long ball from the Mission Bulldogs of St. Ignatius on Saturday as Troy fell 52-33 in basketball action at home.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners to consider fuel purchase
Libby Airport had a problem keeping enough fuel on hand to satisfy all the aviators who came through.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Veterans group weighs its options
The veterans group that has proposed building a monument in Libby will meet Jan. 16 to decide whether to move forward with plans to place the monument at Riverfront Park or consider other locations.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Revett decision next week
Admitting he is less optimistic than he has been, Revett Minerals, Inc., CEO John Shanahan said a decision about the mine will come at the end of next week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Veterans secure incorporation, appear ready to move on statue
After six months of trying to secure a site for a tribute to service members, the Lincoln County Veterans Memorial Committee has cleared the final two hurdles standing in its way for a memorial to honor their own at Riverfront Park.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Kootenai Forest issues dominate agenda
A new Board of Lincoln County Commissioners convened Wednesday with Tony Berget as its presiding commissioner, and the panel then heard from two Kootenai Forest entities.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sides offer BLFD testimony
Interested parties in the Bull Lake Fire District case against Lincoln County entities will have to wait at least 55 days before 20th Judicial District Court Judge C.B. McNeil of Polson could hand down a decision in the case.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Police plan extra patrols for New Years
A word of warning for those New Year’s Eve revelers: Have a plan to get home safely with a sober driver.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Pilot had student license
Carl J. Douglas, the 54-year-old CEO of Stinger Welding who was killed in a plane crash Dec. 19, may not have been certified to pilot the aircraft that night.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Boy, 13, is suspended for having knife at LMS
A 13-year-old Libby Middle School student has been suspended indefinitely for bringing a pocket knife to school, educators have confirmed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Accident kills woman, 67
A 67-year-old Libby area woman died as a result of injuries suffered Thursday afternoon in a head-on accident on Highway 2 just west of Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Fillers celebrate 50 years of doing business in Libby
Fifty years ago, when Ardell Filler rolled into Libby with his wife and three daughters, it was because he was pursuing a new adventure as a dairy distributor.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
CEO: Revett mine to remain closed for at least another week
The Revett-owned silver and copper mine located just outside Troy that closed Dec. 1 because of falling rock, will not open this week as hoped.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Welch agrees to guilty plea
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Shoo Fly Fishing shop offers anglers right mix
Anglers have a sixth sense when it comes to locating fly shops. It’s a little bit like discovering a nice river eddy where that trophy lunker may be lurking.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Grants help District 4 buy computers, upgrade wireless system
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Falling rock closes Troy mine
Officials at Revett’s Troy Mine hope to resume underground operations as early as today if they receive a green light from geotechnical consultants.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Meyers' rendition of 'A Christmas Carol' is true to Dickens
Hooray for the Pitiful Players’ rendition of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol!”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Extension budget - $35K - is approved by commissioners
Lincoln County Commissioners have allocated $13,999.19 for the half-time position of Extension Advisor.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Acquired grants entirely pay for radio conversion
Visitors to the Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency office at Libby City Hall will see boxes stacked high, apparently a burden to navigate the office.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners accept grant for fire exercise at former mine
Lincoln County Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously accepted federal grant funding to perform a countwide fire exercise at the former site of the W.R. Grace Mine.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Birds of a feather: Merchants flock for eagle effort project
When Libby Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shanda Jennings approached the Libby City Council last month about putting the world’s largest bald eagle on Mineral Avenue, she had no idea she was asking the wrong governing body.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Health Department grant comes under scrutiny, criticism
When the Lincoln County Health Department in March secured the $436,000 federal grant for the Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, Nurse Micki Carvey immediately saw the huge benefits.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Veterans granted memorial resolution
Libby City Council members on Monday unanimously approved a resolution that will, in principle, place the Veterans Memorial at Riverfront Park.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
House fire under investigation
A house fire Saturday in the 700 block of Terrace View in Libby is being investigated by law enforcement and state and local fire officials.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Stinger, creditor sued for payment
Stinger Welding, Inc., of Coolidge, Ariz., the bridge and span builder that has a manufacturing branch in Libby, has been sued by a creditor for the balance of $1.1 million in steel.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Change in thinking: Airport expansion to come on north end
Libby Airport officials know times are tough and funding for development is tight, however, they know they must look toward the future.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Libby soldier wounded by Afghanistan bomb blast
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Testing the waters: City seeks data on hydropower
Libby City officials are seeking proposals from qualified engineering firms for the development, feasibility and design for hydropower generators located both at the proposed dam site at Flower Creek and along the water-transmission lines.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Park Committee urges resolution for veterans
Lincoln County veterans inched a little closer toward finding a permanent home for a monument at Riverfront Park, as discussions with Park Committee members continued Tuesday during a noon meeting at City Hall.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Purple Heart
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
City Council rescinds its OK of 'City of Eagles' monument
When City Council members gave the go-ahead Nov. 5 for the Chamber of Commerce and sculptor Todd Berget to proceed with plans to build on the world’s largest eagle, that approval elated Libby Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shanda Jennings.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Sawmill grant is secured
Kootenai River Development Council of Libby has received $17,800 in grant funding from the Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund of the Montana Department of Commerce for the purpose of bringing a sawmill to Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Ford effort garners $600 for Koats 4 Kids
Few charities in Libby had the recognition and widespread support as the Kiwanis’ Koats 4 Kids effort that provides winter clothing for Lincoln County youth and needy families.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Rod and Gun Club make plans for pistol range
The Libby Rod and Gun Club has begun the process to add a pistol range to the Lincoln County Shooting Range facilities.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Three-day trial is set to hear Savage assault, tampering case
Dan James Savage, who was charged with partner/family assault earlier this year, will soon get his day in court. Actually, he’ll get three days in court.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Woman attends to naked, wounded man on her front porch
Cecelia Dolezal is a retired LPN, and she said it was her duty to answer her door early Thursday morning when she saw a bleeding, naked man standing on the front porch of her home at 809 Crotteau Road.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Council delays vets' site OK
All is right between the Veterans Memorial Committee and the Park Committee, and pending an agreement on a site lease, the Veterans Memorial will have a home.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Mine, agencies plan for the worst
Emergency responders from the Revett Mine in Troy, St. John’s Lutheran Hospital, Troy and Libby ambulance services and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department gathered Tuesday to review emergency protocol for responsiveness to an accident at the Troy Mine.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
On the Fly: Christmas tree hunting is sport for the whole family
It hardly seems possible, but the holiday season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to begin decorating inside and outside our homes.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Improving Radios
Lincoln County Commissioners on Wednesday, acting upon the recommendation of Emergency Management Director Vic White, agreed to purchase two mountaintop towers for radio repeater-relay stations to improve countywide telecommunications for emergency services.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
District OKs tax request
Libby School District 4 Board members on Monday voted without dissent to ask residents during the May 7 election for a $350,000 tax increase to further fund the district.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Veterans consider alternative
Lincoln County Veterans Memorial Committee members, given five site options within Riverfront Park for a veterans monument by the Park Committee, have narrowed their choice to two — one within the park and that of others outside the park.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
About 60 attend wildlife meeting
Nearly 60 Libby residents and City Council members filled the Ponderosa Room on Thursday to hear wildlife biologists’ insights and testify why residents should and should not be concerned about wildlife within city limits.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Scouting for Food helps needy neighbors, benefits boys
Scouting for Food bags, left, last Saturday will be picked up on Saturday morning.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Just what will proposed $350K mill levy cost homeowners?
When Libby School District 4 Board members on Monday agreed to put a resolution on their next agenda for a $350,000 mill-levy request, they inquired as to what the cost would be for homeowners.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Stinger counters lawsuit
Stinger Welding, the bridge- and span-building company that was sued three weeks ago by the agency that worked to bring it to Libby, last Friday counter-sued the Port Authority.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
District to ask for $350K
During the District 4 work meeting Monday that precedes its monthly meeting, board members agreed to move forward with a resolution to ask the public for a tax increase that will further fund the district for $350,000.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
102-year-old woman is oldest voter in the county
Fern Crystal couldn’t recall the name of the Democratic presidential candidate for whom she first voted in 1932, but she does know it was the man who opposed Herbert Hoover.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Large turnout is expected for Election Day Tuesday
Lincoln County voters will go to the polls Tuesday not only to elect a president, but to determine who will represent them in county and statewide offices as well.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Baucus visits CARD Clinic, warmly met
U.S. Sen. Max Baucus received what amounted to a hero’s welcome Wednesday when he visited a CARD Clinic that has benefited immensely from funding the senior senatorial Democrat help to acquire.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Board is versed on mill levies
As Libby School District 4 looks toward the possibility of a property-tax increase to address its anticipated deficit, board members on Monday effectively “went to school” to learn the do’s and don’ts of proceeding with a mill levy request.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Hickman geared up for next season
Gabe Hickman can hardly wait til next year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
'Whisperin' Bill' thrills residents with visit to Libby Care Center
“Whisperin’ Bill” Anderson performed for and delighted hundreds Saturday evening at the Memorial Center, but it was the showing he made hours before at the Libby Care Center that both he and the seniors he thrilled will remember most of Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Veterans unveil memorial plans
City Council members on Monday heard proposals for two monuments, the first that would honor veterans and the second that commemorates Libby as the City of Eagles.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Board hears about levy; staff expresses concern
Libby School District 4 members on Monday received an explanation about mills, how they are calculated and then had an exchange about district finances.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Ground broken for new hospital
In front of a backdrop of earth-moving excavators that have been bustling for nearly two weeks, St. John’s Lutheran Hospital officials broke ground Friday, formally kicking off the much-anticipated new phase in the medical facility’s 60-year history.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Luke Haggerty shines for Trojans
Luke Haggerty, the football Trojans’ junior standout wide receiver and defensive back, has had a familiar teammate all his life in older brother Andrew.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
District sets special meeting to hear, discuss mill levy
Libby District 4 School Board members will gather for a special meeting Monday for the purpose of researching the possibility of taking a mill-levy request to voters this spring.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Timber harvest totals about 39 mmbf
In the absence of Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Paul Bradford, rangers from area districts stepped up and apprised Lincoln County Commissioners last Wednesday, assigning a number to this year’s timber harvest of more than 39 million board feet.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
St. John's ground-breaking Oct. 12
With a government-supported HUD loan in hand, things are beginning to fall into place as the St. John’s Lutheran Hospital Board of Trustees now has scheduled a ground-breaking for Oct. 12.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Extension Office post is halved
Two Lincoln County Commissioners on Wednesday, citing the need for tighter fiscal responsibility, voted to cut the Extension Service position from full-time to half-time despite the wishes of about 30 people who crowded the meeting room in opposition.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Western wildfires cause air-quality level concern
Are you finding your eyes are just a bit drier, more irritated?
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Accused arsonist alters plea
The 23-year-old man who is charged with arson in the fire that burned the McGrade Center has had both a change of heart and a change of plea.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Ceremony marks service's milestone
Sunday was a great fall day to mark the 40th anniversary of Troy’s Volunteer Ambulance Service and Dr. Jay Maloney didn’t disappoint.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Stinger lien tops $341,000
The federal tax lien on Stinger Welding, Inc., that last month totaled $177,637 has nearly doubled since reported a month ago, hitting $341,846.25, according to Department of the Treasury documents obtained by
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
LES, Central School students learn lesson, hone mural skills
Primary and secondary curricula found common ground Tuesday as students from Gayle Paden’s Libby Elementary School class and those of Todd Berget’s Central School class teamed in their study of murals.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Former CVFSA board members file legal appeal
The Cabinet View Fire Service Area and the board that governed it may be no more, but that didn’t stop two former members of the panel from filing a lawsuit that challenges the dissolution of the agency.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Science Advisory Board to issue report Tuesday
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Board (SAB) is expected comment Tuesday on the Draft Assessment on toxicity levels of asbestos levels in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
DEQ mails letters on car-wrecking yard
The Department of Environmental Quality’s preparation of an Environmental Assessment for a proposed vehicle-wrecking facility adjacent to J. Neils Park has at least one neighbor feeling as if the project is very close to being approved.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Disabled city staffer is dismissed
The Libby city worker whose left hand was severed during a workplace accident on Aug. 16 has been fired from his job with the city.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Opland steps to forefront to bolster the Trojans
Troy High School Football Coach Jim Dasios knows the limitations of his squad, not that he questions their talents. He’s talking about the number of athletes. Simply, there are few reserves.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Loggers' Luscher turns in stellar performance in Libby's lopsided loss
Consider the achievements: Two interceptions and three offensive receptions during a 48-minute prep football game.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
'It hurts to see the forest's current state'
Jim Rathbun has spent his life in the forests. To say he loves the woodlands is like saying Michael Phelps is a good swimmer.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby School Board hires psychologist; shares costs
Libby School Board members on Monday agreed to hire a psychologist the district will share with Troy schools to perform the federally mandated evaluations for special-needs students.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Revett miner recovering, seeks quick return to work
The 21-year-old miner who was injured in an accident Monday at Revett’s Troy Mine spent a night in the hospital and is at home, according to CEO John Shanahan.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Shoppers flock to new store
The lengthy line of eager shoppers formed long before the doors opened was a scene reminiscent of those Black Friday sales.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Council OKs union deal; preliminary budget heard
Libby City Council members on Tuesday heard a First Reading on the proposed Noise Ordinance, reviewed a preliminary budget of $11.172 million for 2013, and they approved a one-year contract with union workers that allows for a 1 percent longevity step increase.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Proposal addresses setbacks
The crafting of a new zoning ordinance will give peace of mind to homeowners in the Creekview Estates subdivision and avoid possible litigation from either the developer or subsequent homesite buyers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Local rider competes at O-Mok-See event
Darbi Brooks is like most high school senior girls — polite, considerate and unassuming. However, when she gets atop her 1,100-pound horse named Copper to compete like she did Saturday at the state O-Mok-See event, Darbi is all business.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Scandinavia revisited
When the 28th annual Nordicfest convenes this Friday, it will come with many of the favorite events that have made it popular through the years, and it will also feature a new parade route.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
About 85 attend opencut mine hearing
Most of the approximately 85 persons who attended a Department of Environmental Quality hearing on Wednesday made their feelings on a proposed opencut mine abundantly clear: They oppose it.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Bear Creek Road: Accessible beauty within reach for seniors
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
White apprises Commissioners on changes to radio band-width changes
Changes are coming to radio communications, and it’s mandated, Lincoln County Emergency Management Director Vic White told Lincoln County Commissioners on Wednesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Hunting special edition wants to tell your story
The weather is changing as the evenings become cooler and the mornings have a definite feel of fall in the air.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Free on own recognizance, Sprinkle must meet rules
After more than five months of lock-up that included time in the Lincoln County Jail and an evaluation at Warm Springs, Gloria Lee Williams Sprinkle is free until her trial.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners approve $35.6 million '13 budget
Lincoln County Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved a $35.6 million budget for 2012-’13 that changes mostly mirrors the one that preceded it.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
'Tarasik Park' preys on quarterbacks
It’s a good bet prep football enthusiasts are going to stumble — at least at first — when they attempt to pronounce Logger junior lineman Tarasik Krisanov’s name.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Ski Patrol members practice lift-chair rescues, train for coming season
Ski patrol rescue members are a little like an insurance policy: You really don’t give them much thought until you need them, and then you’re glad to have them.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Klepfer updates Montanore Project, cites long legal process
Working toward approval of the Montanore Mine has been a long process, but Eric Klepfer, the contractor overseeing the environmental aspects of the process, can see the end to the process.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Worker loses hand on the job
A Libby City worker has lost his left hand in an on-the-job accident, was hospitalized and is now recovering from the trauma at home.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
State jobless rate increases; county rate drops two-tenths
While the state unemployment rate increased slightly last month to 6.4 percent, joblessness in Lincoln County fell two-tenths of a percent to 12.6 percent in July.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Stinger Welding is hit with a federal tax lien
Stinger Welding, Inc., the Coolidge, Ariz.,-based bridge-builder with an operation in Libby, has been hit with a tax lien from the federal government for $177,637.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
CVFSA dissolved by figures
The Cabinet View Fire Service Area is no more, and despite the formal announcement that came at 11:33 a.m. Wednesday, the agency’s demise actually occurred on Aug. 13, because the number of signatures on the submitted petition was determined to be less than needed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Slash-pile fire battled by crews
U.S. Forest Service and Libby Volunteer Fire Department crews on Sunday responded to a slash-pile fire just off Snowshoe Road, limiting the blaze before it spread extensively to the surrounding timber.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Classics highlight stroll up 'The Gut', Ignite the Nites Results
Cars, trucks, motorcycles and those interesting Rat Rods lined the curbs of Mineral Avenue on Saturday for Ignite the Nites, one of the biggest shows in the Northwest that can only be described as a huge success.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Trustees OK $9M '13 budget
Libby District 4 School Board of Trustees on Monday approved a $9.495 million budget for 2012-’13 school year that reflects a 1.36 percent increase over the previous and allowed for the 1 percent raise for employees.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Chamber trash-can auction raises $775 for local artists
Thanks to the efforts of local artists, sculptors and craftsman, the Libby Chamber of Commerce on Friday evening at the train depot raised $775 through its decorative trash can program.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Hooper: Exemption favored for the local small producer
For Lincoln County hobbyist egg producers, there may not be a reason to get into a scramble as there could be an exemption to a discussed licensing fee.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Alas, the Kootenai River beckons drift-boat anglers
"Fishing is much more than fish. It is the great occasion when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers."
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby cleanup project reaches milestone during 12th year
Sometimes, it just pays to be lucky.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Noise law receives its first review
Libby Police officers may soon have a reason to demand that neighbor with the loud stereo to tone it down.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Hotter, drier forests ahead
Near-record rainfall for June and July has gone a long way toward fire suppression in the Kootenai National Forest, but according to its forest fire management officer the worst is yet to come.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Mill fire payoff is $10 Million
The Lincoln County Port Authority has been awarded a $10.047 million judgment against its insurance provider for property losses in the Feb. 25, 2010, fire that destroyed the mill building known as the Plywood Plant.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
GEAR UP concludes first year, looks to future
When Libby School District was awarded the Montana GEAR UP grant in September, there was much discussion about how to implement — how to best help students.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
The Meeting
Councilman Allen Olsen, right, makes a point as City Council President Bill Bischoff, left, listens.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Bullet hit bear first in fatal accident
LIBBY, Mont. - A forensic study of blood on the .30-06 bullet that killed a 39-year-old Nevada man black bear hunting in northern Lincoln County on Sept. 16 has revealed DNA evidence that the bullet first passed through the grizzly bear before dealing a fatal wound to the hunter.
COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
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