Weather conditions help firefighting efforts

Cooler temperatures and increased moisture during the past week have helped the fire situation in Lincoln and Sanders counties, but officials are warning that the fire season is not yet over.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Neff ready to help City of Libby progress

Gary Neff moved to Libby about five years ago. Six months ago he decided he was going to run for a seat on the City Council in 2017. Monday night he was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Councilman Bill Bischoff.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners adopt budget

The Board of Commissioners for Lincoln County officially adopted the county’s budget for fiscal year 2015-2016 by unanimous vote Thursday morning. The budget calls for a total levy of 143.56 of the 147.84 mills allowed under law this year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Two Libby graduates receive scholarships

Two Libby High School graduates are starting their college careers with less financial stress, due to scholarships awarded by the Libby High School Educational Trust.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Sheriff urges drivers to stay sober

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office will have additional deputies on patrol during the coming Labor Day holiday weekend.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Memorial Center bringing a variety of entertainment

The Kootenai Heritage Council is bringing five musical acts to Libby for the 2015-2016 season at the Memorial Center.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Libby Police request public's help

Jeremy Thorstenson was assaulted near the corner of Mineral Avenue and Third Street in Libby Aug. 14, in front of a crowd of people gathered for the Ignite the Nites cruise, yet police say no witnesses have come forward regarding the incident.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Libby Council appoints Neff to fill vacancy

Gary Neff has been appointed to replace former Libby City Councilman Bill Bischoff, despite opposition from Mayor Doug Roll.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Weekend weather brings evacuations, relief

This summer’s fire season, characterized as “historic” by fire officials, was exacerbated by high, gusty winds Saturday afternoon, resulting in temporary evacuations in parts of Libby. The winds brought rain as well, though, which prompted the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to rescind the evacuation orders Sunday morning.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Lincoln County legislator takes on big challenge

A Lincoln County legislator has jumped into the deep end of the public policy pool. Rep. Mike Cuffe of Eureka has undertaken a project that has gone from the state capitol in Helena to the U.S. State Department and into the realm of international relations.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Rash of thefts plagues Libby

A rash of vehicle break-ins has police in Libby and Lincoln County stepping up patrols and requesting public assistance. Since May 1, more than 100 vehicle break-ins have been reported in Libby and the surrounding unincorporated areas of the county.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Pre-evacuation notice issued for Bull Lake area

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office issued a pre-evacuation notice for the Bull Lake area due to increasing fire activity on the Napoleon and Sawtooth fires.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Watson comes clean about academy expulsion

A 12-year-old mistake is weighing heavily on the mind of Sergeant Terry Watson, heir-apparent to retiring Libby Police Chief James Smith. Watson, along with Libby resident and candidate for City Council Brian Zimmerman, was expelled from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in 2003 for academic dishonesty.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Northwest CHC wins quality awards

Libby’s Northwest Community Health Center was recently awarded with several quality improvement awards by the United States Health Resources and Services Administration. The clinic received awards in four categories, totaling $97,644.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Local clinic receives $10 million federal grant

The Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) in Libby was awarded a $10 million federal grant to help provide asbestos-related health screenings.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Rocky Mountain incident management team takes over Goat Rocks fire complex in Lincoln, Sanders counties

As the sun rises on Libby and most people are just getting out of bed and preparing for their day, members of the Rocky Mountain incident management team are attending their morning briefing.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Fires adversely impacting area air quality

The rampant fire activity in northwest Montana and the rest of the Pacific Northwest region has created significant air quality concerns in Lincoln County.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Senior Center menu and events

The Libby Senior Center has a full calendar of events and a tasty menu ready for patrons in September. Dinners at the Senior Center are served Tuesdays and Fridays at 5 p.m., lunches are served Wednesdays from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Tax repayment on the chopping block

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners has proposed a budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal year that may eliminate the anticipated 20-mill overtaxation repayment to Lincoln County taxpayers. The repayment would have returned $632,040 to county property owners this year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Fires continue to cause alarm

Fires in the Kootenai National Forest have prompted additional closures and restrictions on roads, trails and campgrounds in the area.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Fires force evacuations, restrictions

As more than 100 wildland fires burn across the state of Montana, officials of the Kootenai National Forest have upgraded fire restrictions to Stage 2 and residents of the Bull River Valley in Sanders County have been evacuated from their homes.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Libby man charged with partner assault

A Libby man is facing a possible prison sentence in excess of 12 years and fines of up to $53,000 following his arrest Aug. 15.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Motion filed to hold city in contempt

A motion filed in District Court Thursday afternoon seeks to hold the City of Libby and City Attorney Allan Payne, jointly and individually, in contempt of court and asks the court to award attorney costs and fees stemming from the action.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

City Council to consider Watson for Chief of Police

Libby Mayor Doug Roll has reportedly backed away from his appointment of Patrol Sergeant Terry Watson to replace the retiring Jim Smith as Libby Police Chief, pending review by the City Council’s personnel committee and approval from the council as a whole.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Cuffe declares candidacy for District Court

The race to replace Judge Jim Wheelis in Montana’s 19th Judicial District Court has officially begun. Attorney Matthew J. Cuffe, a Libby native and partner in the Missoula firm of Worden Thane, has declared his intent to seek the post after the anticipated retirement of Wheelis at the end of …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Roll cancels City Council meeting

Libby Mayor Doug Roll decided Friday to cancel the City Council meeting scheduled for last night citing a lack of agenda items, despite two agenda requests made well in advance of the cancellation. City Administrator Jim Hammons notified council members of the decision by email late Friday morning.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Libby man sentenced in knife attack

A 29-year-old Libby man has been given a six-year deferred imposition of sentence for an incident in which he stabbed another man with a steak knife.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Fires rage across northwest Montana

More than 50 fires are now burning in the Kootenai National Forest, according to fire management officer Dan Rose in the Supervisor’s Office in Libby. The rash of fires has created a strain on already-stretched resources and has left a number of fires unstaffed, but Gov. Steve Bullock’s declaration of …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

New fire in Libby Thursday

The Libby Volunteer Fire Department knocked down another human-caused fire in the city early Thursday morning. The fire consumed an area roughly eight feet by eight feet in size near Fifth Street and the Haul Road.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Wildland fires heat up in Lincoln County

Several lightning-caused wildland fires have erupted across Lincoln County during the past week, according to Wyatt Frampton, Libby Unit fire supervisor for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Montanore wins another legal battle

Montanore Minerals has cleared another legal hurdle, but this latest victory isn’t regulatory. United States District Judge Dana Christensen ended Montanore’s long-running legal battle with Arnold Bakie, Frank Duval and Optima Inc. Aug. 7.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

New forester no stranger to Lincoln County

Leanne Marten is coming home, in a way.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Rupture temporarily shuts off Woodway Park water

Residents of Libby’s Woodway Park area were without water for a short time Tuesday, as a water main at the corner of Education Way and Parmenter Drive erupted, forcing city crews to shut it down. Water was restored after about an hour, water distribution supervisor Corky Pape said, but had …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

EPA comment period concludes

The formal comment period for the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed plan for the Libby Superfund site closed Friday afternoon. The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and the Libby Area Technical Assistance Group both offered comments on the proposed plan.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Libby man killed in car crash Saturday

Jon Douglas Reynolds, a 67-year-old Libby man, was killed in a traffic accident on Yaak River Road Saturday afternoon, according to a press release from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Howard given 10-year prison sentence

Judge James Wheelis ended a 17-month legal marathon Monday afternoon, sentencing Barton Howard to a 10-year commitment with the Department of Corrections, with five of those years suspended.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Extra resources help minimize fire damage

July has been an active month for fire-fighting activity in Lincoln County. In addition to unseasonably high temperatures and low stream-flows, the area has been plagued with several arson fires in recent months. At a meeting with county commissioners last week, Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Chris Savage credited the presence …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Libby arsonist strikes again

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office initiated the Code Red broadcast system Friday, requesting the public’s help in identifying the person or persons responsible for a series of fires in the area. Code Red is an emergency broadcast “reverse 911” system implemented by the county’s Emergency Management Agency to help speed …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County uses Code Red to reach residents

The Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency has implemented a new system to help spread information to county residents in case of emergency. The new system, Code Red, was used last week to request the public’s help in identifying the person responsible for three more human-caused fires in the Libby area.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Riverfront Blues Festival returns to Libby

Breathtaking views and a cool breeze off the Kootenai combined with live music last weekend to create a one-of-a-kind experience in the form of the Riverfront Blues Festival in Libby. Local residents and out-of-town visitors crowded the Fred Brown Pavilion to enjoy the musical extravaganza.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Council accepting letters of interest

Members of the Libby City Council voted Monday to delay the appointment of a replacement for Bill Bischoff, who resigned effective July 31. The council decided to solicit letters of interest from the public before deciding upon a new member.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Knife attack leads to arrest of Libby man

A 30-year-old Libby man is facing up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine following an altercation in a Libby alley. Khristafer Lee Gentry was arrested by Officer Darren Short of the Libby Police Department July 31 and charged with one felony count of assault with a weapon.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Mill valuation creates challenges for commissioners

Last week’s release of the mill valuation by the Montana Department of Revenue will have a significant impact on Lincoln County as commissioners work to finalize the new budget. The new mill valuation could cost the county as much as $365,400 in levied revenue.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Two Rock Creek permits open for comment

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has released for public comment two draft permits for Revett Silver’s Rock Creek Mine project. The draft permits do not authorize construction or operation at the mine, but both are required steps under state and federal permitting processes.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Libby High School senior named 'Environmental Hero'

Libby High School senior Sarah McBride was selected by Lincoln County Environmental Health as a Lincoln County Environmental Hero for her work to promote recycling efforts at Libby Middle/High School.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Lincoln County shuffling personnel

The Lincoln County commissioners are making changes in the internal structure and personnel management of the county government. The changes come in response to the retirement of long-time human resources director and executive assistant to the commissioners, Bill Bischoff.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Car accident shuts down U.S. 2 Friday

An unidentified Libby woman was injured in a single-car rollover at mile marker 39 on U.S. Highway 2 south of Libby Friday afternoon. Lincoln County dispatch received the call at 1:16 p.m., reporting a late-model Toyota Solara had gone off the road and rolled over in the depressed shoulder of …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Candidates discuss presidents, history and future

This is the final installment of The Western News’ report from the questionnaire sent to the 10 candidates for Libby City Council in this year’s election. The final questions did not deal with any specific issue, but were intended to provide voters with a glimpse into the personalities and thought …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners considering court fee increase

The Lincoln County Justice Court fee schedule could be changing next month, if the commissioners approve the request of Justice of the Peace Jay Sheffield.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Police Chief Smith to retire Aug. 31

Libby Police Chief James Smith has announced his intention to retire, effective Aug. 31. Smith has served with the department for 11 of his 25 years in law enforcement.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Kids' Fishing Pond opens in Libby

The Kids’ Fishing Pond officially opened Saturday, with more than 130 people in attendance to catch fish, eat hot dogs and enjoy some fun time with friends, family and neighbors.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

EPA comment period ends Aug. 7

The official public comment period for the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed plan for Libby ends Aug. 7. Agency officials said few comments have been received so far, but they anticipate more during the final week of the formal process.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Fire officials searching for arsonist in area

Area fire officials, including local, state and federal authorities, are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying an arsonist or arsonists they believe to be responsible for several fires in the Libby area. Officials say more than 20 arson fires have been set in the area since 2014.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Candidates discuss golf course, vision of Libby's future

Eight of the 10 candidates for Libby City Council responded to questions about their backgrounds, personalities and ideas for Libby’s future. This is the fourth in a series of articles with the candidates’ answers to those questions. Candidates D.C. Orr and Doug Roll did not respond to the questions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Libby woman arrested for dealing heroin

Jerica Lynn O’Neil, a 25-year-old Libby woman, was arrested July 22 and charged with one felony count of distribution of dangerous drugs – opiate. If convicted, O’Neil could be fined up to $50,000 and/or sentenced to a prison term of not less than two years and not more than life.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Accused car thief receives suspended sentence

Zachary Jared Trager, a 20-year-old Libby man who was arrested earlier this year and charged with felony theft by accountability, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge and was given a suspended six-month sentence in the Lincoln County jail.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Food and fun at the Libby Senior Center

The Libby Senior Center offers senior diners a wealth of menu options for meals in August. Dinner is served every Tuesday and Friday at 5 p.m. and lunch is served every Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Home delivery of meals is also available, diners are asked to call …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Lincoln County Library events for August

The Lincoln County Public Libraries have a full calendar of events scheduled for the community during August. All library events are free and open to the public.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Fire officials on the lookout for arsonist in Libby

Area fire officials, including local, state and federal authorities, are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying an arsonist or arsonists they believe to be responsible for several fires in the Libby area. Officials say more than 20 arson fires have been set in the area since 2014.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Montanore moves one step closer

The Montanore Mine project has cleared another regulatory hurdle, which mine officials say could result in the creation of 30 to 35 new jobs as early as September of this year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Habitat set to dedicate its 11th Libby area home

For almost 20 years the Kootenai Valley Partners chapter of Habitat for Humanity has been working to help local residents obtain their own homes. At 6 p.m. Friday evening, July 31, the group will celebrate the completion of their 11th home in the Libby area.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Candidates discuss development, public image

Eight of the 10 candidates for Libby City Council responded to questions about their backgrounds, personalities and ideas for Libby’s future. This is the third in a series of articles with the candidates’ answers to those questions. Candidates D.C. Orr and Doug Roll did not respond to the questions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Libby Kids Fishing Pond opens Saturday

Beginning Saturday, the children and families of Libby will have a new venue for fishing and family fun. The grand opening of the Libby Kids Fishing Pond will take place from 9 a.m. until noon at the pond, located on the Lincoln County Port Authority property by the Millpond MotoX …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Rodeo weekend in Libby

The 2015 Kootenai River Rodeo was held at J. Neils Park in Libby during the past weekend.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Local foundation to award $8,000 in grants

The Lincoln County Community Foundation is preparing for its 2015 community grant cycle. The foundation anticipates contributing approximately $8,000 to eligible non-profit organizations in south Lincoln County this year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Council candidates discuss priorities, challenges

Eight of the 10 candidates for Libby City Council responded to questions about their backgrounds, personalities and ideas for Libby’s future. This is the second in a series of articles with the candidates’ answers to those questions. Candidates D.C. Orr and Doug Roll did not respond to the questions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Johnston qualifies for U.S. Amateur

Libby’s 15-year-old golf phenom Ryggs Johnston is having an impressive summer. Johnston won the United States Amateur Qualifier in Missoula July 20.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Treasure Mountain captures men's league championship

The team from Treasure Mountain Restaurant and Casino captured the men’s league championship at Cabinet View Golf Club Tuesday, defeating Fish ‘n’ Golf 10-6 in the final playoff match.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Kayaker found safe

A 68-year-old man was reported missing at 7:18 p.m. July 16, by Yaak River Campground hosts after he failed to leave the river at the takeout point. The man, identified as Alan Lee Priebe of Whitefish, was located at 11:07 p.m. the same evening.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Candidates answer questions

The Libby City Council could see an influx of new faces next year, as four of the six council seats are up for election this November. Three of the seats, those currently occupied by Allen Olsen, Peggy Williams and Bill Bischoff, are for regular four-year terms. One, currently held by …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Hiking accident claims the life of a Troy resident

A 45-year-old Troy man fell to his death while hiking Saturday afternoon. Jesse Christopher Lowry fell off a cliff while hiking an unmaintained trail about three miles up the West Fork of the Yaak, according to a statement released Monday by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Forest Service reports fire season in full swing

The Kootenai National Forest has experienced nearly twice its annual average number of fires this year, according to Fire Management Officer Dan Rose. Local fire crews have responded to 38 fires since July 1.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Libby woman charged with possession

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Libby man charged with violating release terms

A Libby man who was out of jail on bail pending trial on charges of shooting a firearm towards two hunters was arrested Sunday after a warrant was issued by Judge James Wheelis. David Anthony Milano, 65, is charged with violating two conditions of his release.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Feds declare Lincoln County disaster area

The United States Secretary of Agriculture has declared 15 Montana counties, including Lincoln County, as primary natural disaster areas due to recent drought. The declaration was delivered in a letter sent to Gov. Steve Bullock Wednesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

One wreck claims two vehicles in separate locations

Two cars were wrecked at separate locations in Libby Monday afternoon in an incident beginning at the corner of 10th Street and Mineral Avenue and ending at the old Libby High School on Mineral and Lincoln Boulevard.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Questions arise about EPA activities, plans

Environmental Protection Agency officials were in Libby this week to attend a public forum to discuss the institutional controls included in the agency’s proposed plan for the Libby Superfund site. Although less than a dozen private citizens attended the forum, the conversation was animated at times as tempers flared about …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Trego man could avoid jail time in assault case

A Trego man could avoid jail time after pleading guilty to assaulting his wife and a minor family member, if Judge James Wheelis accepts the plea agreement and sentencing recommendation of the Lincoln County Attorney’s Office.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

New sporting event coming to Libby

Members of the Libby Christian Church are trying to promote community spirit and healthy living at the same time. The church is sponsoring the first Kootenai Valley Triathlon later this year, an event organizers hope will turn into an annual occurrence.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Sudden death playoff will set up men's league finals

The first round of the Tuesday Men’s League playoffs began with a sudden death qualifying match between the teams from Trojan Lanes and Treasure Mountain Restaurant and Casino. Treasure Mountain won the match, advancing to face regular season champion Advantage Seal and Stripe.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

City's water supply not too low

The unseasonably high temperatures and low streaflows combined with the city’s lack of water storage due to the construction of the new Flower Creek Dam have city officials paying close attention to water use this summer. City Administrator Jim Hammons said that while the city has cut back on public …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Three Dog Night rocks Libby at Big Sky Bash

Intermittent rain during the day ended and the sun broke through the clouds to light up J. Neils Park in Libby Saturday night for the Big Sky Bash. Three Dog Night raised the roof, metaphorically, in the park during the fifth annual fundraiser concert for the CARD Foundation in front …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Troy man arrested for domestic assault

A 37-year-old Troy man is facing a felony domestic assault charge which could result in a fine of up to $50,000 and a five-year prison sentence. Charles Ray Norman was arrested just before 10 a.m. July 7, and charged with partner-family member assault, causing bodily injury, third or subsequent offense.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Clinic shows off new look, services at open house

The Northwest Community Health Center in Libby has undergone a dramatic transition in recent months. The clinic recently added more than 10,000 square feet of usable space, including a new pharmacy, which is scheduled to open during the next few months.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Stindt captures club championship

Ricky Stindt shot a 73 at Cabinet View Golf Club to capture the title of Men’s Club Champion Saturday afternoon. Jay Adams shot 79 to capture the senior division crown. Jackie Mee took home the women’s title with a 75 gross and Christa Reisinger earned the women’s senior honors.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Fire restrictions to remain in place

Despite unusually high temperatures and windy conditions, no wildland fires were reported in Lincoln County during the Independence Day holiday weekend. Three fires, characterized as minor by fire officials, were ignited by lightning in the Kootenai National Forest during the past week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Forest reform act passes House

The Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2015, which incorporated forest reforms proposed by Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke, passed the House of Representatives Thursday in a 262-167 vote. The bill is intended to expedite forest management practices on federal lands and to strengthen collaborative processes in national forests.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Mower racing gaining popularity in Lincoln County

During the past decade the non-traditional motorsport of lawn mower racing has slowly, but steadily, increased in popularity in Lincoln County. Lawn mower races have been featured at the annual Logger Days celebration and as exhibitions at the Millpond MotoX moto-cross competition.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Roll's candidacy creates confusion

Libby Mayor Doug Roll’s decision to file as a candidate for one of the three City Council seats up for election this year has raised a question not faced in recent Lincoln County election history: What happens if he wins?
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Men's league wraps up season

The Cabinet View Golf Club Tuesday Night Men’s League season ended this week, with Advantage Seal & Stripe capturing the regular season title after beating Trojan Lanes 11-5. Advantage finished the season with 104 points and will enter the four-team playoff with the top seed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO