Funding available for path completion

HUNGRY HORSE NEWS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Funding available for path completion

WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Funding available for path completion

BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Incumbents retain seats in election

WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Incumbents retain seats in election

HUNGRY HORSE NEWS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Incumbents retain seats in election

BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Somers Middle School garden nourishing bodies and minds

Nestled and dormant within the mind’s mulch sat a seed, a potential needing only the correct conditions to sprout. Within this seed were not the conventional items of leaves, stems and roots. Rather it was an idea soon to be cultivated by its creator.

WHITEFISH PILOT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Somers Middle School garden nourishing bodies and minds

Nestled and dormant within the mind’s mulch sat a seed, a potential needing only the correct conditions to sprout. Within this seed were not the conventional items of leaves, stems and roots. Rather it was an idea soon to be cultivated by its creator.

HUNGRY HORSE NEWS | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Somers Middle School garden nourishing bodies and minds

Nestled and dormant within the mind’s mulch sat a seed, a potential needing only the correct conditions to sprout. Within this seed were not the conventional items of leaves, stems and roots. Rather it was an idea soon to be cultivated by its creator.

BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Guest Column: Sharing artistic experiences in Libby

Our Memorial Center is a gathering place, a family place; a place of education, unity and pride. It has a rich history in this community and a wealth of memories for all.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Elementary school principal submits letter of resignation

Asa Wood Elementary Principal Margie O’Brien-Johnson submitted her resignation.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

CAG facilitator quits post

After nine years of facilitating the Community Advisory Group meetings, Gerald Mueller resigned his post on Tuesday.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

EPA opts to pull out of CAG meetings

The Environmental Protection Agency’s direct involvement in the Community Advisory Group meetings has drawn to a close after nine years.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Door to ethanol plant appears open for Libby

A 2007 federal mandate requires the annual production of 16 billion gallons of ethanol from wood by 2022.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

EPA, developer talk about business opportunities

When given a Superfund designation, one of the Environmental Protection Agency’s directives beyond cleanup is economic rejuvenation.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Changeover to digital signal on hold

The move from analog to digital television will have to wait.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Feds renew children's insurance program

Through the leadership of Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), President Barack Obama signed legislation renewing the Children’s Health Insurance Program for another four-and-a-half years.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Thrill-seekers hit slopes for Sno-Kat event near Libby

Putting thumb to throttle, the cat cackles forward. Torque digging in, an arcing roost and grips tighten to offset the g-forces of trail riding and summit climbing.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

LHS drama team 7th at state

Libby High School sophomore Jason Schikora placed third statewide during last weekend’s Class A Speech and Drama State Tournament in Butte.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Legislators consider mail-in ballots pilot project

Montana legislators are considering a bill to implement a mail ballot election pilot project within 17 of the state’s 56 counties over the next two years. If passed, residents in those counties could be voting from home in the next federal election.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Officials collect data on grizzlies

In the wilds of western Montana, the grizzly bear provides a mystique that instills caution and even fear into those who venture out. Learning more about the majestic animals is on the minds of wildlife officials.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Hunting numbers concern sportsmen

Hard winters, predator numbers and lower harvest quotas for the 2009 hunting season sparked Lincoln County commissioners to request a special hearing with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Glow in his soul: Turner Mountain becomes 2nd home for 79-year-old

He carves the familiar slopes as he has for nearly 30 years, gracefully meandering the mountain’s features and maintaining a youthful glow in his soul.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Frontier celebrates fiber optic line

During a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Frontier Communications had a clear message – proactive telecommunications infrastructure lays the foundation for economic development.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Taking Aim: Passion drives Scatterguns to range

The snow drifted lightly on a crisp afternoon – silent and peaceful. An exhale of human exhaust steadies the nerves as the shotgun is brought taut into the shoulder.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

New administration impacts wolf status

Just 48 hours into his new administration, President Barack Obama placed a moratorium on former President George W. Bush’s 11th-hour measures.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Maki's contract officially approved on 5-2 vote

In a 5-2 decision, the Libby School Board on Tuesday approved Superintendent Kirby Maki to a contract extension with the district.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Libby School Board ponders about what to do with Asa Wood

Certain issues arise for the Libby School District when consensus is easily achieved. One of those discussions involves building a new elementary school to replace the 56-year-old Asa Wood building.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Lincoln County legislator busy with forest management

With the 61st Montana state legislative session under way, Lincoln County’s second-term representative Chas Vincent (R-HD2) has several proposed bills aimed at forest and fire management.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

National publication recognizes Libby HS with high honor

Libby Public Schools has another feather in its hat.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Wolves delisted but challenges lie ahead

The recent federal decision to delist the northern Rockies gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act and turn management over to the state has many affiliated organizations feeling déjà vu.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Visit to Libby could be on EPA's agenda

The new Barack Obama presidential administration will bring a changing of the guard for federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency where nominee Lisa Jackson awaits legislative confirmation.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Boards give school superintendents passing grades

Whatever the position in a school district – students, teachers or superintendents – there are always tests.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Feds delist gray wolf

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Wednesday that the gray wolf will be delisted and states will assume management duties.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Libby's Industrial District, Troy Mine partner to move ore to plant via rail

The Big Cam III Cummings diesel and 32-volt electrical system roar into motion, creating enough torque to move the eight ore-loaded rail cars from the Industrial District to a line adjacent the main Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway track that runs through Libby.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Semitool cuts 13 Libby employees

Semitool permanently cut 13 employees from its Libby plant on Thursday.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

New technical adviser appointed to Libby

Filling a position that had been vacant for more than a year, the Technical Advisory Group recently appointed Terry Spear to the post of technical adviser.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Libby High hosts speech, drama invitational

Be it theatrical performances or linguistical onslaughts, the Libby High School speech and drama team has expressed diverse talents and rare forte.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Experiences & experiments: Circus of Science wows local students

From the big top to school gymnasiums, the Circus of Science rolled into Libby on Thursday, wowing children and adults with experiences and experiments.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Semitool cuts Libby jobs by 40 percent

Semitool permanently cut 13 employees from its Libby plant on Thursday.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Bobcat season reaches quota on Dec. 28

Bobcat season closed on Dec. 28 for trappers and houndsmen.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Trapping continues its regional presence

More than 200 years ago, map maker and trapper David Thompson arrived in the valley while following the Kootenai River. With him came the Northwest Fur Co.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

State funding could help asbestos-related agencies stay afloat

Without continued state funding, local officials believe several asbestos-related agencies in Lincoln County will not survive 2009.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Turner Mountain Ski Area opens

With winter’s arrival and the snow’s incessant accumulations, the alpine playground of Turner Mountain Ski Area opened Monday. The mountain received 10 inches of new snow within the last 24 hours and as of Monday night, snow continued to fall.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Cross-country ski club optimistic about future

Though widely perceived as a contemporary sport, cross-country skiing originated as human ingenuity to endure winter treks in Scandinavian countries as well as being used by several indigenous cultures in North America.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Surprise donation brings cheer to local libraries

A surprise donation brought extra Christmas cheer to area libraries this holiday season.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners tour ethanol plant in Wyoming

A recent excursion to Upton, Wyo., by county commissioners and an economic developer provided insight into potential future markets in Lincoln County.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Students create joy for Christmas

As the snow settled, five rocking horses appeared at the Libby Community Christmas Tree – awaiting new homes on Dec. 25.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

EPA, city get started on improving communication

A changing of the guard has reopened the lines of communication between the City of Libby and the Environmental Protection Agency.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Communities prepare for TV signal changes

More than a half-century ago, color television slowly made its way into American homes to pull in viewers from what had been a black-and-white world. Now, the next leap in TV viewing arrives Feb. 17 when the old analog signals change over to digital.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Work continues on activity center

While the new Troy Activity Center awaits primary power, propane heaters are in operation to raise the interior’s ambient temperature in preparation for the gymnasium floor’s installation.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Potential hazards concern Legacy project

Potential environmental hazards have forced the Montana Legacy Project to put its plans for Kootenai National Forest on the back burner.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Hunting enforcement issues 'on par'

Even though general big-game hunting season wrapped up, wildlife officials are still conducting follow-ups.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Strategic planning under way for Libby Schools

With the first round of strategic planning complete, the Libby School District can now focus on its future vision.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

School officials discuss pros, cons of LEEP program

A declining student population, a decrease in state funding and an increase in staff cutbacks are among the challenges standing before the Libby Educational Enrichment Program – commonly known as LEEP.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Stakeholders striving to improve forest health

In the realm of forest management, people from all walks of life are in stride to improve forest health.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Steep, deep, cheap: Turner gears up for season

Valley viewers keep a watchful eye as snow descends the alpine elevations, anticipating winter’s approach. For some, the snow brings visions of floating on fresh powder, flowing through first tracks then stopping to admire the beautiful s-curves.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Public agencies combine efforts to oversee tennis courts

From the “City of Eagles” to the “City of Courts,” a cooperative effort between three public agencies and a nonprofit is set to serve up tennis to the Kootenai community.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

State auditor enlightens seniors on fraud

Trust – it is given and received – often an assumption without much thought. Trust can carry over into personal finances and relationships between investors and advisers.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Hunter success rates down this season

The big-game hunting season is winding down for 2008 and numbers for Region 1 in northwest Montana have declined.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Election revealed political hunger among youth

While election numbers are digested, one thing is certain – Montana youth were hungry for a vote.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

EPA uses new procedure for cleanup at park

The Environmental Protection Agency has implemented a procedural change to clean up Riverfront Park and the former export plant in what the agency identifies as Operable Unit 1.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Budgetary sigh of relief

Falling fuel prices have area schools breathing a budgetary sigh of relief.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Stewardship contracts benefit local forest

Contracting opportunities for the U.S. Forest Service and smaller logging operations are bursting onto the local scene through the Healthy Forest Restoration Act.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Hunting success picks up in week 2

While the 2008 hunting season has been slow out of the gates, weekend numbers showed an increase in hunter success.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Ranchers, wolves clash in rural Montana

A wolf pack’s search for a meal is creating problems in rural Montana.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO