First COVID-19 case detected in Lincoln County
The first area resident to contract COVID-19 had recently traveled out of state, said local health officials as they announced the disease’s presence in Lincoln County on March 25.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Governor orders schools closed
The Troy Public Schools Board of Trustees voted March 15 to close the district’s facilities just minutes before Gov. Steve Bullock ordered schools across the state closed in the face of COVID-19.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Former principal interviews for Libby superintendent job
Community members got their first glimpse this week at a potential candidate to replace outgoing Superintendent Craig Barringer — and it turned out to be a familiar face.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Coronavirus task force forms in Lincoln County
As the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus sweeping the globe a pandemic, Lincoln County health officials announced they have formed a task force to address the illness locally.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Savage pleads no contest to assaulting a peace officer
Prosecutors will drop a slew of charges against Alvin McKenzie Savage III after he pleaded no contest to a count of assault on a peace officer as part of a deal announced March 2.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Man succumbs to injuries after leading authorities on low speed chase
A man who led law enforcement officials on a chase along Farm to Market and Swede Mountain roads late Tuesday night died of apparent self-inflicted wounds at the hospital March 11.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Trego man strikes deal in domestic assault case
A Trego man accused of inflicting years of physical and mental abuse on his wife pleaded guilty to a single charge of assault with a weapon March 2 after striking a deal with prosecutors.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Morris strikes deal, pleads guilty to assault with a weapon
A Trego man accused of inflicting years of physical and mental abuse on his wife pleaded guilty to a single charge of assault with a weapon March 2 after striking a deal with prosecutors.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Preventing the spread of the flu in the community, past and present
When the Spanish Flu struck Libby, modern medicine remained in its infancy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby in the time of influenza
It began with a one paragraph news item from the other side of the country, part of a regular feature of The Western News aimed at keeping residents connected to the wider world in autumn 1918.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Donoghue receives suspended sentence for drug charge
Lincoln County District Judge Matthew Cuffe handed down a suspended three-year sentence to Kathleen Marie Donoghue on March 2 after she pleaded guilty to a single count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Ceramics shop owner offered second try at business license
Libby Mayor Brent Teske invited the owner of a proposed ceramics shop to reapply for a business license after city councilors denied her permission last month.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Local officials prepare for threat of coronavirus
Despite growing anxiety surrounding the coronavirus nationally, local health officials said the best steps residents could take likely are the most well known.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Effort to change Libby TV station selection receives support from Daines
A group of residents spearheading an effort to bring more Montana-based television stations to Lincoln County got a boost from U.S. Sen. Steve Daines’ office last week.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Munyan pleads not guilty following auto wreck
A Butte man accused of his seventh driving while under the influence incident has pleaded not guilty to the charges in Lincoln County District Court.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Surman pleads not guilty to multiple charges
A Libby woman accused of trying to flush a syringe down a Lincoln County Detention Center toilet now faces tampering with evidence and drug paraphernalia possession charges in district court.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
School resource officer proponents launch social media campaign
Education and law enforcement officials have pledged to do more legwork before asking voters to again consider hiring a resource officer for the Libby School District.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Drugs seized in raid represent large bust for local authorities
The roughly 150 grams of suspected methamphetamine seized by local law enforcement during a raid of two homes Feb. 25 represents a significant bust for Lincoln County, officials said.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Two arrested after law enforcement officials search homes
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office detectives made multiple arrests after raids of two homes Feb. 25 allegedly turned up a plethora of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Feds award $300k grant to Libby Airport for snow removal
Just weeks after officials received permission to apply for federal dollars for a new snow removal vehicle, the Libby Airport received $300,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the effort.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Basham sentenced for criminal mischief
Citing a history of alcohol-fueled brushes with law enforcement, Lincoln County District Judge Matthew Cuffe gave Bruce Alan Basham a partially suspended seven-year sentence Feb. 24.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Authorities: 'Bad blood' leads to alleged barroom assault
Three individuals arrested after an alleged barroom attack in Fortine last month pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the assault in Lincoln County District Court on Feb. 24.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Effort to change television station selection receives boost
A group of residents spearheading an effort to bring more Montana-based television stations to Lincoln County got a boost from U.S. Sen. Steve Daines’ office last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
City wins $478k grant for wastewater upgrades
Rags, gloves, grease, hair and dentures, all of it trash and all of it ending up in Libby’s wastewater system over the years.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Business district proposals headed back to city council
A pair of once controversial business district proposals are headed back before Libby City Council after the municipality’s zoning commission approved the documents during a hearing devoid of public opposition.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
McMillan to serve five years after deferred sentence revoked
Alan Lynn McMillan will serve five years in the state Department of Corrections after his deferred sentence on a criminal possession of dangerous drugs charge was revoked Feb. 10.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
City council rejects license for ceramics shop
Libby City Council voted unanimously Feb. 18 to deny a business license to a ceramics shop located on Washington Avenue in what officials described as a rare move.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Aquatics center backers now favor $12.6 million facility
Supporters of an aquatics center in Libby will ask voters to approve a mill levy adding about $30 to the bill of a taxpayer with a home valued at $200,000 to fund the facility.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
New details emerge about school resource officer proposal
Superintendent Craig Barringer told Libby District School Board members Feb. 10 that bringing a resource officer aboard would cost about $6 a year for a taxpayer with a home valued at $100,000.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby School Board approves superintendent's retirement
When the time came to approve the requested retirement of Superintendent Craig Barringer, Libby District School Board Chair Ellen Johnston had to solicit action from her colleagues.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Health board approves variance for restaurant's open-hearth fireplace
The Lincoln County Health Board gave the owners of The Shed restaurant Feb. 12 until mid-April to find a way to operate its open-hearth fireplace without violating air quality ordinances.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Board clears way for sale of Asa Wood
Reports of Asa Wood Elementary School’s sale have been greatly exaggerated.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Heritage Museum shops around for artifacts from historic area businesses
The staff at the Heritage Museum hope to showcase Libby businesses in days gone past, and to do it properly they are asking the community for help.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Suspended sentence revoked for Danelson
A Libby woman serving a suspended sentence for smuggling drugs into the Lincoln County jail in 2018 was sent to the state Department of Corrections on Feb. 10 after violating her probation.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Lowry to serve two years of sentence after probation violation
A Libby woman accused of stealing from an elderly woman in order to pay restitution to the same woman saw her suspended sentence revoked in Lincoln County District Court on Feb. 10.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby school superintendent takes Wyoming job
Libby Superintendent Craig Barringer announce his departure from the district to the school board on Feb. 10.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
County library staff report increase in circulation
Bucking the national trend, Lincoln County Public Library officials saw an increase in circulation last year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Barringer expected to depart Libby
Libby Superintendent Craig Barringer was expected to formally announce his departure from the district to the school board on Feb. 10.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby Airport board to pursue federal funds for snow equipment
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners gave Libby Airport officials permission to pursue a $300,000 federal grant to buy an all-wheel snowplow vehicle, but said the transit hub needs to work toward self-sufficiency.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Motorist charged in multivehicle crash
Libby police filed charges against one of the drivers in the multivehicle wreck that sent two to the hospital and snarled U.S. Highway 2 last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Police cite motorists for not obeying parking restriction
The Libby Police Department saw a spike in citations in January owing to widespread failure to obey the city’s snow parking restrictions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Benefield to change plea after striking deal
A Troy woman accused of stealing an opioid medication from a family friend struck a plea deal with prosecutors last month.*
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby schools to again seek funding for resource officer
School officials in Libby will ask voters to approve a resource officer at the ballot box once more.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby Nordic ski project rejected again
The Libby City Council again has nixed the Kootenai Cross Country Ski Club’s effort to garner a $25,000 grant to pave a half-mile of trail near Flower Creek.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
West pleads not guilty to assault charge in Lincoln County District Court
Kenneth Lee West maintained his innocence in Lincoln County District Court last week despite surveillance footage allegedly showing him clubbing another man in a convenience store Dec. 31.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Thorstenson receives 10-year sentence after agreeing to plea deal
Lincoln County District Judge Matthew Cuffe sentenced a Libby man to 10 years behind bars Jan. 27 after he pleaded guilty to burglary in connection with a break-in on Lakeshore Drive in the fall.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Isotex Health wins state grant amid legal trouble
Lincoln County Port Authority officials will take a wait-and-see approach to administering a state grant won by Isotex Health given the company’s sudden legal troubles.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Defendant in DUI case arrested after failing drug, alcohol tests
A Columbia Falls woman facing multiple charges after allegedly driving under the influence last year saw her bond revoked in Lincoln County District Court on Jan. 27 after allegedly skipping and failing mandatory drug tests.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Man accused of killing cat sentenced for criminal endangerment
A Libby man accused of shooting a cat in a residential neighborhood last summer received a deferred, two-year sentence in Lincoln County District Court on Jan. 27.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
County employee cleared of allegations
A Lincoln County employee accused of misusing her time on the job to advocate against a local cross-country ski project has been cleared of wrongdoing, officials said.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
McCormick given deferred sentence
A Eureka man who pleaded guilty to a strangulation charge in December received a deferred, two-year sentence in Lincoln County District Court on Jan. 27.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Legal woes mounting for Libby hemp startup
Lincoln County District Judge Matthew Cuffe has intervened in the ongoing fallout between Isotex and the company that owns the property housing the hemp processing facility, issuing a temporary restraining order against the startup.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Legal woes mounting for hemp startup Isotex
Lincoln County District Judge Matthew Cuffe intervened in the ongoing fallout between Isotex and the company that owns the property housing the hemp processing facility, issuing a temporary restraining order against the startup.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Ski club head demands investigation into county employee
The head of the local cross-country ski club wants Lincoln County commissioners to investigate a public employee after she raised concerns about the group’s infrastructure projects.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Turning the dial from Spokane to Missoula
Tired of getting television news from out of state? Lincoln County resident Joel Cobb is and he wants to change that.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Business district vote scheduled for March
The decision to create two controversial business districts in Libby will not go before city council until March at the earliest.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council OKs sewer rate hike
Libby City Councilors approved higher sewer water rates Jan. 21, but not before making an 11th hour change after residents complained the proposed fee schedule unfairly penalized them for summertime water consumption.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Cross-country ski project rejected for second time in weeks
Libby City Council again nixed the Kootenai Cross Country Ski Club’s effort to garner a $25,000 grant to pave a half-mile of trail near Flower Creek on Jan. 21.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Jury finds Troy man guilty of criminal mischief
A Lincoln County jury found Bruce Alan Basham of Troy guilty Jan. 15 of felony criminal mischief for his role in an attack on a homeless man over accusations of a stolen lawnmower.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Market study finds demand for assisted living in Libby
The Libby area is ripe for another assisted living facility, according to a market study conducted after a potential buyer for the shuttered Asa Wood Elementary School approached local officials with a plan to repurpose the property.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
West accused of clubbing man in Eureka store
Authorities arrested a Eureka man after he allegedly struck, unprovoked, another man in the head with a billy club inside a local convenience store on New Year’s Eve.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Zoning board reviews plans for business districts
Libby’s newly appointed zoning commissioners tweaked twin proposals for controversial business improvement districts within city limits Jan. 14, but not without reservations.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Libby man arrested after kicking Amtrak employee
A Libby man faces assault and resisting arrest charges for allegedly attacking an Amtrak employee after being denied entry onto a train New Year’s Eve.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Butte man in district court for seventh DUI charge
A Butte man with a history of driving under the influence faces multiple charges in Lincoln County District Court after authorities say he crashed his vehicle while driving drunk on U.S. Highway 2 in November.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Davis receives deferred sentence for attempted theft
A Kalispell woman arrested after her boyfriend admitted their roles in a self-storage theft ring received a deferred, three-year sentence in Lincoln County District Court on Jan. 6.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Sentence revocation sought for Lyght
Authorities seek to revoke the deferred, three-year sentence of a Libby woman who pleaded guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs late last year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
McCormick pleads guilty after reaching deal with prosecutors
Christopher Lee McCormick, 52, pleaded guilty to a strangulation charge in Lincoln County District Court as part of a deal with prosecutors late last month.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Mental health center returns to county
More than two years after state budget cuts forced the Western Montana Mental Health Center out of Libby, the organization is returning to Lincoln County.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
City council delays action on proposed Flower Creek projects
Libby City Council held off on several proposed improvements to the Flower Creek area Jan. 6 after residents voiced concern about the effect of construction on the municipal water supply.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Sigea reaches plea deal with prosecutors on burglary charge
A Libby man already serving three years for drug and paraphernalia possession pleaded guilty to a single count of burglary in Lincoln County District Court on Dec. 30.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
County commissioners to lobby governor on land deal
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners is working with the Montana Forest Collaborative Network in petitioning Gov. Steve Bullock for help retaining access to a vast swath of land up for private sale.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Carver arraigned on drug, theft charges
Alicia Dawn Carver, 28, pleaded not guilty to theft, criminal possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia in Lincoln County District Court on Jan. 6.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Thorstenson pleads guilty to burglary
Jeremy Charles Thorstenson pleaded guilty to a single count of burglary for breaking into a Lakeshore Drive summer home earlier in the year as part of an agreement with prosecutors.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
County health officials to enforce state vape ban
Local enforcement of the state’s emergency, 120-day ban on the sale of flavored vaping products has fallen to the Lincoln County Health Department.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Adkison faces drug possession charges after arrest
A Libby man was arraigned Dec. 30 on drug possession charges after Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies caught him with methamphetamine, a pipe and more than $1,000 in cash.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Alleged U.S. Army deserter held in Lincoln County
Authorities in Lincoln County are holding a 68-year-old man accused of being a Vietnam Era U.S. Army deserter.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Terry given 20 years for drug distribution
A Libby man convicted on four counts of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs was sentenced to 20 years behind bars Dec. 27.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Thorstenson pleads not guilty to burglary, theft charges
A Libby man faces burglary and theft charges after allegedly squatting in a Lakeshore Drive vacation home earlier this year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
County commissioners approve $848,000 for emergency services
A major upgrade of Lincoln County’s emergency communications and records systems will cost $848,000, slightly less than law enforcement officials originally estimated.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Woman faces drug, theft charges after sheriff's deputies locate stolen car
A Libby woman faces a slew of charges after Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies found her in a stolen vehicle outside of an Avenue B home Dec. 22.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Car stolen in Kalispell recovered in Libby
A Libby woman faces a slew of charges after Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies found her in a stolen vehicle outside of an Avenue B home Dec. 22.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Weyerhaeuser land buyer seeks to assuage fears
A law firm representing the potential new owner of 630,000 acres of prime timberland sought to allay growing concerns about future access to the property over the weekend.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Hearing set for sewer rate increase
Libby City Council set aside Jan. 21 for a public hearing on proposed sewer rate increases.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Business owner offers to restore city wreaths
A local business owner has volunteered to take over the upkeep and hanging of holiday wreaths around Libby after city officials deemed the tradition too expensive and time consuming.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Pedestrian killed after being struck by car
A pedestrian died after stepping in front of a vehicle near Mile Marker 20 on State Highway 56 on Dec. 21, say Montana Highway Patrol officials.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Man dead in traffic accident near Troy
A pedestrian died after stepping in front of a vehicle near Mile Marker 20 on Montana Highway 56 in Lincoln County near Troy on Saturday, according to Montana Highway Patrol officials.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Pomeroy pleads not guilty to drunk driving charges
Adriane L. Pomeroy, 42, of Libby pleaded not guilty Dec. 16 to multiple charges stemming from her arrest for allegedly driving under the influence in late November.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Sigea sentenced for possession charges
Dylan Tanner Sigea will serve three years of a five-year sentence after being caught by law enforcement with a plethora of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia in 2018.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Peck: Weyerhaeuser land sale a 'disaster' for county
A “disaster,” is how Lincoln County Commissioner Mark Peck described the potential sale of 630,000 acres of timberland in northwest Montana.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Greenchain enjoy fourth place finish at annual Bob Kinney Classic
Senior Trey Thompson led a young, but hungry Libby Greenchain squad to a fourth place finish overall at the Bob Kinney Classic in Superior on Dec. 14.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
City council establishes new zoning commission
Meet the new board, same as the old board.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Fire officials investigate deadly blaze
A mobile home fire that left one person and seven dogs dead over the weekend remains under investigation by Libby fire officials.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Lady Loggers win under new head coach; boys top Troy
The Lady Loggers cruised to a 56-12 victory over Troy on Dec. 12, but senior Syd Gier said the final score belied the pressure the squad felt heading into their home opener.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Evidence of wolves lacking in Libby
Despite following up on various sightings and other reports, Montana State Game Warden Tamie Laverdure-Fitchett has no new evidence of wolves operating within Libby city limits.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
End of an era for Nordicfest
Nordicfest is no more.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Casazza arraigned on mulitple charges
A Eureka man accused of trying to escape police custody last month was arraigned on criminal possession of dangerous drugs and tampering with evidence charges in Lincoln County District Court on Dec. 9.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Mocko receives suspended sentence for drug charge
Teresa Carr Mocko will serve two years of a suspended five-year sentence after pleading guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs in Lincoln County District Court.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Structure fire in Libby leaves one dead
A structure fire on Kootenai Vista Road left one person dead Sunday, fire officials said.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
One dead after structure fire on Kootenai Vista Road
A structure fire on Kootenai Vista Road left at least one person dead Sunday, fire officials said.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Libby ambulance spurns county talks
Discussions about the future of emergency medical services in Lincoln County hit a snag last week after Libby Volunteer Ambulance Service withdrew from the talks.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Moe changes plea in assault case
Kenneth Marvin Moe pleaded guilty to a single felony charge of criminal endangerment following a fight in March that left his then girlfriend in intensive care.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Knight to serve three years on drug charge
District Court Judge Matthew Cuffe handed a three-year sentence down to Kaylynn Knight on Dec. 9 for criminal possession of dangerous drugs after she struck a deal with prosecutors.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Libby ponders what to do about troublesome turkeys
Libby officials are embarking on an effort to create a wildlife management plan that addresses a creature that residents and authorities alike describe as messy, aggressive and occasionally violent: the wild turkey.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Hitchhiker arraigned on drug, paraphernalia charges
A homeless woman who hitchhiked a ride to Libby with her two dogs before refusing to get out of the motorist’s vehicle now faces multiple drug possession charges.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Loggers' Trey Thompson shines in Owen Invitational
Trey Thompson led the way for the Libby Loggers at the Owen Invitational wrestling tournament over the weekend, placing first in his weight class.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Wildlife management plan to address turkey troubles
Libby officials are embarking on an effort to create a wildlife management plan that addresses a creature that residents and authorities alike describe as messy, aggressive and occasionally violent: the wild turkey.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Court rules Hornback must abide by plea agreement
After unsuccessfully attempting to withdraw from a plea deal struck with prosecutors in 1988, Robert Hornback must abide by the parole restrictions of the arrangement following a Dec. 3 ruling in Lincoln County District Court.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Habitat for Humanity seeks new applicants
The Kootenai Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity is looking for a family in need of housing.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Neff to depart city planning board
Libby Planning Board member Gary Neff has resigned ahead of his reappointment to the committee.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Fee proposed for Libby businesses behind on annual license renewals
Failing to renew a business license with City Hall may soon hit Libby merchants in the pocketbook.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Candidate selected to run county
Although not yet official, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners is prepared to select Troy resident Patrick McFadden as the new county administrator.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Keffer pleads not guilty to assault, child endangerement charges
James Douglas Keffer pleaded not guilty to charges of aggressive assault and endangering the welfare of a child in Lincoln County District Court on Dec. 2.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Police: Reed tampered with witnesses
A Libby man arrested for allegedly strangling and assaulting his girlfriend now faces a witness tampering charge after authorities said he tried to convince the victim to recant her statement to law enforcement.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Bassett charged with possession, intent to distribute
A 27-year-old Libby man faces drug possession and intent to distribute charges after authorities found hydrocodone pills and a kilo of dab marijuana in his vehicle during a Nov. 9 traffic stop.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Governor's grizzly advisory council meets for third time
Gov. Steve Bullock’s Grizzly Bear Advisory Council will meet in Missoula on Dec. 4 and 5 to discus conflict prevention, interagency responses, and education and outreach efforts.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Trust lands bring in nearly $46m for schools
State land generated $45,980,220 for public K-12 schools in 2019, state officials announced last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Officials: Hunting numbers up over last year
More hunters in the northwest section of the state are taking home game than last year so far this season, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials announced last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
State park fees may increase next year
Officials with Montana State Parks are looking for public feedback on a proposal to raise fees for outdoor recreational activities.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Gentry pleads not guilty to multiple charges
Khristafer Gentry, 34, of Libby pleaded not guilty to multiple drug and assault charges Nov. 18 after authorities arrested him following an alleged fight with a former girlfriend last month.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Authorities locate missing Troy man
A missing local man was found and returned home safely Nov. 21, officials said.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Officials weigh higher sewer rates in Libby
The Libby Water and Sewer Committee is proposing increasing sewer rates in the coming year despite criticism that the process lacked transparency.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Zoning commission sought in Libby
Libby may soon get a zoning commission.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Johnson given suspended sentence
A Lake County man who admitted a role in the attempted theft of property from a self-storage facility in Eureka received a suspended two-year sentence Nov. 18.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Logger legend inducted into Grizzlies Hall of Fame
Vince Huntsberger cannot help but admit the oddity of being honored for his individual achievements.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Kootenai Falls swinging bridge structurally sound
The Kootenai Falls swinging bridge remains safe to use, say U.S. Forest Service officials.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Cabinet Peaks Clinic earns national recognition
The National Rural Accountable Care Consortium has recognized Cabinet Peaks Clinic Family Medicine as an exemplary practice, officials announced last month.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Shooting of grizzly under investigation
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials are investigating a claim by a hunter that he shot and killed a grizzly bear near Eureka in self-defense Nov. 7
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Health officials bemoan lack of veterinary services
Lincoln County health officials say a lack of veterinary services in the area is adding to the space crunch at animal shelters.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Initiative targets county business owners
Job Service Libby officials are launching an outreach effort aimed at making local businesses aware of resources and funding available to area entrepreneurs.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Shooting reveals allegations of years of abuse
A Trego man is being held on a $500,000 bond on assault with a weapon charges after his wife shot him following years of alleged threats and abuse at his hands.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Locomotives steamroll Loggers in playoff game
The Laurel Locomotives dashed Libby’s postseason aspirations Nov. 9, rumbling over the Loggers for a 50-0 win in the second round of the Class A football playoffs.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Crews extinguish house fire
Libby officials said the spontaneous ignition of a pile of oily rags likely led to a house fire on Louisiana Avenue on Nov. 7.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Abuse alleged after shooting in Trego
A Trego man is being held on a $500,000 bond on assault with a weapon charges after his wife shot him following years of alleged threats and abuse at his hands.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby City Council approves study for assisted living facility
Libby City Council agreed Nov. 4 to pitch in for a market study as part of the potential sale of Asa Wood Elementary School and conversion into a senior assisted living facility.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Mocko agrees to plea deal
Teresa C. Mocko, 59, of Eureka pleaded guilty to a felony count of possession of dangerous drugs in Lincoln County District Court on Nov. 4
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Knight changes plea to guilty
Kaylynn L. Knight, 20, pleaded guilty to one felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs in Lincoln County District Court on Nov. 4.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Kanzler receives deferred sentence
Lincoln County District Judge Matthew Cuffe handed down a deferred, five-year sentence to Kenneth M. Kanzler, 43, on Nov. 4
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Lincoln County out of compliance with federal flood program
Shape up or face penalties — that’s the message Lincoln County board of commissioners got from state and federal emergency management officials tasked with overseeing the National Flood Insurance Program.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Loggers axe Maroons in playoff opener
After a neck-and-neck first half, the Libby Loggers stiffened defensively to drop the Butte Central Maroons 49-28 in the opening round of the Class A football playoffs Nov. 2.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby eliminates Butte Central in playoff opener
The Libby Loggers axed the Butte Central Maroons in a 49-28 win in the opening round of Class A football playoffs Nov. 2.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby eliminates Butte Central in playoff opener
The Libby Loggers axed the Butte Central Maroons in a 49-28 win in the opening round of Class A football playoffs Nov. 2.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Brossman given suspended sentence
Ricky Allen Brossman Junior, 37, of Libby, will serve two suspended six-month sentences after assaulting a man in May.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Guinard given three-year sentence
Levi Robert Guinard, 41, of Troy will serve a three-year sentence for a felony charge of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
No headline
Jeremiah R. Kendall, 39, of Libby, pleaded not guilty to felony charges of aggravated assault and tampering with or fabricating evidence in connection with the alleged brutal assault of his girlfriend in 2014.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Loggers drop Broncs in mud-soaked matchup
The long threatening storm hanging over Libby Friday afternoon broke just before kickoff, letting loose a deluge upon the Loggers and their Frenchtown rivals in the final regular season game of the year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Relocated grizzly bear attacked biologist in 2018
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials stand by a decision to relocate a grizzly bear that attacked a biologist last year after it recently was caught trying to get into a barn south of Libby.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Relocated grizzly bear attacked biologist in 2018
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials stand by a decision to relocate a grizzly bear that attacked a biologist last year after it recently was caught trying to get into a barn south of Libby.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Haflich arraigned on felony assault charge
Joseph Alton Haflich, 43, of Libby was arraigned on a felony third offense partner or family member assault, causing bodily injury charge in district court Oct. 21.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Award given for stroke treatment service
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center personnel earned the Stroke Recognition Award at the Montana Hospital Association’s annual meeting last month.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Wolf sighting near park unconfirmed
Despite rumors circulating on social media, Montana State Game Warden Tamie Laverdure-Fitchett said there are no confirmed sightings of wolves near populated areas of Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Officials warn hunters against trespassing while in CWD zone
With the sale of 600 special tags for the Libby Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Wildlife Zone, Montana State Game Warden Tamie Laverdure-Fitchett is asking hunters to respect private property.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Slaughter receives suspended sentence
Charles A. Slaughter Jr., 39, will serve three years of a suspended five-year sentence for felony partner or family member assault causing bodily injury.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Officials caught, relocated grizzly bear
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) officials stand by a decision to relocate the grizzly bear that attacked a biologist last year after it recently was caught trying to get into a barn south of Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Hamilton bucks Libby Loggers
A bruising offense led the Hamilton Broncs to a 35-21 win over the Libby Loggers on Oct. 18.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Hemp facility in Libby expects to hire 120 workers
About 210 people, most from Lincoln County, have applied for jobs at Isotex Health since the hemp production company closed a deal to buy the old Stinger building in Libby on Sept. 26.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Hemp facility in Libby expects to hire 120 workers
About 210 people, most from Lincoln County, have applied for jobs at Isotex Health since the hemp production company closed a deal to buy the old Stinger building in Libby on Sept. 26.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Andreessen honored for saving child's life
For rescuing a choking boy while off duty in a Polson restaurant last spring, volunteer firefighter Ryan Andreessen earned the Montana State Fire Chiefs Association’s Citizen Life Saving award.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Firefighters douse vehicle fire
A charging car battery likely led to a fully involved automobile fire in Libby on Oct. 14, fire officials say.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Train strikes, kills grizzly cubs
Two grizzly bear cubs found dead Oct. 15 near railroad tracks southeast of Trego were struck by a train, said officials with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Isotex receives flood of local job applicants
About 210 people, most from Lincoln County, have applied for jobs at Isotex Health since the hemp production company closed a deal to buy the old Stinger building in Libby on Sept. 26.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Dillon hands Loggers first defeat
Dillon dashed any hopes for an undefeated football season in Libby with a 28-12 win over the Loggers on Friday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Hoover to serve three years for child assault
Justin Phillip Hoover, of Libby, will serve three years of a suspended five-year sentence after a jury found him guilty of assaulting his child while they gathered firewood late last year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Broadband limitations remain problematic for rural Montanans
Until financial incentives emerge to expand broadband internet access to rural communities, far-flung residents will have to go without, said MontanaSky Founder Fred Weber.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Libby man sentenced in drunken chase case
A Libby man who led local law enforcement officials on a high-speed chase while intoxicated last year will serve five years of a suspended 10-year sentence.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council tweaks business district plan
Libby city council members relaxed potential zoning regulations included in controversial proposals for two new commercial districts in town on Oct. 7.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
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