Libby volleyball bests Columbia Falls, 3-0, in away game
Libby volleyball saw a win Tuesday night against Columbia Falls, with 25 being their lucky number in a Class A volleyball conference matchup — scoring 25-18, 25-17, 25-12.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Troy School District only district in Montana to meet Healthier Schools Challenge in 2017
Troy School district recently received a silver award through the U.S Department of Agriculture Healthier Schools Challenge — the only district in Montana so awarded this year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
County aims to promote recycling to slow filling of landfill
Lincoln County is making some timely strides in improving its recycling programs — timely because in the next five to six years, the county will need to come up with approximately $2 million to create a new cell in its landfill.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Selenium a growing concern in sensitive Northwest trout streams
About five years ago, Tim Linehan of Linehan Outfitting Co. of the Yaak was fishing the Elk River in British Columbia when he caught a native westslope cutthroat trout that was missing its gill plates. That was when Linehan first learned that upstream coal mines releasing excess selenium into waterways …
HUNGRY HORSE NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Public weighs in on Libby dog ordinances at Aug. 31 meeting
Libby City Council’s Ordinance Committee has proposed abolishing the city’s breed specific ordinance and refining the vicious dog ordinance in its place, a move some opponents say does not adequately address a bigger issue — the rights of the animal.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Netflix star brings kindness speaking tour to Troy
Leon Logothetis — author of “Live, Love, Explore,” star of the Netflix series “The Kindness Diaries” and a motivational speaker — will present at Troy High School Friday, Sept. 8.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Expert advises on how to minimize problems with bears
As apples, plums and pears ripen on trees all over Lincoln County and bears move into hyperphagia — a period of heightened metabolism before hibernation — it’s time to secure garbage, fruit trees and livestock, according to a local bear expert.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby Police seek information on reportedly suicidal couple
Libby Police seek information about a Washington couple who recently stayed in a Libby motel and had previously expressed a desire to commit suicide together.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Planning for the Pacific Northwest Trail's future
On July 8, 2017, a Pacific Northwest Trail hiker named “Sockeye” wrote the following verse in a Forest Service journal located high on a pass in the Yaak: “Through biting bugs and searing heat, we’ve traveled far on weary feet, wandered through the Yaak, with good friends and a pack. …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Former addict joins Unite for Youth at state meeting to address opioid crisis
Adam Hoffman, a Troy resident and former drug user, traveled to Helena for a Montana Governor’s Office meeting addressing opioid abuse in Montana on Aug. 15.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Funding sought to install boardwalk at Ross Creek Cedars
The Three rivers Ranger district is seeking funding to improve facilities at Ross Creek Cedars nature trail, a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Consensus sought on selenium's impact
About five years ago, Tim Linehan of Linehan Outfitting Co. of the Yaak was fishing the Elk River in British Columbia when he caught a native Westslope Cutthroat trout that was missing its gill plates. That was when Linehan first learned that upstream coal mines releasing excess selenium into waterways …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby moves to class A, Troy football moves to class C
Fall sports practice has begun again in Libby and Troy high schools, both of which are experiencing some changes this year. Libby moves to class A , and Troy football moves to class C and from an 11-man team to an eight-man team.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
New swinging bridge to be wider, lower and still swinging
The replacement for the beloved suspension footbridge west of Kootenai Falls will still have the familiar swing, officials said at a recent public meeting, as well as various upgrades with safety, cost and character in mind.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby Stargazers prepare to gaze at Monday's eclipse
On Monday, Aug. 21, millions of Americans will gather along a 100-mile wide strip of land to see the first sea-to-sea total eclipse — the complete blocking out of the sun by the moon which will reveal the solar corona — in almost 100 years.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Home resource center, commercial kitchen coming to Troy area
Brooke Harris, owner of the State Line House bar at 146 Highway 2, and Heidi Junkersfeld have created a nonprofit named SPUD — social progress for underdeveloped communities — that will incorporate a community certified kitchen and a home resource store. The facilities will be located at the bar.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Troy prepares final budget for 2018
Troy’s final meeting for the 2018 budget, held Tuesday, Aug. 15, began with the task of shaving $47,000 off the general fund to correct a deficit.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby Community Garden in fifth season
It’s Libby Community Garden’s fifth year in operation, and manager Linda Alkire and garden members are constantly adding new features, art works and sculptures to the gardens, as well as enriching the soil to grow more produce.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Troy police chief asks city for under-the-influence ordinance
Troy Police Chief Katie Davis at the Aug. 9 Troy City Council meeting asked the council to consider a new ordinance to address people under the influence in public.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Annual cycling tour goes on despite smoky skies
Each of the 100 cyclists who participated in the seventh annual Le Tour de Koocanusa on Saturday, Aug. 12, which raises money for David Thompson Search and Rescue, had a story and a reason for choosing to ride 83 miles on a humid, smoky day.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Troy duo delivers donations to Eureka
Mike Vinion and Gary Britton of Troy brought donations of food and other items to firefighters and residents displaced by the Gibraltar Ridge fire in Eureka this week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council reconsidering pit bull ban
A Libby City Council ordinance committee meeting on Aug. 3 was intended to discuss an overhaul of the cemetery ordinance, but its focus turned instead to the city’s breed specific ordinance, an agenda item intended for discussion at a later date.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Troy welcomes third, and possibly last, Americorps school volunteer
Troy School District’s 2017/2018 Americorps volunteer, Haley Spurlin, is gearing up for a year as Troy High School’s college readiness and career pathways mentor amid national rumblings of complete federal cuts to the Americorps budget.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Kootenai River Stampede Rodeo reports success, looks forward to 2018
After the Kootenai River Stampede Rodeo, held at J. Neils Park in Libby Aug. 4 and 5, committee members Patty Rambo and Tricia Davis-Stacy visited The Western News for a post rodeo interview on August 7.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Riverfront Blues Festival plays this weekend in Libby
The ninth annual Riverfront Blues Festival will begin 6 p.m Friday, Aug. 11 at Riverfront Park in Libby and close after midnight Saturday with an “all-star jam”, where participating musicians come together to improvise in the spirit of traditional blues music.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
New Libby coffee shop welcoming customers
An idea in the works since March came to fruition this month with the opening of 7 Seeds Specialty Coffee at 903 Mineral Ave. in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
'Soup Bone' bares the blues on his harmonica
Last Thursday, Joan “Shelly” Barnes called The Western News to report that the previous day she had seen Billy Powell playing at Cabinet Mountain Brewery with a man named “Soup Bone” on harmonica.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Committee member promotes rodeo with passion
Patty Rambo has loved horses her whole life. Her mom would look out the kitchen window to see four-year-old Patty competently galloping past on a horse known to “bite, kick and try to rub you off on a tree.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby and Troy: A tale of two farmers markets
Farmers markets in Troy and Libby contribute economically to Lincoln County and help to build a healthy social community. But as they grow, and as more people become involved as vendors or customers, what the markets are and who they serve becomes more important — and more controversial.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby man posthumously inducted into Helena Sports Hall of Fame
Ben White of Libby on July 13 was posthumously inducted into the Helena Sports Hall of Fame for his role in the 1966 and 1968 O-Mok-See team championships in Helena.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Morrison school gets preschool funding
Troy School District has been awarded a state-funded STARS Preschool grant of $130,000 to have an in-school preschool which will cater to children ages 4 to 5.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Family-friendly triathlon is Aug. 26 in Libby
The Kootenai Valley Triathlon — consisting of a 5k run, a 7-mile paddle on the Kootenai River and a 7-mile bike ride — is set for Saturday, Aug. 26.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
City Council discusses preliminary city budget
Troy City Council members and Mayor Darren Coldwell gathered July 26 for a preliminary city budget meeting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
School district hires high schoolers for summer help
Troy School District is continuing a program this year to employ as many of its high school students as possible. On July 25 the head of maintenance, Keith Haggerty, was overseeing 12 student workers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Groups press Gov. Bullock to address selenium levels in local waters
Five coal mines operated by Teck Resources Ltd. on the Elk River in British Columbia are leaching selenium into Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River at levels that at times far exceed national standards.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
High School awarded $50,000 to upgrade heating
Troy School District was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Department of Natural Resources to connect their pellet boiler heating system to the original high school building, which is currently heated by a diesel boiler.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Local Amish family celebrates 'double cousins'
In the gathering dusk, the porch of a house on a rural road outside of Libby is weighted with a family enjoying quiet conversation and rocking babies while older children search for a kitten in the garden at the side of the house.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Twister seen near Libby likely a dust devil, meteorologist says
Friday afternoon was clear and sunny in Libby when Tim Ekstedt called The Western News at 3:30 p.m. to report seeing a tornado on his Champion Haul Road property.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Coalition aims to improve care of people in mental health crises
County health care workers and mental health providers came together July 13 to address growing concern about the care of people in mental health crises. During the meeting, a clear need for a standardized data collection system, better mental health care to prevent jail time and a way to address …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby Volunteer Fire Department seeks $50,000 grant to replace protective gear
Libby Volunteer Fire Department is applying for a $50,000 rural development grant to replace 30 sets of protective gear to comply with fire protective standards.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Summer means roof repair for Troy city, Libby school
After a heavy snow season last winter reminded people of the dangers of unstable structures, organizations around Lincoln County are using the summer months for some much needed roof repair and building maintenance.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Initial meeting held to discuss bringing YMCA to Libby
Lincoln County Public Health Nurse Riley Black is championing a new project to make Lincoln County healthier.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Sign project aims to help tourists find their way to and around Libby
The Lincoln County Port Authority has hired Vicky Soderberg of Cygnet Strategies, a Helena-based tourism planning company, to plan and carry out a sign overhaul in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Updates to solid waste regulations give county more leeway to address public health issues
The city-county Health Board on July 10 submitted to the county a draft update of solid waste regulations.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Local teacher Marv Sather publishes novel
Though it took different forms, Marv Sather has held the kernel of a novel in his mind from 1993 until about 2015, when he started seriously writing with the support of a writing group in Spokane.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Local delegation to travel to Washington, D.C. in support of Montanore mine
Community representatives from Lincoln County will travel to Washington, D.C. July 25 to ask state and federal government to approve the evaluation phase of Hecla Mining Company’s Montanore mine.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Fencing prevents both humans and bears from dumpster diving
A program to fence rural dumpster sites to keep out scavenging bears is also preventing people from misusing the sites.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby therapy business has soft chairs, big plans
When Kirsten Koenig on Feb. 6 opened Mountain Rose Counseling in Libby, she made sure to have more than pillow-soft rocking lounges for her trauma therapy clients.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby Police Department seeks city funding for officer training
The Libby Police Department aims to fulfill a state mandate to give each of its six officers 40 hours of training every two years.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Amish community expanding Farm to Market store
Looking at the unfinished frame of the 6400-square-foot expansion at Farm to Market store, manager and coowner Leona Mast smiled big as the building-to-be.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Troy's annual disc golf tournament
The disc golfers who attended Troy’s 12th annual Timberbeast tournament on June 23-24 had stamina, “folfing” from early morning until 10:30 p.m. when deep dusk settled over the a crowd of 130 participants, who came from as far away as Calgary, British Columbia. Many were returning players.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby dentist retires after 46 years
Though dentist Dr. Dick Wood, one of Libby’s longest-serving professionals, retired in March, he said Monday, June 19 that he wishes he could work for 20 more years because “it’s so cool what we’re able to do in dentistry now.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
$25,000 BNSF certification could help Port Authority site
Kootenai River Development Council is applying for a grant through Big Sky Trust Fund to certify as an industrial site 200 acres of the 420 acres of Kootenai Business Park that border the railway.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Troy welcomes new police chief, patrol officer
Troy Mayor Darren Coldwell at Wednesday’s City Council meeting swore in new Police Chief Katie Davis and new patrol officer Travis Miller.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby held 10th annual MotoX event June 17
On June 17, the Libby Millpond MX Association held it’s tenth annual MotoX event, with almost 400 people coming through the gate to see the 74 races held on the day. Along with local competitors, participants came from as far away as Nelson, British Columbia and Great Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Troy City Council amends livestock ordinance to allow chickens
Troy City Council on May 24 completed the second reading of a proposed ordinance to allow chickens within city limits, meaning the ordinance will go into effect on June 24 after a 30-day wait period.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Troy food pantry expanding access to seniors
On July 1, the Troy food pantry will expand its services to clients over the age of 60 from one visit per month to two.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Fish, Widlife and Parks hosts kids fishing day in Troy
Troy held its 15th annual kids fishing day on Saturday, June 17. Hosted by Fish, Wildlife and Parks, about 50 people found a place beside the newly stocked pond to foster a love of fishing in kids.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
County DUI task force being revived
Sindy Filler and other community members have been on a mission to revive the DUI task force in Lincoln County, a program that takes state funds gathered from DUI charges and distributes them to counties for use in drunk-driving prevention.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Young adults find ways not to move away
Assistant to the owner of a luxury guest ranch. Co-manager of a small town deli. Nail technician.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Preschool funds become available through state
For Troy parents, a lack of consistent and affordable childcare and preschool options over the last 10 years has left families with children under 5 struggling to find last-minute child care, and often suffering financially because of the high cost of child care.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Fresh face, produce coming to area food pantries
Change is afoot for Libby and Troy food pantries in the form of a new director for Troy and a move toward more fresh produce for both pantries. The latter echoes a national trend to use excess produce which may be misshapen or otherwise unsaleable yet wholly edible and nutritious.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners given update on area asbestos sites
Representatives from the EPA, DEQ and W.R. Grace attended the Lincoln County Commission meeting on Wednesday, June 7 to update the commissioners and public on asbestos sites around Libby, including the forested area and contaminated dam around the W.R. Grace mine.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
With close of animal cruelty case, animals can finally find new homes
Two poodles taken from convicted animal abuser Cathie Warren’s property last August are the 54th and 55th dogs Patti Carlson has fostered, yet their story stands out amongst all the others.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Two-time state golf champ Ryggs Johnston swings for the future
Armed with a golf club since he was two — his first one was plastic — Ryggs Johnston, a sophomore at Libby High School and state champion golfer, was seemingly born to golf.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Lincoln County completes, approves financial policy
The Lincoln County Commission approved on May 31 a series of county financial policy documents that define financial procedures from bill paying to expense accounting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
New business has slow name, fast turnaround
The Twisted Turtle, a custom printing business that opened in Libby June 1 was a long time in the making, as co-owners Michelle Barney and Jeff Holder spent five years discussing whether to expand Holder’s basement printing business into a storefront at 622 W. 6th St.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Congratulations to Libby and Troy graduates
A common theme emerged at Libby and Troy’s graduations, both held Saturday, June 3. All of the speakers shared their struggle to find a way to reframe the bittersweet initiation of graduation, a way to celebrate something that is both an end and a highly anticipated, unknown beginning.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Gov. Bullock visits Libby to sign bill combating invasive species
Gov. Steve Bullock, Sen. Chas Vincent, R-Libby, and Rep. Mike Cuffe, R-Eureka, met in Riverfront Park in Libby on Tuesday for a ceremonial signing of two bills — Senate Bill 363 (proposed by Vincent) and House Bill 622 — aimed at protecting Montana waterways from invasive species.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Busy holiday for Troy VFW
Members of the VFW in Troy gathered first at Milnor Lake cemetery at 11 a.m., then at Troy cemetery at noon and onto Boyd Cemetery in the Yaak at 2 p.m. for memorial day ceremonies on one of the warmest memorial days on record.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Deadline to apply to run for Troy mayor is June 19
With Troy Mayor Darren Coldwell’s term ending in November, Lincoln County is accepting applications for his replacement. The deadline to apply is June 19.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
In-state tuition awarded to three local students
Two Libby students and one Troy student won three out of 249 full-tuition scholarships recently announced by the Montana University System Honor Scholarship program.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Libby HS welding class certifies 100 percent
For the first time, a Libby High School welding program saw a 100 percent rate of successful certification for its 18 students — including the first two girls to be certified in the program, which is run through Flathead Valley Community College.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Troy food truck expanding to Kootenai Falls
After business woman Candy Clark placed a bid with the county to cater to the crowds who visit Kootenai Falls every summer, she was a little surprised to win it.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Local schools work out impact of federal funding cuts
Troy school district predicts its budget, to be finalized August 5, might decrease by as much as $72,000 compared to last year, while Libby school district expects its budget to change little from last year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
City of Libby seeking police commissioner
With one of its three police commissioners set to retire. the City of Libby is looking for a replacement.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Troy holds Mother's Day farmers market
A special Mother’s Day farmers market was held in Troy on Friday, May 12, kicking the market season off earlier than ever before in Troy. The season’s first official market will be held Friday, June 2 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. outside the Troy museum.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Recent break-ins likely tied with drug crime, undersheriff says
A recent spate of break-ins and attempted break-ins to storage facilities around Lincoln County has citizens concerned, while law enforcement sees the crimes as part of the bigger picture of drug use in the community.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Project OM events raise $370 for breast cancer
Alexandra “Alex” Eanes of Libby, who lost her sister, Alison Eanes Score, to inflammatory breast cancer at the age of 42, was recently inspired by a nationwide movement, Project OM, to hold events to raise money for breast cancer research and to create awareness of the disease.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Two elected to Troy school board
Troy School board welcomes two new members after a May 2 election.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Libby High School excels at state music competition
Libby High School’s music program has excelled this year, with 10 students gaining a superior rating at the state competition held at the University of Montana in Missoula on May 5 and 6.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Community Health Center's annual fundraiser a success
It’s a glittering night in Libby for a good cause — the Northwest Community Health Center’s [CHC] annual gala was held in the Memorial Events Center on Saturday night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO
Libby High School team wins business challenge
The Montana Chamber Foundation sponsors an exciting business simulation called the Montana High School Business Challenge (HSBC), and this semester Libby’s team of two, Sabra Hancock and Justin Brewer, have taken first place with a stock price of $130.15.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO
Jury says guilty in animal-cruelty trial
When Cathie Warren was served with a warrant on August 2 last year, she had on her Libby property a veritable menagerie of animals, including 53 dogs, donkeys, horses, birds, goats and cats. After members of the sheriff’s department, a veterinarian, a representative of the Humane Society and animal control …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO
Women's leadership workshop has good turnout
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to come to Libby, considering that the Montana Women’s Foundation serves the entire state,” says attendee Sindy Filler of the women’s leadership workshop held at Cabinet Peaks Brewery on Wednesday, April 19.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO
City Council halts change to marijuana law
At a Libby city council meeting on April 17, the planning board’s seven members put forward a unanimous recommendation that the city extends ordinance 1891 to allow the sale of medical marijuana within city limits.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO
Libby High School honors two graduates
“I remember coming out of the side door of what is now the memorial center with the rest of the graduates, and there are all the parents, everyone taking pictures, the same deal as it is now in many ways. And I came out of the doors and I thought: …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO
Brewers fight for bill to make more beer
Of Montana’s approximately 62 breweries, Cabinet Peaks in Libby is one of the smallest, producing only 600 barrels last year, a far cry from the 60,000 barrel maximum put forward in senate bill 541 which, if implemented as is, would dramatically increase the growth of the industry.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO
Vandals deface Libby's fish pond
After a rash of recent vandalism at Libby’s fish pond, the Port Authority and Fish, Wildlife and Parks [FWP] are looking to better monitor the area, and are also planning to limit fishing to only youth under 14. The pond, stocked and managed by FWP, is currently open to adults, …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO
Libby Community Thrift store extends thanks
“It isn’t a big store, but we feel we serve our community well.” says Marlene Nelson, who chaired the Libby Community Thrift store for 10 years.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO
Wolverine documentary screens in Troy
“They are really beautiful, they have short round ears and very soft, thick fur and a surprisingly not-weasely face. They’re cute, almost like a teddy bear, although they also have a really intense rumble that comes from deep in their throats” says Kristina Boyd, describing the wolverine, an animal in …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO
Rod and Gun Club looks for funds to rebuild
Loyalty to the Bull Lake Rod and Gun Club runs so deep that although the building collapsed under winter snow and ice, all those who had booked the site for a weekend in summer 2017 still wanted to keep their booking, even without a building on the site.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO
Community channeling grief into renovations Local elementary school dedicating improvements to lost loved ones
Troy’s elementary school is improving it’s playground for the benefit of the students and to remember lost loved ones.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Poetry contest just around the corner
Lincoln County’s annual poetry contest will open Tuesday, April 4 and close Saturday April 29, with entries being accepted at all county librarys - Libby, Troy and Eureka. Youth entries can be submitted to the front office of participating schools.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Museum gets ready for opening day
With the Heritage Museum’s opening day scheduled in a little over a month, volunteers are already busy getting everything in order — including a few new exhibits.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Local after school programs brace for budget cuts
The Federal government’s new budget proposal would cut funding to after school programs financed through 21st century grants, which come under an umbrella grant program called Community Development Block grants, and also partially fund some Meals On Wheels programs.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Shovelling to victory
Coach Milo Rogers is working with new students in the spring rain, as they practise double handed hits. “Try it” he urges “it will feel awkward at first, but just try it.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
A collaborative effort
Due to high snowfall this year, the Trojan softball team have started their spring practice on the field behind the elementary instead of their home field at Roosevelt park until the field is clear of snow. Inside a half moon of mounded up snow from a recent plowing, the team …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Daylight saving time sparks debate in Lincoln County
Most are accustomed to daylight saving changes in the spring and fall. Some grumble about the jet lagged feeling and time confusion that comes with the change, but accept it nonetheless.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Ducks Unlimited celebrating 80 years
Conservation organization Ducks Unlimited [DU] is celebrating it’s 80th year this year, and the Libby chapter will hold its much anticipated 32nd annual conservation dinner on Saturday, April 29, at 5 p.m. at the Ponderosa room in the city hall complex.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Kootenai Pets for Life seeking volunteers
Being responsible for 50 animals all at once can seem overwhelming, but for animal-lovers the task can be uplifting and relaxing. For those who enjoy spending time with animals, Kootenai Pets for Life in Libby is currently looking for volunteers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
EPA nears conclusion of years-long project
The sight of emergency shower trailers parked outside houses and crews shrouded in chemical protection masks working in yards and attics has become commonplace in Lincoln county.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Churches raises $500 for Pregnancy Crisis Center
What started as a youth abortion awareness demonstration has become a community project which involves church groups from Libby, Troy and the Yaak.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Foundation raises money to help families cope
When a family has a child who is ill or injured, or loses a child, there is very little the community can do to help them, though we may badly want to help.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Health Department improves access to vaccinations
The County Health Department is “filling the gap” to ensure everyone in Lincoln County has access to the vaccinations they need, and for the right price — free.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
County is pacesetter on weed control
Who knew Lincoln County was leading the state with its successful and respected weed program? The head of the county weed department, Dan Williams, says a combination of seeking grants to enlarge the program, using innovative bio control techniques and having supportive commissioners has contributed to the success of the …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Troy has no official animal control entity
Should you have a stray, aggressive dog on your property in Troy, a call to dispatch may yield little result. Since the last City Council rewrote the codes, an animal control officer is no longer part of the budget.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Stitching community ties
A winter pastime for many women of Lincoln County, quilting has become much more than a hobby for the members of Tender Lovin’ Quilters in Troy. The club, founded in 1993, hosted it’s annual Quilting 101 class on Saturday morning at the Troy Methodist church.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Family-run restaurant with black bear twist
Small town eateries provide a place to linger over a cup of coffee, a place to meet friends even when you didn’t know you were going to, a place to mourn, contemplate and celebrate.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Local fire chief celebrates 45 years of service
He is loved by his crew, has responded to thousands of fires throughout his career, and has no plans for retirement - even after 45 years .
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
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