Health Board presses EPA for investigation results Newly released documents shed light on inquiry into payments of attorney fees
Libby City-County Board of Health has given the Environmental Protection Agency a Dec. 1 deadline for telling it the outcome of an investigation into the improper use of EPA grant funds.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
EPA: Lincoln County owes over $105,000
The Environmental Protection Agency says Lincoln County owes it $105,697.93 following
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Suspect in Libby stabbing charged with attempted murder
Michael Borchardt Robertson, 24, of Yakima, Washington has been charged with attempted deliberate homicide for allegedly stabbing Doug Crum of Libby last Sunday afternoon.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
CARD Clinic, Foundation due $57,441, judge rules
A judge has ordered that the Center for Asbestos Related Disease Clinic and Foundation be reimbursed for some of the costs both have incurred
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Health Board presses EPA for investigation results Newly released documents shed light on inquiry into payments of attorney fees
The City-County Board of Health has given the Environmental Protection Agency a Dec. 1 deadline for telling it the outcome of an investigation into the improper use of EPA grant funds.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby man out for walk stabbed multiple times
A Libby man in his seventies was in stable condition Monday after being stabbed multiple times Sunday late afternoon while out for a walk. His suspected attacker was arrested shortly thereafter.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Man charged with attempted deliberate homicide in stabbing of Libby man
Michael Borchardt Robertson, 24, of Yakima, Washington has been charged with attempted deliberate homicide for allegedly stabbing Doug Crum of Libby last Sunday afternoon.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby man out for walk stabbed multiple times
A Libby man in his seventies was in stable condition Monday after being stabbed multiple times Sunday late afternoon while out for a walk. His suspected attacker was arrested shortly thereafter.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
No headline
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby celebrates Veterans Day 2018
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
First court hearing held in ACLU suit against Sheriff
The initial hearing in a lawsuit the American Civil Liberties Union has filed against Lincoln County Sheriff Roby Bowe was held Friday, Nov. 9 in Montana 19th Judicial District Court in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby man stable following Sunday afternoon stabbing
A Libby man in his seventies was in stable condition Monday after being stabbed multiple times Sunday late afternoon while out for a walk. His suspected attacker was arrested shortly thereafter.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Election Night 2018
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Patriotic Concert
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
ACLU suit: sheriff illegally detaining immigrant
The American Civil Liberties Union is suing Lincoln County Sheriff Roby Bowe, claiming he illegally detained a man at the request of federal officials.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
No headline
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners press for meeting with EPA regional administrator
Anxious to resolve its outstanding Libby Asbestos Superfund site concerns, the Lincoln County Commission is pressing for a meeting with Doug Benevento, Region 8 administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Latest public meetings set for county disaster plan update
The latest public meetings concerning the Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency’s five-year update of the county’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan have been scheduled.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
County approves funds to help Sheriff's Office buy two vehicles
The Lincoln County Commission Wednesday unanimously approved allocating $41,000 to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to help purchase two new vehicles.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
County attorney thrilled with new probation officer
Lincoln County Attorney Marcia Boris is “absolutely thrilled” with the out-of-the-gate performance of the county’s first probation officer, she told the County Commission on Wednesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby nixes contentious proposed zoning changes
The most contentious of proposed changes to downtown Libby zoning were struck by the city’s Ordinance Committee during its Oct. 16 meeting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby rethinking how it calculates sewer rate
Faced with ongoing sewer department deficits, the City of Libby is reconsidering how it calculates sewer rates.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby police chief briefs City Council on school threat
Libby Police Department’s investigation into a shooting threat at Libby Middle/High School is almost complete, Police Chief Scott Kessel told the Libby City Council at its Oct. 15 meeting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Sheriff's Office exploring 'aggressive' plan to refresh aging vehicle fleet
(Editor’s note: The story was updated Oct. 18 according to cost and other clarifications provided by Undersheriff Brian Griffeth.)
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
SB315 revisions seek to redefine Libby asbestos advisory team
Revisions to Senate Bill 315, which in 2017 established the Libby Asbestos Superfund Advisory Team, will be presented by the Montana Environmental Quality Council during Montana’s 2019 legislative session.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby school, police officials discuss shooting threat with parents
At a community meeting held Tuesday evening in the Libby Middle/High School gym, school officials explained why they chose not to publicly announce a threat made at the school last week, and pledged to find ways to better handle such situations in the future.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Asbestos court subpoenas strain CARD Clinic
Despite not being parties to any asbestos settlement cases, the Center for Asbestos Related Disease Clinic and Foundation since May have produced thousands of documents and hours of depositions in response to subpoenas from defense attorneys.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Asbestos court subpoenas strain CARD Clinic
Despite not being parties to any asbestos settlement cases, the Center for Asbestos Related Disease Clinic and Foundation since May have produced thousands of documents and hours of depositions in response to subpoenas from defense attorneys.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby firefighters observe Fire Prevention Week Oct. 7-13
The 96th annual Fire Prevention Week is this week — Oct. 7-13 — and Libby Volunteer Fire Department has a handful of school programs planned to teach fire safety to kids in Head Start to the fourth grade.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Officials investigating threat left in Libby Middle/High School boys room
Law enforcement and school officials since Thursday have been investigating a threatening message written in a Libby Middle/High School boys room stall.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
County leases offices from Libby
The City of Libby has approved leases for two City Hall offices that house two Lincoln County departments.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council approves amendments to city code
The Libby City Council on Oct. 1 unanimously approved three ordinances amending various sections of city code.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
County, college reach agreement on fees
Lincoln County and Flathead Valley Community College have reached an agreement on past and future fees applied to the school’s Libby campus.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Seven Bugattis en route to California stop in Libby
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Commissioner Peck receives assoc. award
Lincoln County Commissioner Mark Peck was left “almost speechless” when handed a “Communicator of the Year” award earlier this month.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Outbuilding burns in latest wildfire
One outbuilding has been burned in the latest wildfire to ignite in the Kootenai National Forest.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Sheriff commends two Libby men for catching suspects
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has recognized two Libby men for their help in apprehending two men fleeing from law enforcement on June 6.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Dozens come to hear Libby business zoning proposals
About 70 people linked with Libby businesses attended the Sept. 17 Libby City Council meeting to weigh in on proposed zoning revisions that include creating a downtown business district.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Playground dedicated to Troy woman
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
PIT maneuver stops man evading law enforcement, endangering public
A Libby man remained jailed on $300,000 bond Thursday after a Monday evening incident that began when he refused to pull over for a deputy and ended after three law enforcement vehicles were damaged while stopping him.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Remembering fallen first responders on 9/11
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Lincoln County, City of Libby adopt FY2019 budgets
After holding public hearings where no one from the public came to be heard, the City of Libby and Lincoln County passed fiscal year 2019 budgets last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council proposes amendments to municipal code in three ordinances
Kristin Smith, Libby City Council Ordinance Committee chair, introduced three ordinances proposing amendments to various sections of city code at the council's Sept. 4 meeting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Carved with a tool of the trade
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
County's first probation officer sworn in
Vanessa Williamson of Troy was sworn in Friday, Aug. 31, as Lincoln County’s first probation officer.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Wildfires' growth slows, while containments tick up
Sterling Complex
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
County to get $150,000 to bolster border security
Lincoln County is one of 14 Montana counties set to receive funding this year to help combat drug trafficking and other law enforcement issues along the state’s border with Canada.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
About $700K cut from county budget – again
For the second consecutive fiscal year, the Lincoln County budget is shaping up to be roughly $700,000 less than the previous year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Mental Health First Aid course is Sept. 14
Lincoln County Public Health will hold a Mental Health First Aid course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 14. The training enables people to recognize when someone might be showing early signs of a mental health crisis or suicidal behavior.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Fire restrictions end
Stage II fire restrictions throughout Lincoln County, including the Kootenai National Forest and the City of Libby, were rescinded by 12:01 a.m. today, though fire officials noted that forest vegetation remains dry and the wildfire season has not yet ended.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Firefighters make progress on area wildfires as weather cooperates
Gold Hill
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Libby woman named top county fair exhibitor
Jennie LaFond of Libby was named 2018 Exhibitor of the Year at the Lincoln County Fair, after winning 52 ribbons out of 62 items entered.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Biologist reflects on grizzly bear attack and her own recovery
Keep going. Don’t stop. Get back into the field when you can.
HUNGRY HORSE NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Wet, cooler weather tempers wildfire activity
Cooler weekend temperatures and Sunday’s rain had the desired effect on the Tenmile, Sterling Complex and Davis fires, lessening fire activity, increasing containment in most cases and causing some pre-evacuation orders to be lifted.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Libby firefighters respond to Farm to Market Road
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Aug. 20 meeting highlights
Libby City Council met Monday, Aug. 20.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
County expands forester role
Lincoln County has expanded the role of county forester, making it a full-time staff position and filling it with a familiar face.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Gold Hill fire growth prompts community meeting
Gold Hill fire
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby High senior worked on FAA project at MSU
A Libby High School senior spent a month of his summer vacation at Montana State University in Bozeman, working alongside college students on a research project partly funded by the Federal Aviation Administration.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
10th annual event has best mix yet, director says
Though high temps and wildfire smoke might have caused a dip in attendance, the 10th annual Riverfront Blues Festival held in Libby last Friday and Saturday was successful, organizers and artists say.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Festival program awards four area students
Four Lincoln County students were beneficiaries this year of “Connecting Kids with Music,” a Riverfront Blues Festival program that annually awards musical instruments or scholarships to area youths.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
U.S. Senate candidate stops in Libby
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Sewing boot camp
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Davis fire grows 14x larger since Friday
The Davis fire grew by almost four times Friday to Saturday and then by almost three times Saturday to Sunday, before growing more slowly into Monday, when fire officials estimated its size at 5,479 acres and containment at 5 percent.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Promoting the 2018 Lincoln County Fair
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Injured researcher recounts May 17 grizzly encounter in Cabinet Mountains
Keep going. Don’t stop. Get back into the field when you can.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
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Montana Highway Patrol is investigating whether a medical emergency
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council highlights
Police commissioner named
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby 16-year-old boy injured in Highway 37 collision
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
BNSF certifies Libby business park
Kootenai Business Park is now one of only about 20 sites nationwide to be certified through a four-year-old BNSF Railway program.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby man struck by car, killed on Highway 2
A Libby man who appeared to have been lying in Highway 2 near Kootenai Falls was killed early Thursday after being struck by a car.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
City residents can soon keep chickens
Having chickens within Libby city limits will soon be allowed, with the Libby City Council’s unanimous approval of Ordinance 1922 on Aug. 6.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Tenmile fire: 663 acres, 15 percent contained
The Tenmile fire was 663 acres and 15 percent contained Thursday, following a day in which firefighters made “good progress,” according to an incident report.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Davis fire acreage, Porcupine fire containment increase
The Davis fire grew in acreage and the Porcupine in percent contained since Tuesday, as the the Type II Incident Management Team overseeing both fires began moving resources from the latter to the former.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby 'most charming small town' in state, says Reader's Digest
Libby is the most charming small town in Montana,
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Tenmile fire is 525 acres, 20 percent contained
The Tenmile fire was reported to be 525 acres and 20 percent contained Monday morning, following cooler weather and helicopter water drops over the weekend that enabled firefighters to strengthen fire lines.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Lightning-caused fires keeping firefighters busy
Firefighters made good progress overall this week as they dealt with more than 20 remote wildland fires started last weekend by lightning. But though many of the smaller fires had been contained and controlled by Thursday, three larger fires remained active and promised to keep resources busy for the coming …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Highway 37 fire 80 percent contained
The Highway 37 fire remained at 70 acres while containment increased from 60 percent on Monday to 80 percent Thursday, the U.S. Forest Service reported.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Mine cleanup stopped pending court hearing
(Editor’s note: The story and headline were updated 12:52 p.m. Aug. 3 to clarify that some, not all, reclamation work was stopped pending the court hearing.)
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
County declares fire emergency
The Lincoln County Commission Wednesday declared a state of emergency due to fire conditions and activity, a move that readies the county for requesting emergency funds if necessary.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Highway 37 fire 60 percent contained
The Highway 37 fire remained mapped at 70 acres while containment increased from 40 percent to 60 percent following a Monday morning infrared flight that showed “minimum heat on the fire.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Sen. Tester visits Libby to meet with local officials
Broadband internet and natural gas were among the infrastructure concerns local officials discussed with Sen. Jon Tester at a meeting in Libby on Friday, July 27.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby boy's yard sale raises almost $1,400 for cancer support group
Thanks to the generous spirit of a nine-year-old Libby boy, what could have been a typical yard sale raised almost $1,400 for the cancer support group his great-grandmother co-founded.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
One of 20 remote lightning-caused fires reaches 150-200 acres Monday
One of 20 fires caused by lightning in remote parts of the Kootenai National Forest over the weekend grew to 150-200 acres by Monday afternoon, prompting the planned closure of roads and trails near that and at least one other fire.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Public so far not at risk of asbestos exposure, but some firefighters might be
Despite its proximity to the former W.R. Grace mine,
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Highway 37 fire Good weather, steady air attack limit spread, but risk remains
Favorable conditions and steady air support so far have helped control the Highway 37 fire north of Libby, but certain limited resources and upcoming hot, dry and windy weather mean firefighting could last a month.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby adopts Public Information Policy
The Libby City Council on July 16 adopted a Public Information Policy that defines costs and other aspects regarding the disclosure of public documents.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby planning board to unveil proposed zoning changes
The Libby City Planning Board is holding an open house 6 p.m. Monday, July 23, at City Hall to introduce proposed revisions both to city zoning districts and the city zoning map.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby wildfire consumes 30 acres by Thursday evening
A wildfire four miles northwest of Libby reached 30 acres in less than three hours Thursday afternoon, potentially threatening power transmission lines and requiring the precautionary deployment of a specially trained and equipped firefighting team as the fire moved to within 1.5 miles of a former vermiculite mine.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Zulu fire First notable wildfire of season 50 percent contained Thursday
The area’s first notable wildfire of 2018 was reported about 50 percent contained Thursday morning, following two days of zero growth and a sustained air and ground attack.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
2 fighting wildfire taken to hospital
Two firefighters assigned to the lightning-caused Zulu Fire in the Yaak were injured Tuesday evening — one suffering from heat exhaustion, the other from a “pre-existing condition” — and flown to regional hospitals.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
2 fighting wildfire taken to hospital
Two firefighters assigned to the lightning-caused Zulu Fire in the Yaak were injured Tuesday evening — one suffering from heat exhaustion, the other from a “pre-existing condition” — and flown to regional hospitals.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
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Two firefighters assigned to the lightning-caused Zulu fire in the Yaak were injured Tuesday evening — one suffering from heat exhaustion, the other from a “pre-existing condition” — and flown to regional hospitals.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
County joins class action PILT lawsuit
The Lincoln County Commission on June 11 unanimously agreed to join a class action lawsuit that seeks to recover additional payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) for fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017 — years in which a federal claims court has determined insufficient funds were paid.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Asbestos advisory team struggles to fill job
The Libby Asbestos Superfund Advisory Team still struggles to fill a staff position that its local members assert should pay more than what the state is offering.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Idaho man hurt in boating collision on Bull Lake
A kayaker reported hit by a motor boat on Bull Lake Friday night was flown to Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene and released the following day.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Trash fire at landfill
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Western News becomes newspaper of public record
The Lincoln County Commission on July 11 chose The Western News as the county’s newspaper of public record for fiscal year 2019, replacing The Montanian.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Two motorcyclists killed in weekend crashes in Lincoln County
A Kalispell woman and an Idaho man were killed in two motorcycle crashes in Lincoln County over the weekend.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council recap
The Libby City Council met Monday, July 2.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Flipping for the Fourth of July in Troy
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Bull Lake Storage
Michael Dunn and Tracy Nicely have opened Bull Lake Storage at 9690 Bull Lake Rd. in Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Job opening, timeline dominate meeting
The Libby Asbestos Superfund Advisory Team, established in Senate Bill 315,
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Port Authority board interviews business law firm
Two attorneys with a Great Falls law firm experienced in complex transactions interviewed June 25 with the Lincoln County Port Authority board, as it seeks legal counsel to help develop the 400-acre site.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
County might join class action PILT lawsuit
Lincoln County might join a class action lawsuit that seeks to recover additional payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) for fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017 — years in which a federal claims court has determined insufficient funds were paid.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Agency reviewing protocol following grizzly bear attack
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reviewing safety protocols following the grizzly bear attack of one of its seasonal employees in the Cabinet Mountains south of Libby in May.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Dozens celebrate life of Happys Inn man
Over a hundred people gathered at the Kickin Horse Saloon and Eatery in Happys Inn Saturday
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
2018 Libby Logger Days: Saturday
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
FWP: No need to find grizzly involved in May attack south of Libby
Wildlife officials aren’t looking for
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Asbestos advisory team meets Thursday in Libby
The Libby Asbestos Superfund Advisory Team, outlined in Senate Bill 315 and
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Retiring Libby High teacher aims to write area's history
A year shy of having taught for 30 years, an anniversary some might hold out for, Libby High School history teacher Jeff Gruber said that now “just felt right” to retire.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Retiring Libby High teacher aims to write area's history
A year shy of having taught for 30 years, an anniversary some might hold out for, Libby High School history teacher Jeff Gruber said that now “just felt right” to retire.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Minding Our Business Libby's Aunt T's Coffee Corner has new owners
Mati Bishop and Randa Holm have assumed ownership of Aunt T’s Coffee Corner, which has been open for business at 417 Mineral Ave. in Libby for almost two years.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Ski club gets conditional OK for new building on land it leases from Libby
The Kootenai Cross County Ski Club was granted permission Monday to put a building on land it leases from the City of Libby, contingent on the signing of a new lease agreement the City Council tabled that night so changes could be made.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby's Riverfront Blues Festival turns ten
Despite a ten-year anniversary, no major changes are expected for Libby’s Riverfront Blues Festival this year — just more of what one longtime organizer said is “such a primal, emotional kind of music.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Retiring Libby High teacher aims to write area's history
A year shy of having taught for 30 years, an anniversary some might hold out for, Libby High School history teacher Jeff Gruber said that now “just felt right” to retire.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Aspiring opera singer, Libby teen to perform on famous Australian stage
Mikalyn Zeiler, a Libby High School soon-to-be-senior with dreams of singing in operas, will perform July 21 at the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia, alongside dozens of aspiring young vocalists and musicians from across the globe.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby transparency week attracts little public interest
The City of Libby’s first “Transparency in Government” week went mostly unnoticed by residents, but it passed muster with the person whose office mandated it.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Couple grows hobby garden into small-scale Hoot Owl Farm
Bonnie and Rudy Geber, in 2011, bought a 20-ish acre plot of land off Highway 37, northeast of Jennings, not intending to farm it. They wanted an off-grid, self-built home of their own, they said, in the woods and solar powered.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Still no ID of bear that attacked woman
The investigation into
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
New sheriff, commissioner chosen
Lincoln County voters in Tuesday’s primary election effectively chose a new sheriff and District No. 3 commissioner, two races in which the Republican incumbents were opposed only from within their own party.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council approves changes to parking regulations
Libby City Council on Monday approved the second reading of Ordinance 1916, which revises parts of the city’s parking code.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
City of Libby announces transparency week events
The City of Libby on Thursday announced two events taking place during its inaugural “Transparency in Government Week” from June 4 to June 8.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Western News readers help east coast boy learn about Montana
Thanks in part to the generosity and passion of some Western News readers, a North Carolina fourth-grader recently got an “A” on his social studies project about Montana.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Fire district adds 120 properties
The Lincoln County Rural Fire District has expanded its boundaries to include an additional 120 properties.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
In Memoriam
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Libby seeks two for police commission
Libby Police Chief Scott Kessel seeks applicants from a “good cross section of the community” to fill the two openings on the city’s three-member Police Commission.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
A send-off for Libby choir seniors
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Victim of bear attack identified
A local spokesperson for the state agency investigating a bear attack that occurred in the Cabinet Mountains May 17 said Thursday that because the investigation is ongoing he could provide no information beyond what the agency released May 18.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
County Commission approves three payroll-related resolutions
The Lincoln County Commission on May 16 approved three resolutions pertaining to the county payroll, effective July 1.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Libby seeks ideas for improving transparency, accessibility
If you have any ideas for how the City of Libby can improve its transparency and accessibility, the City Council wants to hear them.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Libby named 1 of 25 'opportunity zones' in state
The City of Libby
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
County set to receive $4.1 million from Forest Service
Lincoln County will soon receive $4.1 million in payments from the U.S. Forest Service, thanks to reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools program.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Libby nixes $50 overnight parking tickets downtown
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Former Libby High principal retiring for good after 39 years
Rik Rewerts ended his 39-year teaching career by burning out.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Troy boy, 11, is state finalist in Google contest
An 11-year-old boy from Troy came one step closer last week to having his artwork appear on Google, when a drawing he rendered in colored pencil was announced as Montana’s winning entry in the annual Doodle 4 Google competition.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Search for armed man ends when body is found
A long day of searching the Happys Inn area for a man considered armed and dangerous ended shortly after 6 p.m. Wednesday when he was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Hecla complaint against DEQ moved to Helena
The fate of a complaint Hecla Mining Company filed in Lincoln County against the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and its director, Tom Livers, will now be determined in Lewis and Clark County.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Ceremony honors past, present Libby High scholars
This year’s National Honor Society induction ceremony at Libby High School was filled with hope, humor and humility, with the two brothers named to the school’s Distinguished Graduate Hall of Fame also given the honor of addressing the 10 students chosen this year to enter the society.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Birds of prey celebrated at annual Libby Dam event
Birds of Prey Northwest, the Idaho-based raptor rehabilitation and educational nonprofit that presented at Libby Dam for the seventh consecutive year on Saturday, had more to celebrate this year than the seven birds it brought along to share with the public.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Long-standing trees felled for safety
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Touring schools in support of mental health
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Commission approves first reading of 4 ordinances
A months-long effort by the Lincoln County Clerk and Recorder’s Office to revamp the handling of resolutions and ordinances — a task Commissioner Mark Peck described as “the horse-barn cleaning of government work” — came one step closer to completion Wednesday when the County Commission approved the first reading of …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Giant racquet honors community tennis supporter
A memorial to late Libby resident and community tennis supporter Rich Thompson has been erected between the tennis courts he helped build.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Port to pay past due Stinger property taxes, penalities, interest
The Lincoln County Port Authority Board agreed last week to pay off hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes, penalties and interest that have accrued since 2012 on the Stinger Welding property.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Libby Tree Board seeks participation on Arbor Day - and beyond
Friday’s Arbor Day celebration in Libby roughly coincides with a local tree-related anniversary — the city’s 25th year as a Tree City USA community, a feat made possible in part by the all-volunteer Libby Tree Board.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Health officials update E. coli advisory, statistics
Health officials late last week expanded a health advisory related to a multi-state E. coli outbreak, now stating that consumers should throw out all types of romaine lettuce sourced from Yuma, Arizona.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Tree house
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Libby VFW post to get additional street parking
Thanks to a 5-0 Libby City Council vote on April 16, Libby VFW Post No. 1548 will be able to add 12-15 curbside parking spaces, including at least twice the handicapped spaces it currently has.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Sunday swims
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Libby Council narrowly OKs two rec development items
In a pair of identical 3-2 votes at its April 16 meeting, the Libby City Council approved two related items about recreational development in the Libby area.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Libby man commended for serving his country, community
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Hecla complaint against DEQ moved to Helena
The fate of a complaint Hecla Mining Company
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Sen. Daines asks EPA to ensure Libby residents not pay for future cleanup
Sen. Steve Daines on Thursday sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of Libby, asking the agency to ensure that local government or homeowners are not held liable for future cleanup costs related to the Asbestos Superfund site.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Rob Dufficy appointed to Libby City Council
The Libby City Council once again has six full seats with the appointment of Rob Dufficy, who fills the opening created
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Libby High School Distinguished Graduate Hall of Fame Fennessy brothers to be inducted Monday night
Brothers Terry Fennessy and Timothy Fennessy — the former a retired Air Force and FedEx pilot, the latter a superior court judge — have been chosen for the Libby High School Distinguished Graduate Hall of Fame.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Sheriff's Office to enforce animal control
Starting next week, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office will take over animal control enforcement for the county from the Health Department.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
From tomatoes to Jimmy Buffett Libby trucker recounts life on the road
Libby-based trucker Mike Mason has shifted up in the world. He began his career hauling tomatoes in Southern California. Now he’s touring with Jimmy Buffett.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Sen. Steve Daines visits Libby on Saturday
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Rotary basketball results
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Little Guy wrestlers place 1st at state
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Libby students meet with senator in Washington, D.C.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Commission expresses 'dismay' with governor
The Lincoln County Commission recently wrote Gov. Steve Bullock to “express our disappointment and dismay” with a state agency’s action against Hecla Mining Co. and its CEO, Phillips S. Baker.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Celebrating Ray Eanes' birthday, volunteerism
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Lincoln County seeks dozens to be election judges
With the approach of this year’s primary and general elections, Lincoln County is looking for people to commit to being an election judge on both election days — June 5 and Nov. 6.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Chimney fire
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
'Huge turnout' benefits choir's upcoming trip to Idaho
The Libby Children’s Select Choir raised about $4,300 at a dinner and auction held Friday night to benefit its upcoming trip to a competition in Idaho.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
56 legislators urge state to drop action against Hecla Mining Co.
Fifty-six legislators have made clear how they feel about a state agency’s action against a company and its leader trying to develop two mines near Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Gas tax proceeds to help fix wildfire-damaged road
Lincoln County will apply gas tax proceeds resulting from 2017 legislation toward repairing a portion of West Kootenai Road.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Two men caught flying drugs into Libby sentenced
The two Libby men authorities caught
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Fire district petitions to annex 120 properties
The Lincoln County Commission has accepted petitions to annex 120 properties to the Lincoln County Rural Fire District.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Aiming to impress
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Vacancy persists on Libby planning board
The City of Libby still seeks applicants — heck, even just one — to fill a city planning board vacancy announced Feb. 20.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Instilling civic-mindedness
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
AT&T says local 'transport issues' caused problems
The service problems that area AT&T wireless customers faced late last week have been resolved and were due to issues with the company’s local service provider, a company spokesperson said Thursday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Blue moon
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
County adopts guidelines for resolutions and ordinances
The Lincoln County Commission has adopted a resolution about resolutions (and ordinances, too).
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
County spending down $1.5 million compared to last year
Three-quarters of the way through the current fiscal year, Lincoln County has spent almost $1.5 million less than it had at the same time last year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Customers contribute to Libby woman's citizenship dream
A local woman’s journey toward citizenship was made smoother recently by the generosity of customers she waits on at Cabinet Mountain Brewing Company in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Libby school board chooses new elementary principal
The successor to
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Congratulations to sibling artists Yoseph and Ani Vick
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Medical Center reports two recent baby booms
The Obstetrics Department at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center recently had a couple of short-term baby booms, with four born in 12 hours one week and three in four hours the next.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Congress renews Secure Rural Schools funds for two years
Congress late last week reauthorized Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding for two years, which Lincoln County Administrator Darren Coldwell said is good news for Lincoln County’s road budget.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Hecla Mining Co. files complaint against DEQ
Hecla Mining Company has filed a Complaint for Declaratory Judgment and Injunctive Relief against the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and its director, following that agency’s decision that the mining company and its CEO
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Logger journalists win dozen awards at Missoula conference
Libby Logger journalists collected 12 awards at a journalism conference Thursday at the University of Montana in Missoula for their work on the Tamarack, Libby High School’s student newspaper.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Area students win annual poster contest
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Hugh Taylor appointed to Libby City Council
Following two rounds of applications and interviews —
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
EPA awards its Libby team with gold medal for ROD
The Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded its Libby team a “Gold Medal for Exceptional Service” for its work on the sitewide Record of Decision (ROD) for the Libby Asbestos Superfund site.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Local AT&T wireless service issue being fixed, company says
AT&T has been working in recent days to fix a problem that has caused some area wireless customers to complain on Facebook about service issues.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
DEQ says Hecla Mining Company, CEO violating act State has 'misinterpreted the statute,' says company official
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality on Tuesday notified Hecla Mining Company and its CEO that they are in violation of Montana’s Metal Mine Reclamation Act and have 30 days to provide a notice of intent to comply, a DEQ news release states.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby City Councilman Gary Armstrong resigns
(Editor’s note: The story was updated at 10:57 a.m. Wednesday to include comment from Libby Mayor Brent Teske.)
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Special elections canceled after too few people file
The special district elections scheduled for May 8 have been canceled and a handful of candidates for various boards elected by acclamation after too few people filed for the available openings.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
EPA's refusal to fix failed Libby Creek bank riles commissioner
Lincoln County Commissioner Mark Peck said the county is “taking off the gloves” in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s unwillingness to repair a bank of Libby Creek that the agency rebuilt in 2009 and has since failed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Dozens out sick from schools
Well over 100 students, teachers and paraprofessionals were out sick from Libby schools at the end of last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
County commissioner among panelists at Idaho collaborative conference
A Lincoln County commissioner is among the panelists appearing next week at a two-day conference in Idaho that organizers say aims “to achieve a collaborative vision for the future of our public forests.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Four apply for vacant Libby City Council seat Applicants include three previously turned down
Answering a second call for applicants to fill the Libby City Council seat
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
County's response to mental health center closure falling into place
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Funding, steering committee dominate advisory team meeting
The Libby Asbestos Superfund Advisory Team
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
County exploring federal re-investment program for low-income census areas
Lincoln County is looking into an economic development program targeting low-income community census tracts, of which four in the county — including the City of Libby — are eligible.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby chainsaw artist to carve, teach at Carv-a-Palooza in April
In April, Libby artist Ron Adamson will travel to Muirkirk, Ontario for
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby City Council did not neglect its duties, city attorney says
The Libby City Council did not neglect its duties Feb. 20 when it failed to nominate
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Firm chosen to oversee SK Fingerjoint fire cleanup
A firm has been selected to oversee the cleanup of asbestos-containing material, or ACM, left behind after much of the SK Fingerjoint complex in Libby’s Kootenai Business Park
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Asbestos advisory team meets Thursday in Libby
The Libby Asbestos Superfund Advisory Team, outlined in Senate Bill 315 and
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Public health emergency still 'No. 1 concern' Health board sends second letter to EPA about status
The Lincoln City-County Board of Health has drafted a second letter to the Environmental Protection Agency in response to comments it says agency staff have made regarding Libby’s public health emergency designation.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Two chosen to fill out Port Authority board Commissioners encourage other applicants to reapply for future board, committee openings
The Lincoln County Commission has chosen two men out of nine applicants to join them in governing the Lincoln County Port Authority, and encouraged the other seven to sit tight and reapply as future opportunities emerge.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
'All those years' Libby restaurant's wall of portraits honors service members
What started as nine portraits hung in honor of one family’s military service has grown into a “Wall of Honor” at Simple Simon’s Pizza in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Port to form loan review board Loans available from long-term, low-interest USDA program
The Lincoln County Port Authority aims to assemble a three-person board to help oversee its USDA-backed loan program.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Lincoln County Port Authority pays off Stinger Welding grant
The Lincoln County Port Authority has paid $141,586.20 to close a grant awarded years ago to Stinger Welding that failed to create the jobs it was contingent on, despite an expansion of its guidelines and seven extensions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
CHC's newest family doctor leads new prenatal group class
Northwest Community Health Center in Libby has introduced a new model of prenatal care, headed up by the center’s newest family practitioner.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Engineers present early drafts of updated water, wastewater reports to Libby City Council
Representatives from the two Kalispell engineering firms preparing preliminary engineering reports on water and sewer systems for the City of Libby gave a progress report to the City Council before its Feb. 20 meeting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Board vacancies filled, announced at Libby City Council meeting
Two board vacancies were filled and a new one announced at the Feb. 20 meeting of the Libby City Council.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Nine apply for two openings on Port Authority board
Lincoln County Clerk and Recorder Robin Benson on Wednesday, Feb. 21 presented the County Commission with nine applications for two open seats on the recently restructured, five-member Port Authority governing board.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
City-County Health board to EPA: Include community in talks of public health emergency status
The Lincoln City-County Board of Health recently drafted a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency in response to comments it says agency staff have been making regarding Libby’s public health emergency designation.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Council interviews three to fill vacant council seat, nominates none
The Libby City Council on Feb. 20 nominated no one to fill a council vacancy, a move that irked
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Legal budget exhausted, health board seeks more money
Having already exhausted its budget for attorney’s fees for the fiscal year ending June 30, the Lincoln City-County Board of Health seeks additional funds from the county.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Legal budget exhausted, health board seeks more money
Having already exhausted its budget for attorney’s fees for the fiscal year ending June 30, the Lincoln City-County Board of Health seeks additional funds from the county.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Legal budget depleted, health board seeks more money from county
Having already exhausted its budget for attorney’s fees for the fiscal year ending June 30, the Lincoln City-County Board of Health seeks additional funds from the county.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
EPA investigation 'giving rise to litigation,' attorney says
The status of an Environmental Protection Agency investigation into Lincoln County’s
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Commissioner apprises senator's staff of county's position on future Superfund cleanup costs
Lincoln County Commissioner Mark Peck recently met with Sen. Jon Tester’s staff to apprise them of
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Special delivery on Valentine's Day
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Seven Libby schools resignations include five retirements
The Libby Public Schools board at its Feb. 12 meeting accepted resignations from seven people, five of whom are retiring.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Three apply for vacant seat on Libby City Council
Three Libby men applied to fill the Libby City Council seat
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
EPA files 140 notices of area property owners refusing access
The Environmental Protection Agency recently filed with the county 140 letters indicating the refusal of property owners to allow the agency any access or continued access for investigations associated with the Libby Asbestos Superfund site.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Congratulations Allie Coldwell
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Proposed rules revisions include process for appointing council members
The Libby City Council spent about 45 minutes of its Feb. 5 meeting working on revisions to its rules of procedure, which include a new section on filling council vacancies.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council adopts revised definition of 'vicious dog' in city's municipal code
The Libby City Council on Feb. 5 voted 5-0 to adopt Ordinance 1912, which revises the definition of “vicious dog” in Chapter 7.04.020 of the city’s municipal code.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Port staff gets county officials up-to-speed with 400-acre site
While county officials await the formation of
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Lincoln County Commissioners say they haven't set out to ban medical marijuana
For the third consecutive week, the Lincoln County Commission at its Jan. 31 meeting tried to calm the fears of medical marijuana proponents who had been speaking out or showing solidarity during periods of public comment, worried that the commissioners were planning to ban medical marijuana sales in Lincoln County.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
County asserts position that residents will not bear burden of future cleanup
A position statement recently prepared by a City-County Board of Health committee regarding the operation and maintenance phase of the Libby Asbestos Superfund site was a milestone.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Libby Volunteer Fire Dept. gets $15,000 to purchase new radios
Libby Volunteer Fire Department will soon purchase much-needed new radio equipment thanks to a $15,000 Montana Wildfire Relief Fund grant — the largest individual grant recently issued by the fund, which the Montana Community Foundation and Montana Television Network established in September 2017 following the state’s highly active wildfire season.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sheriff's Office commends county IT director for role in rebuilding 911 system
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office recently recognized the County’s IT director for his role in rebuilding the 911 system.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Four Libby students chosen to sing in honor choirs at Oregon conference
The recent selection of four Libby students to sing in honors choirs at an upcoming regional conference has their choral instructor exclaiming “Go Loggers!”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Tuesday workshop to get county commissioners, staff up-to-speed with the Port
Lincoln County has scheduled a workshop to bring county commissioners and staff up-to-speed with the Lincoln County Port Authority’s operations as it seeks applicants for two openings on the Port’s new governing board.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Undersheriff Huff takes IT job at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center
Lincoln County Undersheriff Sgt. Brandon Huff has resigned from his role at the Sheriff’s Office to return to a career in information technology, a field he worked in for 15 years before joining the force about 7 years ago.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Cotton candy at the Care Center
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
New board to address financial liabilities on Stinger Welding property
One of the first tasks for
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council to seek background checks of potential appointees
The Libby City Council is fast-tracking revisions to policies and procedures — including those related to appointing council members — following the Jan. 19 resignation of Angel Ford.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Facing diminishing reserves, County may propose levy to fund road department
As the $14 million cash reserve that funds the County Road Department dwindles, the Lincoln County Commission has set out in earnest to find a new funding source before the reserves are depleted.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Lincoln County Commission creates new Port Authority governing body
With a 3-0 vote, the Lincoln County Commission on Wednesday approved a resolution to restructure the board that governs the Lincoln County Port Authority in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Libby councilor says 'political pressure' led to resignation
Libby City Councilor Angel Ford resigned Jan. 19 due to “mounting political pressure” from Libby residents and media concerning past legal issues.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Libby councilor says 'political pressure' led to resignation
Libby City Councilor Angel Ford resigned Jan. 19 due to “mounting political pressure” from Libby residents and media concerning past legal issues.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby 'wayfinding' sign projects gets $85,355 state tourism grant
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby Chamber banquet a spirited, sold-out affair
The Libby Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual award and fundraising banquet, held Saturday at the Libby Memorial Events Center, was a high-spirited and sold-out event filled with good food, fun games and recognition for local businesses and individuals.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Angel Ford resigns from Libby City Council seat
Angel Ford resigned from the Libby City Council Friday night due to “mounting political pressure” from Libby residents and media concerning past legal issues.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council repeals controversial 'pit bull ban'
With a 5-1 vote of the Libby City Council Monday, Jan. 15, the city’s so-called “pit bull ban” was lifted.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Ford fined in 2005 for campaign postcard mailed under opponent's name
Libby City Council member Angel Ford was fined $2,500 in November 2005 for failing to disclose that she sponsored and paid for campaign postcards she mailed that election season while running for city council in Hoquiam, Washington.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Council member Ford's story of ID theft, credit card fraud conviction differs from police, son's accounts
Libby City Council member Angel Ford is publicly defending a 2011 conviction of felony identity theft in Oregon as an unfortunate result of a family favor gone awry.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
No word on when EPA review of use of grant funds will end
An Environmental Protection Agency review into the disbursement of grant funds the Lincoln County Commission requested in May 2016 continues, with no word on when it might end.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
City of Libby, state disagree over blame for sidewalk snafu
Letters Libby officials sent to the state expressing displeasure at the outcome of
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Man sentenced for collision that killed Troy woman
Richard Gene Davidson of Libby was sentenced in 19th Judicial District Court Jan. 5 for his role in a March 2017 collision in which Laura Cooper of Troy was killed.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Man sentenced for collision that killed Troy woman
Richard Gene Davidson of Libby was sentenced in 19th Judicial District Court Jan. 5 for his role in a March 2017 collision in which Laura Cooper of Troy was killed.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby man sentenced to 20 years for collision that killed Laura Cooper of Troy
Richard Gene Davidson of Libby was sentenced in 19th Judicial District Court Jan. 5 for his role in
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
County landfill seeks new markets for recyclables
Following a
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
County Commission starts discussing medical marijuana
The Lincoln County Commission at its Jan. 3 meeting began what it anticipates will be ongoing discussions about how the county might address the regulation of medical marijuana.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council discusses what to do with '940 credit'
A discussion begun at the Dec. 6 meeting of the Libby City Council’s water and sewer committee — about redirecting a monthly customer credit toward infrastructure projects — was continued at Tuesday night’s meeting of the entire council, where Mayor Brent Teske encouraged residents to discuss the issue with their …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Western Montana Mental Health Center Facility's abrupt closure leaves county officials, health care providers scrambling to fill the void
Local government agencies and healthcare facilities are scrambling to fill the void created by the abrupt year-end closure of Western Montana Mental Health Center’s Libby facility, which had been providing evaluation, case management and other mental health services to residents and county government alike.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby's newest cop sworn in
Libby Mayor Brent Teske swore in Cody DeWitt, 29, as Libby’s newest police officer at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Chinese ban halts local plastics recycling
A decision made earlier this year by the world’s most populous country has affected Northwestern Montana, causing Lincoln County to no longer be able to accept recyclable plastics.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
A work in progress
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Software error thought to have caused apparant drop in Libby's sewer revenue is likely fixed
After about 18 months of going back-and-forth with its accounting and billing software provider, Libby city officials believe they finally have fixed an issue that caused sewer revenues to appear to decline — an issue officials attribute to the provider and say caused them to lay off an employee.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby Area Chamber of Commerce Missing certificates prompt Sheriff's investigation, revised protocols Outstanding 'Libby Bucks' must be validated by Chamber by March 1 to remain usable
After discovering an unknown number of its “Libby Bucks” had gone missing, the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce this week announced it had notified the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and is revamping the decades-old program intended to boost local spending.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
UM study quantifies wildfires' impact on Montana tourism
The impact of the 2017 wildfire season on Montana’s visitor economy was even worse than one tourism official expected.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy swears in new mayor, City Council members
A new mayor and two new City Council members were sworn in Wednesday night in Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Woman charged in husband's shooting death
A Libby woman faces charges of deliberate homicide and evidence tampering in connection with her husband’s shooting death.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Woman charged in husband's shooting death
A Libby woman faces charges of deliberate homicide and evidence tampering in connection with her husband’s shooting death.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
2017 in Review Some of the top local stories from January to June
January
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Libby woman charged with deliberate homicide, evidence tampering in shooting death of husband
A Libby woman faces charges of deliberate homicide and evidence tampering in connection with
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Casual Friday, Christmas-style
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Two Libby men caught flying drugs into Libby sign plea agreements
The two Libby men authorities caught
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Closing asbestos trust donates to Libby's Food Pantry, Senior Center
A trust set up in 2012 to help provide medical benefits to people diagnosed with asbestos-related disease has been exhausted — but not before it could also help two local organizations in time for Christmas.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Turner Mountain Ski Area opens for season Tuesday
Here’s a Christmas gift for snow sports enthusiasts: Turner Mountain Ski Area opens for the season on Tuesday, Dec. 26 and will remain open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., through New Year’s Day.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Fifth-annual 'Shop With a Cop' the biggest one yet, organizer says
The area’s fifth annual “Shop With a Cop” event on Tuesday was the biggest yet, serving more than 30 children and involving dozens of law enforcement personnel and volunteers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Shooting death of Libby man investigated
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the Sunday night shooting death of a Libby man.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Shooting death of Libby man investigated
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the Sunday night shooting death of a Libby man.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Sheriff's Office investigating shooting death of Libby man
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the Sunday night shooting death of a Libby man whose wife faces one count of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, a felony, in connection with the incident.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Troy man pleads not guilty to four counts stemming from Dirty Shame Saloon incident
A Troy man on Monday pleaded not guilty in Montana 19th Judicial District Court in Libby to two felony counts and two misdemeanors stemming from a Nov. 25 incident at the Dirty Shame Saloon in Yaak in which he allegedly threatened owner John Runkle both verbally and with a firearm.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Libby dispensary to open grow facility, storefront in Kalispell
When the owners of Libby’s sole medical marijuana dispensary recently went looking to expand their grow facilities, they had no plans of opening another store.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Troy JHS/HS winter concert
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Hecla mining official testifies at U.S. Senate hearing
A Hecla Mining Company official on Tuesday testified in Washington, D.C. at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources that discussed the federal permitting process for mining and other energy and resource infrastructure projects.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
County continues talks on how to restructure Port Authority
The Lincoln County Commission at its Wednesday meeting continued discussing the restructuring of the Lincoln County Port Authority, the quasi-governmental organization the county created in 2003 to develop the 400-acre former Stimson Lumber Company site in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Libby may repurpose customer credit for infrastructure projects
A monthly credit on Libby water customers’ bills might be replaced as soon as January so the city can raise seed money for much-needed water and sewer infrastructure projects.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Task force to look at developing 45 acres around Libby fish pond
A task force is convening to determine how to develop for recreational use about 45 acres around the Libby fish pond that the Lincoln County Port Authority says is unsuitable for commercial or industrial use.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Libby medical marijuana provider, lawmaker oppose proposed regulations
Medical marijuana providers and patients in Montana say proposed regulatory actions would place considerable cost and time burdens on them.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Lincoln County to reassess Port Authority structure
In the wake of a Nov. 9 meeting about redeveloping the 400-acre Lincoln County Port Authority site in Libby — as well as ongoing concerns from residents and potential entrepreneurs — the Lincoln County Commission recently signaled it’s time to restructure management of the Port Authority to improve the site’s …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Two Superfund site units move toward partial deletion
Two portions of the Libby Asbestos Superfund site continue to move toward removal from the National Priorities List in a process known as a partial deletion, officials from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency told the Lincoln County Commission on Nov. 29.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
County, coalition sign collaborative agreement
An agreement the Lincoln County Commission signed Nov. 29 might be unique in Montana.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
A different spin on yarn
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Former Stinger Welding facility offered for $3.415 million
The building that once housed Stinger Welding in Libby’s Kootenai Business Park
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
New manager announced for Asbestos Resource Program
Lincoln County has named a replacement for the outgoing manager of the Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Seven Lincoln County students win photo contest to see lighting of tree, meet with officials in Washington, D.C.
As the the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree on Monday ended its journey from the Kootenai National Forest to Washington, D.C., seven juniors and seniors from Lincoln County’s three high schools were eagerly anticipating their upcoming trip to see it being lit.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Libby All Conference Volleyball Stars
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
County approves snow removal policy, ordinance
In recent weeks the Lincoln County Commission approved a policy and an ordinance that pertain to snow removal activities.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Election by acclamation can save thousands for communities
Thanks to the 2017 Montana Legislature, four Lincoln County communities saved what an election officials said was a “considerable” amount of money this year when seven candidates for municipal office ran unopposed and were elected by acclamation.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Medical Center physician appointed to Health Board
The Lincoln County Commission on Nov. 15 unanimously approved the appointment of Sara Huddleston to the Lincoln County Health Board, which a week earlier had unanimously approved her application for the position.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Beware of jury-duty scam, county court clerk warns
A local court official said “it is probably just a matter of time” before a jury-duty scam reported happening in Missoula County occurs in Lincoln County.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
New search and rescue gear
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Asbestos Resource Program manager accepts job with Hecla
Nick Raines, manager of the Lincoln County
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Bears attracted to improperly disposed carcasses, expert warns
Improperly disposed deer carcasses have been attracting bears too close to human habitation, a local bear expert warns.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Agreement reached on former Stinger Welding building
After roughly six months of outside-of-court mediation, the Lincoln County Port Authority and Fisher Industries are ready to seek a buyer for the building that once housed Stinger Welding.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Sheriff's Office: Arson not the cause of SK Fingerjoint fire in Libby
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has concluded its part of the investigation into what caused the Nov. 5 fire at SK Fingerjoint in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Troy City Council member Dallas Carr elected mayor
Troy City Council member Dallas Carr was elected Tuesday to a four-year term as Mayor of Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Three incumbents elected to remain on Libby City Council
Sitting Libby City Council members Gary Beach, Gary Armstrong and Kristin Smith on Tuesday were elected to retain their seats.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Eagles eyes
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Troy nonprofit seeks two board members, holds first fundraiser on Saturday
A Troy-area nonprofit is looking for two more board members as its first fundraiser approaches.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
20 left jobless after fire destroys Libby mill
A blaze that kept firefighters busy for 18 hours beginning Sunday afternoon destroyed two buildings in Libby’s Kootenai Business Park and has left about 18-20 people out of work, officials say.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Mill fire delivers 'devastating' blow
A blaze that kept firefighters busy for 18 hours beginning Sunday afternoon destroyed two buildings in Libby’s Kootenai Business Park and has left about 18 to 20 people out of work, officials say.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Mill fire delivers 'devastating' blow
A blaze that kept firefighters busy for 18 hours beginning Sunday afternoon destroyed two buildings in Libby’s Kootenai Business Park and has left about 18 to 20 people out of work, officials say.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby fire officials exploring annexation of stretch of Kootenai River Road
Libby fire officials seek to gauge public support for the annexation of the area along Kootenai River Road from Bobtail Creek to Bighorn Terrace.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Tester calls for NPA official to hold public sessions in Libby, elsewhere in Montana
A week after U.S. Sen. Jon Tester called on the EPA’s new regional administrator to hold public listening sessions while in Montana this week, that administrator reported having taken steps in that direction.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Groups ask DEQ to suspend state permits for proposed Montanore, Rock Creek mines
A handful of conservation groups have asked the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to suspend state permits for two mines Hecla Mining Company has proposed near Libby and Noxon.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Highway 37 crash injures three
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Open enrollment starts Wednesday
Open enrollment for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act is from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15. The Northwest Community Health Center is encouraging people who want help navigating the insurance marketplace to schedule an appointment with Teresa Chandler, the center’s certified application counselor.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Boys behind Monday morning bomb threat at Troy school, Sheriff says
Authorities believe young boys are behind a bomb threat Monday morning that cleared W.F. Morrison Elementary in Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby Chamber urges updating of federal act to address its abuse
The Libby Chamber of Commerce is urging Montana’s federal congressional leaders to push for updating the Equal Access To Justice Act, which many allege has evolved beyond its original intent to the point of being abused.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Q&A with the candidates
In anticipation of Election Day, The Western News posed seven questions to the three candidates for mayor of Troy. One candidate — Dallas Carr — is a current council member. The other two candidates are Charles Ekstedt and Chris Penner.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Judge denies Trevor Mercier's motion for new trial
District Judge Matt Cuffe on Oct. 23 denied Trevor Mercier’s motion for a new trial in the October 2016 death of Sheena Devine, court records show.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Public comment sought on proposal to salvage and sell fire-killed timber
A proposal to harvest timber from land affected by the Caribou fire — for which public comment is sought — is a good sign, says a Lincoln County Commissioner.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Fire Relief Jamboree at Libby Memorial Events Center
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
A scary song and dance for a good cause
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Agency issues first bi-weekly update to apprise community of its efforts
An email Bruce Vincent received from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Oct. 18 was “big news” as much for the fact that it was sent as for what it contained, the local economic development consultant said.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Face painting for fire relief
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Three Lincoln County men are Forestry Pioneer Award winners
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation recently chose three Lincoln County men — two posthumously — as Forestry Pioneer Award winners, honoring them at an Oct. 17 event in Missoula.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
A frightful fundraiser at K.W. Maki Theatre in Libby
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
2017 Troy Mayoral Election
In anticipation of Election Day, The Western News posed seven questions to the three candidates for mayor of Troy. One candidate — Dallas Carr — is a current council member. The other two candidates are Charles Ekstedt and Chris Penner. Ekstedt did not respond by press deadline.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
No headline
In anticipation of Election Day, The Western News posed seven questions to the four candidates for the three open seats on the City Council. Three candidates — Kristin Smith, Gary Armstrong and Gary Beach — are current council members. The fourth, Arlen Magill, sits on the Police Commission. The questions …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
State website compiles resources for disaster recovery Libby Chamber among local grant recipients,receives $5,000 for winter campaign
The Libby Area Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 15 was awarded a grant made available as part of a state effort to help minimize the economic impact of the summer’s wildfires.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Two Libby men face charges for flying drugs into the area
Hugh Shawgo and Michael Norton of Libby face federal drug charges after authorities on Sept. 13 caught them flying Spokane-sourced drugs into Lincoln County Airport.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby Chamber hosting City Council candidates forum Monday
Libby voters on Monday can meet and ask questions of the four people running for three open seats on the City Council at a forum hosted by the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Saturday jamboree in Libby to raise money to assist wildfire victims Event is part of a Disaster Relief for Montana effort that's so far raised $20,000
A fundraiser for disaster victims — in particular, people affected by recent area wildfires — happening this weekend in Libby has a little bit for everybody.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby senior named a 'Commended Student'
Logan Christensen, a Libby High School senior, recently was named a “Commended Student” in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program, one of about 34,000 students so recognized nationwide.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Convicted murderer sentenced to life
Trevor Mercier, the Libby man convicted Aug. 10 of deliberate homicide in the October 2016 death of Sheena Devine, was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Convicted murderer sentenced to life
Trevor Mercier, the Libby man convicted Aug. 10 of deliberate homicide in the October 2016 death of Sheena Devine, was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Trevor Mercier gets life sentence with no parole
Trevor Mercier, the Libby man convicted Aug. 10 of deliberate homicide in the October 2016 death of Sheena Devine, was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Bodies of Washington man, woman found near Troy
The bodies of Carol Jean Bruce, 71, and Bruce Henry Hulsman, 79, of Aberdeen, Washington, a reportedly suicidal couple last seen in Libby in August, were found Monday near Keeler Mountain in Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Most acres burned since 1930s, says forest official
Seventy-five wildfires have burned 85,000 acres in the Kootenai National Forest this season — the most acres scorched since at least the 1930s.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Health center granted $175,700 to fight opioid crisis
A recent grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration will help a Libby-area health facility face the opioid overdose crisis.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
No headline
The news was an early Christmas gift: the West Fork and other area wildfires spared “The People’s Tree” — the Kootenai National Forest tree chosen to be this year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas tree.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Burn mosaic
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council member finds home within city limits
After months of looking for a new home within Libby city limits, City Council member Brian Zimmerman had good news to report at Monday’s meeting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council agrees to settlement, resolution to close case
With two 5-0 votes of the Libby City Council Monday night, the city closed a case in which Montana’s former Commissioner of Political Practices determined that state campaign finance laws were violated during Libby’s 2013 mayoral election.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby police already putting new training budget to good use
The Libby Police Department has wasted no time in putting to use its new training budget.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Snowplow with deicer handy for winter
In preparation for winter, the city of Libby recently purchased two surplus plow trucks from the state, including one that can also deice roads.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
County declines to pay more for sidewalk project
The Lincoln County Commission on Sept. 27 declined a request by the City of Libby to increase its contribution to a sidewalk project that came in over cost and under scope.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby chamber receives safety grant
The Libby Area Chamber of Commerce can soon install an ADA-accessible deck and safety railing thanks in part to the civic-mindedness of Flathead Electric Cooperative customers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Holdout property owners have only two more chances for EPA testing, cleaning
People who have refused to allow the Environmental Protection Agency to inspect their properties for asbestos contamination or to clean up after its discovery will have two final chances to change their minds, a local EPA official told the Lincoln County Commission on Sept. 27.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Son of former police chief charged with murder in Texas
Asa Coker, 19, son of former Libby Police Chief Clayton Coker, was arrested Sunday in Paris, Texas on suspicion of murder.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Son of former police chief charged with murder in Texas
Asa Coker, 19, son of former Libby Police Chief Clayton Coker, was arrested Sunday in Paris, Texas on suspicion of murder.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Son of former Libby police chief arrested on suspicion of murder in Texas
Asa Coker, 19, son of former Libby Police Chief Clayton Coker, was arrested Sunday in Paris, Texas on suspicion of murder.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
A son remembered on Gold Star Mother's Day
The last Sunday in September is a special day for For Karla Colclough of Libby, even though it means she is something no mother wants to be.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Lady Loggers remain undefeated in volleyball
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Rains decrease fire activity and help firefighters increase containment
What a difference a rainy day can make — or, as the case has been this week, multiple rainy days — when it comes to wildfires.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Libby Volunteer Fire Department awarded $50,000 equipment grant
The Libby Volunteer Fire Department was recently awarded a $50,000 grant to help purchase new equipment.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Libby medical marijuana ordinance voted down
An ordinance to allow and regulate medical marijuana dispensaries within Libby city limits was recently voted down after months of being worked out in committee meetings and despite being based on recommendations previously made by the city planning board.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Libby sets planning services fees
The Libby City Council at its Monday, Sept. 18 meeting adopted Resolution 1903, which sets a fee schedule for city planning purposes.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Libby chamber writes letter of support for proposed mines
The Libby Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 15 released a letter of support for two mines being proposed by Hecla Mining Company.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
West Fork and Moose Peak fires 'It looks like our summer fire season has been shut down' Firefighters welcome rain and resources as county winds down call center
The West Fork fire isn’t out yet, but with the change in the weather, the steady arrival of resources and the diminishing threat to structures, some aspects of fire operations are winding down — two daily fire briefings are ending, for example, and the emergency operations center is no longer …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
'At the crossroad of rustic and refined'
This weekend’s chainsaw carving event in Libby is a first for local artist Ron Adamson. Though he’s carved commissioned work and other pieces with the gas-powered tool, he’s never competed with a chainsaw in his hands.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Resources trickle in as cooler temps, higher humidity are expected to 'moderate fire activity'
By Thursday the West Fork fire north of Libby had reached 16,840 acres in size, but for the first time there was a number — 10 percent — associated with its containment due to firefighter’s efforts in the lower Bobtail Road area, a fact sheet states.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
WEST FORK AND MOOSE PEAK FIRES Relief after weekend winds milder than expected, yet cause for caution remains Firefighting resources still sought as both fires continue to grow
As wildfire smoke continued to dissipate from Libby skies Monday, a sense of relief filled the air in its place after worst-case-scenario, fire-fanning winds failed to materialize over the weekend.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Evacuations ordered for areas near planned burns for West Fork fire Residents could be allowed home as soon as Sunday
A few days after management of the West Fork fire was assumed by Rocky Mountain Area Incident Management Blue Team, the number of personnel assigned to the fire had grown to 139, its acreage had increased to 7,337 and containment remained at zero percent, according to a Thursday morning fact …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
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News of progress on each of the most threatening wildfires facing Lincoln County has been positive the past couple days — the Caribou’s
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
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A day after the Rocky Mountain Area Incident Management Blue Team
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
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The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has announced that 10 homes and 30 outbuildings have been destroyed by
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
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UPDATE 11:32 p.m.: Story updated to reflect cancellation of planned burning of vegetation.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Dozens of structures lost in Caribou Fire
At least 10 homes and 30 other buildings in an Amish community near the Canadian border burned in the Caribou Fire on Saturday. Residents left before the fire reached the homes, Lincoln County sheriff Roby Bowe said.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Dozens of structures lost in Caribou Fire
At least 10 homes and 30 other buildings in an Amish community near the Canadian border burned in the Caribou Fire on Saturday. Residents left before the fire reached the homes, Lincoln County sheriff Roby Bowe said.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
West Fork Fire forces new evacuations, road closures
The
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Caribou fire approaches 17,000 acres Monday as evacuations, pre-evacuations remain in effect
After doubling in size from Saturday to Sunday, moving 8 miles in two and a half days, destroying an unknown number of structures and causing evacuations, the Caribou fire reached 16,812 acres in size by Monday morning.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Lincoln County opens emergency operations center in wake of wildfires
In response to the wildfires contained within Lincoln County’s borders, officials on Sunday opened an emergency operations center in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
New evacuations, pre-evacuations as West Fork fire reaches 3,679 acres
The West Fork fire reached 3,679 acres Monday morning and caused new evacuations to be ordered, pre-evacuations to be given and roads to remain closed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
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About 200 people attended a 4 p.m. Sunday public meeting in the Libby High School gymnasium, where officials discussed the status of three wildfires —
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
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The Caribou fire had grown to 13,767 acres, caused the full evacuation of West Kootenai and destroyed an “unknown number of structures” by Sunday morning, according to an incident fact sheet that states “the fire doubled in size with a four mile run northeast” on Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
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Officials Sunday morning ordered evacuations, closed another road and scheduled a public meeting for later in the day as a result of the
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
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County and local officials met 10 a.m. Sunday in response to three fires in Lincoln County that are threatening people and competing for resources that already are spread thin.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
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A few hours after being served a pre-evacuation notice by Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies Saturday morning, Jana Murchie said she and her husband Michael weren’t panicking just yet, even though their home, about a mile north of
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
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By the time Teddi Hyde, owner of Bobtail Lodge Bed and Breakfast, was served a pre-evacuation notice due to
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
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THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Troy native helped design mobile Vietnam memorial 'The Wall That Heals' stops Tuesday for viewing in Troy, leaves Wednesday morning for Kalispell via Libby
Next Tuesday, when a mobile replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial stops in Troy while touring the country, a man in Washington, D.C. will take special satisfaction.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Lincoln County first to win Archives Blitz grant Clerk and recorder seeks people to help preserve historic maps
Lincoln County is the first recipient of a state grant to process and preserve historic archival materials during a so-called “Archives Blitz.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Marcia Boris appointed interim county attorney
“Out with the old and in with the new.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Kootenai Valley Triathlon
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Brush fire in Libby
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Lady Loggers soccer team has potential, says new coach Eric Kapan
With six returning seniors and 10 freshmen coming on board, Coach Eric Kapan said the Libby Lady Loggers soccer team has “a lot of potential.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Idaho couple arrested on suspicion of killing man found shot dead in the Yaak
An Idaho couple was arrested Thursday, Aug. 24 on suspicion of the deliberate homicide of Travis Gillett, found shot to death January in the Yaak.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Organizers hope chainsaw event puts Libby on world map
The sawyer-artist overseeing September’s chainsaw carving contest in Libby believes the event will put the city on the world map of such competitions.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Idaho couple arrested on suspicion of killing man found shot dead in the Yaak
An Idaho couple was arrested Thursday on suspicion of the deliberate homicide of Travis Gillett, found shot to death January in the Yaak.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Troy volleyball full of fresh faces and potential
With many new players this year, the Troy volleyball team has a lot of potential as it faces a “consistently strong” conference, says Coach Mandy Love.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby Loggers golfers enter strong conference with strength, coach says
The Libby High School boys and girls golf teams compete in a strong conference, says Coach Dann Rohrer, but he’s confident in the strength of his Loggers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Firefighters make great strides, yet restrictions, closures remain
Three area wildfires this week reached important milestones, though firefighters aren’t out of the woods yet.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Seven seniors returning to the gridiron for Libby
Libby football coach Neil Fuller says the team is excited to be back in Class A play after two seasons in Class B.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Coach says Lady Loggers volleyball team standing tall, working hard
The Libby Lady Loggers volleyball team has “some unfinished business to take care of,” reports coach Cindy Ostrem-Johnston.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Organizers hope chainsaw carving event will put Libby on world map
The sawyer-artist overseeing September’s chainsaw carving contest in Libby believes the event will put the city on the world map of such competitions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Organizers hope chainsaw carving event will put Libby on world map
The sawyer-artist overseeing September’s chainsaw carving contest in Libby believes the event will put the city on the world map of such competitions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
New lawsuit filed to challenge Montanore mine permitting
Hecla Mining Company faces another lawsuit regarding its proposed Montanore mine, this one challenging a wastewater discharge permit issued by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality that the plaintiffs say will threaten endangered bull trout and other fish.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Magill v. Reintsma, City of Libby, et al Commissioner of Political Practices proposes settlement of 2014 case
A long-awaited settlement may soon happen in a case in which state campaign finance laws were determined to have been violated during Libby’s 2013 mayoral election.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Parts of Libby Superfund site might be delisted within 18 months
If all goes well, in 12 to 18 months one to three portions of the Libby Asbestos Superfund Site might be removed from the National Priorities List in a process known as a partial deletion.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Death penalty not on the table for Trevor Mercier
Not quite a week after
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby man to serve 30 months in federal prison
Jeremiah Robert Kendall of Libby will spend 30 months in a federal prison in Sheridan, Oregon after pleading guilty Aug. 10 to possessing a firearm while being subject to a restraining order.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Cooler temps, higher humidity aid firefighters battling the Gibraltar Ridge fire
Fire officials on Monday reported that “cooler temperatures and higher humidity have allowed firefighters to make good progress and have several very successful operational shifts” on the Gibralter Ridge fire east of Eureka.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Numerous new lightning-caused fires reported over weekend
Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conversation on Sunday evening reported an estimated 34 new lightning-caused fires to have occurred since Friday in its Kalispell, Plains, Swan and Libby Units.The two largest fires are the Tamarack Fire, estimated at 300 acres Sunday, and the Peoples Creek Fire, estimated at 100 …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Gibralter Ridge fire: Spot fires develop west of Foothills Road
Winds blowing from the east toward Eureka Thursday evening caused spot fires to appear west of the road fire officials had hoped would remain the Gibralter Ridge fire’s western boundary.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
EPA awards DEQ $1.7 million for ongoing Libby Superfund site work
The Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded about $1.7 million to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to support the department’s work at the Libby asbestos Superfund site.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Eureka wildfire reaches 1,500 acres by Thursday
A wildfire caused by lightning east of Eureka Monday night grew to almost 1,500 acres by Thursday morning, when officials reported “minimal growth” of the fire the previous day and that firefighters were focused primarily on keeping the fire east of a Forest Service Road serving as a fire break.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Lincoln County Commission declares fire emergency
The Lincoln County Commission at its regular weekly meeting on Wednesday declared a state of emergency in Lincoln County due to “significant wildfire activity” that was “threatening public safety (and) private property.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Officials report 'minimal growth' Wednesday of 1,493-acre Gibralter Ridge fire
Fire officials Thursday morning reported “minimal growth” of the Gibralter Ridge fire on Wednesday and that firefighters were focused primarily on keeping the fire east of Forest Service Road 756/Foothills Road.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
No headline
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Evacuations ordered, areas closed for 900-acre wildfire east of Eureka
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
County commission looking to fill job and committee created by SB315
The Lincoln County Commission is moving forward on hiring an individual and assembling an oversight committee as called for in Senate Bill 315.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby firefighters honor late volunteer Hugh Swimley
Libby Volunteer firefighters on Saturday honored the late Hugh Swimley, who served as a volunteer firefighter from 1955 to 1980 and died last December at 85.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
EPA extends agreement one month to finish approval of new one
The Environmental Protection Agency has extended for one month the cooperative agreement that funds the Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program as the application for a new agreement winds its way through the approval process.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Violations lead to partial closure of Libby shooting range from Aug. 12 to 22
In response to violations of the terms and conditions of a special use permit governing the operation of the Lincoln County Shooting Complex, the Lincoln County Commission on Wednesday approved a temporary closure of part of the facility, located across from Libby Airport on Farm to Market Road.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby mobile home destroyed in Wednesday fire
No people were injured but a dog perished in a fire that blazed through a Libby mobile home Wednesday afternoon.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Delegation to D.C. on behalf of Hecla mines encouraged by response
One of six community representatives from Lincoln County that went to Washington, D.C. July 25 to ask federal agencies to approve the evaluation phase of Hecla Mining Company’s Montanore and Rock Creek mines was encouraged by the response the delegation received.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
County health premium to increase if too few employees get health screening
If more Lincoln County employees don’t take part in an upcoming health screening, the county’s health insurance premium will increase.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby chamber launches new website to attract businesses and residents
After roughly nine months of development, the new website for the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce —
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
County Commission tours two buildings as part of jail expansion quest
The Lincoln County Commission on Tuesday visited two local facilities — Asa Wood School and Flathead Valley Community College — that could play a part in the county jail’s expansion plans.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Cleanup advisory committee 'off to a solid start'
A citizen committee set up to advise the federal and state agencies involved with the ongoing cleanup of the Libby Asbestos Superfund site is “off to a solid start,” said its chairperson.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
County health department staffer to take on planning tasks
Jake Mertes, environmental health specialist with Lincoln County Public Health Department, is taking on planning tasks so that his office can “become one-stop shopping for surveyors.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
'Old Timers Night' honors Libby's volunteer firefighters
Libby Volunteer Fire Department on Saturday evening held its annual “Old Timers Night” barbecue at Firemans Park in Libby. Fire Chief Tom Wood said that the department has been holding the event on the last Thursday in July for about 30 years. “(It’s) just a night of ‘r and r’ …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby's newest Habitat for Humanity home dedicated Sunday
“Overwhelmed.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Hecla hopes to show students paths to careers at Montanore, Rock Creek mines
Hecla Mining Company hopes someday to be able to show local students a clear path to a career in mining at its proposed Montanore and Rock Creek mines.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
EPA updates local officials on Superfund site status
Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency visited with the Libby City Council July 17 and the Libby County Commission July 19 to update officials on the status of the Libby Asbestos Superfund site.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
County takes first step toward jail expansion with site tour, discussion
A Montana Association of Counties representative who toured Lincoln County Jail Wednesday said he is “fully behind” the county’s preliminary idea to expand the facility’s capacity — possibly almost tripling the number of cells — by using the jail’s existing space.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
County hires Libby mayor as emergency management planner
Libby Mayor Brent Teske has accepted the role of emergency management planner for Lincoln County. His first day of work is Aug. 7.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
County human resources manager to retire in August
Lincoln County Human Resource Manager Victor White has announced his retirement, though not yet an official last day.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners hear items related to health insurance
The Lincoln County Commission at its July 26 meeting heard a few items pertaining to health insurance.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
County, Forest Service fire restrictions began midnight Thursday
Lincoln County and the Kootenai National Forest on Wednesday both announced fire restrictions to begin midnight Thursday due to fire danger the county described as very high to extreme.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Commission to explore options for expanding jail
A Montana Association of Counties representative will be in Libby Wednesday to tour the Lincoln County Jail and discuss options for expanding its capacity.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Bankruptcy filing halts sheriff's asset sale related to Libby businessman
A Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office asset sale slated for July 19 was canceled after the affected parties — Libby businessman Milferd “Mel” Siefke and his wife Ann Siefke — filed for bankruptcy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council might consider procedure for appointing members
As the Libby City Council continues an ongoing review of its policies and procedures, one Council Member has suggested it consider determining how to appoint new members.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Project to designate Scenic Byway between Libby and Eureka in early stages
A project to designate Highway 37 as a Scenic Byway between Libby and Eureka “is still in the very early stages,” reported Lincoln County Commissioner Mike Cole.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners approve new 911 contract with Frontier
The Lincoln County Commission on July 19 approved a new 911 contract with Frontier Communications that cleared up some issues with the previous contract.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Hydropower turbine installed in Libby's waterworks
After about four years of study, design and engineering, the installation of a hydropower turbine into Libby’s waterworks was completed July 21. It will serve double-duty as a pressure-reducing valve and as a power-generating device.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Citing 'financial struggles,' Libby chamber cuts hours of long-time staffer
Citing “current financial struggles,” the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce “has been forced to reduce employee hours significantly” to reduce monthly expenses, according to a July 21 news release emailed by Chamber Board President Amber Holm.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Council member still searching for home within city limits
Libby City Council’s Brian Zimmerman continues to look for a place to live within city limits.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
State 'let down' Libby with shortened sidewalk project, Council Member says say
A sidewalk to provide Libby Elementary School students and other pedestrians safe passage on Balsam Street is coming up short — about five blocks short — and city officials say the Montana Department of Transportation, which granted most of the funding, is responsible.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council weighs in on draft of medical marijuana dispensary ordinance
The Libby City Council on Monday had its first reading of a draft ordinance to permit and regulate the location and operation of medical marijuana dispensaries within city limits.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby Gym adds dance studio and classes
The Libby Gym at 420 Mineral Ave. recently was granted a business license to operate a dance studio on its first floor.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Hecla 'pleased' as process on Rock Creek mine project moves forward, official says
Hecla Mining Company is “pleased” with the recent release of Kootenai National Forest documents pertaining to the company’s proposed Rock Creek Mine.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Capitol Architect staff assesses 4 of 7 national Christmas tree nominees
It wasn’t Christmas in July, but close — a trio from the nation’s Office of the Capitol Architect went traipsing about the Kootenai National Forest near Eureka on Wednesday to assess four of the seven trees nominated to be this year’s Capitol Christmas tree.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Subdivision planning could be improved, commissioners say
Even before a two-hour meeting to discuss a subdivision’s preliminary plat stretched to almost six hours on July 12, it was clear to the Lincoln County Commission that parts of the planning process needed to be fixed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Forest Service assigns 40 firefighters to Grizzly Fire north of Libby
About 40 U.S. Forest Service firefighters were assigned Monday to the Grizzly Fire north of Libby, which an official said was estimated at 15 acres in size.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby Area Business Association aims for Sept. 10 launch
If all goes according to plan, Libby businesses will soon have another organization to turn to for promotion and support.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Mild weather helps firefighters battling 5 fires near Highway 2 corridor
A few days of mild to moderate weather allowed firefighters to make progress on five separate wildfires in the Highway 2 corridor by Thursday morning. A weekend forecast of increasing temperatures and decreasing relative humidity meant an increased risk fuels further drying out and igniting, yet winds were expected to …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Judge 'created a path to move forward' on Montanore, Hecla official says at town meeting
About a dozen people on Monday attended a meeting held by Hecla Mining Company representatives and others to discuss the status of the company’s proposed Montanore mine project south of Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Montanore mine court orders inline with previous rulings, Hecla official says
A U.S. District Judge in Missoula recently issued two orders related to Hecla Mining Company’s attempt to develop the Montanore copper and silver mine south of Libby. A Hecla official said the orders were “not too surprising” because they were “essentially along the lines” of rulings the judge made May …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby soccer player comes away from annual Shodair Classic with more than victory
Cody Wood of Libby came away from the 18th annual Shodair Classic soccer game with more than a victory under his belt.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
New Northwest Community Health Center clinic in Troy serves 31 on opening day
After nine months of construction, the Northwest Community Health Center opened a clinic in Troy on June 30. Serving 31 patients on its first day, the facility is expected to serve about 1,500 people annually.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Lincoln County receives $644,300 in Federal funding
Lincoln County recently received $644,300 of payment in lieu of taxes (PILT) funding from the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Federal government issues the money to local governments to help offset losses in property taxes due to non-taxable Federal lands within their boundaries.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
County Attorney Bernie Cassidy retiring to spend more time outdoors
After a run of almost 21 years, Lincoln County Attorney Bernard “Bernie” Cassidy will retire at the end of August to spend more time hunting and fishing in the great outdoors he’s loved all his life.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby applies for grant to help assess wastewater system
The Libby City Council on July 5 authorized the application for a $15,000 grant so the city can take the first step toward improving its wastewater treatment and collection system.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
High humidity helps firefighters battling Rogers Mountain wildfire on Monday
The Rogers Mountain wildfire was “sitting at 68 acres” Monday afternoon according to a fire official who said the day’s high humidity had assisted firefighters assigned to the blaze.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council grants noise variance for EPA cleanup crews
Libby City Council granted a noise variance Wednesday night to a company doing cleanup work for the EPA in Libby so its workers can spend less time working in the summer heat.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby firefighters help ambulance crew rescue woman who fell along Libby Creek
Libby Volunteer firefighters on Monday helped Libby Volunteer Ambulance personnel rescue a woman who slipped and fell alongside Libby Creek.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
With area fire danger at a high level, experts offer safety tips
Given warming weather, dry flora and recent fire activity, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has placed the Libby area at a high danger for fire, though a local forester said some conditions have put the area “in a good position for this time of year.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Fix to Flower Creek Dam gate expected to reduce risk of freezing
Contractors on June 23 wrapped up three days of work on a valve at Libby’s Flower Creek Dam to prevent a knife gate from freezing as it did last winter.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Lincoln County Sheriff's Department warns parents about new Snapchat feature
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday posted to its Facebook page a warning to parents whose children use the popular Snapchat messaging app.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Rep. Greg Gianforte attends Hecla presentation in Libby
Rep. Greg Gianforte was in Libby Wednesday to attend a late-morning presentation at Hecla Mining Company’s office on Highway 2.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby's water treatment plant without backup power during generator repair
Libby’s water treatment plant is without backup power while its generator’s leaky radiator is being repaired. Meanwhile, if the plant loses power, City Administrator Jim Hammons said the plant can only provide treated water “for a short period of time” before the city “will (be) forced to a (resort to) …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby feels quake from almost 200 miles away
Libby residents reported feeling the impact of an early Thursday earthquake centered almost 175 air miles away in Lincoln, Montana.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby middle school students hold mock trial
Libby Middle School seventh and eight grade students held a mock trial May 30 as part of the curriculum for the Libby Educational Enrichment Program.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Resigning Chamber president falsified resume
Libby Area Chamber of Commerce Board President Robert Calvin “Bob” Henline — who on Monday said he resigned last week — fabricated portions of his resume to gain employment in the community, an investigation by The Western News has revealed.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Resigning Chamber president falsified resume
Libby Area Chamber of Commerce Board President Robert Calvin “Bob” Henline — who on Monday said he resigned last week — fabricated portions of his resume to gain employment in the community, an investigation by The Western News has revealed.
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Candidates file for area mayoral and city council races
With the passing of Monday’s deadline to file for local mayoral and city council races, a list of candidates has emerged.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center named in the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center on Wednesday celebrated its designation as one of the “Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals” in the nation, an achievement announced in late February.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Volunteers needed to help spay, neuter and vaccinate pets
Appointments at two upcoming clinics in Libby to spay, neuter and vaccinate pets have filled quickly, yet organizers say they still need volunteers to help make it happen.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Troy woman pleads not guilty to 3 drug charges
Audryana Allyn of Troy on Monday pleaded not guilty to three drug-related charges in 19th Judicial District Court.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Getting lost in the weeds could get you a citation
At the Libby City Council meeting on June 5, Libby Police Chief Scott Kessel reported that with the onset of warmer weather the department was busy enforcing ordinances dealing with seasonal public eyesores — more than two dozen pending cases regarding weeds, grass or garbage.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council approves $60,000 loan for fire hall roof repair
The Libby City Council at its June 5 meeting unanimously approved a resolution to fund repairs to the roof of the Libby Volunteer Fire Department garage, which were finished June 8.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Committee hashes out rules for medical marijuana dispensaries
The Libby City Council resolution/ordinance committee on Thursday, June 8 held its second meeting to develop an ordinance governing the location and operation of medical marijuana dispensaries within city limits.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Arlen Magill appointed to Libby Police Commission
The Libby City Council on Monday unanimously appointed Arlen Magill to the city’s three-person police commission. He replaces Marv Sather and joins Rob Dufficy and Bill Cunnane.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Clumsy nesting osprey causes compressor fire at Libby water treatment plant
A nesting osprey that dropped a stick is thought to have set off a chain of events in late May that caused a compressor at Libby’s water treatment plant to catch fire. The city hopes it can replace the compressor’s motor, less than a year old, under warranty.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
County commission requests seventh – and final – extension to Stinger Welding grant
When the Lincoln County Commission agreed May 24 to request for the seventh time an extension to a Montana Department of Commerce grant awarded to Stinger Welding in 2009, all three commissioners also agreed it would be the last time the existing commission would grant such a request.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Flying toward compromise
The skies above southern Lincoln County were clear May 30 as Bruce Gordon taxied his Cessna 210 and took off from Libby Airport, aiming for the Scotchman Peaks. On board were journalists and people whose aim is to get wilderness area designation for the jewel-like mountains southwest of Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Montanore Mine faces setback after judge's ruling
Hecla Mining Company’s plans to expand an existing underground copper and silver mine south of Libby hit a roadblock Tuesday when a U.S. District Judge overturned the U.S. Forest Service’s approval of the project — a project Hecla estimates could eventually create 450 jobs.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Jail air conditioning a 'high priority,' commission says
Citing a concern for inmate and staff health and safety, the Lincoln County Commission at its Wednesday meeting said inadequate ventilation at the Lincoln County jail was a “high priority situation.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council fills vacant seat
The Libby City Council in a special meeting Tuesday appointed Angel Ford to fill the seat Allen Olson vacated in late April.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Man injured Friday by mountain lion north of Libby
A man was injured Friday morning, May 26, after encountering a mountain lion near Boundary Mountain North of Libby, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby man dies of injuries sustained in May 19 crash
A Libby man injured May 19 when his pickup went off the road and crashed into trees has died, the Montana Highway Patrol announced Friday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Libby church targets jobs creation with ammo business
In 2015, after seeing too many people reluctantly leave Lincoln County to find work elsewhere, Minister Phil Alspaw and 15 or so other members of Libby Christian Church sat around a conference room table.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Jinnifer Mariman named legal advisor to Board of Health
Jinnifer Mariman has been retained as a special deputy county attorney to advise the Lincoln County Board of Health.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Six named to asbestos Superfund steering committee
The City-County Board of Health on Wednesday unanimously approved the appointments of six people to the Institutional Control Steering Committee for the Libby Asbestos Superfund Site. The committee’s structure was approved March 8, when the board approved Operating Procedure No. 1, which established focus area liaisons.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Callahan Creek restoration plan in the works
The Lincoln County Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved a task order to move forward on planning the restoration of Callahan Creek.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Board of Health updates septic tank regulation
Perhaps no one was more relieved than Environmental Health Specialist Jake Mertes when the City-County Board of Health Wednesday night approved two updates to a regulation governing wastewater treatment.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Governor funds Libby asbestos cleanup advisory team
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock on May 4 signed into law a bill to create a Libby asbestos cleanup advisory team and the funding to support it.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
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