Nominations sought for 2017 Montana Neighbor Awards
Do you know a landowner who is an outstanding neighbor? Someone who takes good care of the land for production and wildlife values, who enables neighborly recreational access, and is actively engaged in their community in working to solve problems?
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Action on Quiet Waters Initiative expected May 26
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will act on the Quiet Waters rule proposal in a meeting rescheduled for 8:30 a.m. May 26 at Montana WILD.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Deadline for fisheries improvement grant is May 31
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds landowners, watershed groups and others that this summer’s deadline to apply for Future Fisheries Improvement Program grants is May 31.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Troy Softball Takes Two From Drummond
The Drummond High School softball team rolled into Troy Saturday with high hopes of ending a long streak of being on the wrong end of the score, and for half of the first game of the doubleheader, looked like they had every chance of doing just that. However the host …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS AGO
A man of many trades and passions: Crooks enjoys sharing his love of the outdoors with others
As a local to Libby for over 40 years, Terry Crooks has always found Libby, and its people, to be his “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
#TeamKiye in Libby
Students at Libby High School hold up #TeamKiye signs in support of Kiye Jenkins, a 15-year-old student afflicted with stage-four Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Schools around the area have been raising money for Jenkins and fellow Libby student Katherine Lind, who is also suffering from the disease. (Western News)
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
June 24 News Briefs
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby district gets $3,000 state grant
The Libby School District recently won a $3,000 grant from the Graduation Matters Montana Student Assistance Foundation College Readiness Fund.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Troy hires school superintendent
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
City workers speak out in Troy
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Board cuts special ed director position
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Asa Wood to close this summer
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Dog's death leads to fund for surgeries
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Educators face tough decisions
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Schools take threat of flood seriously
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Council OKs mill levy for flood
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Closed pot store promises litigation
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Libby's Leir fights way to state wrestling title
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Lady Loggers down Troy by 16
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
LHS wears down Troy, 58-32
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
School board tries to figure out next move
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
EPA closes in on Libby toxicity value
An important step in the development of a risk assessment for Libby’s unique form of asbestos is almost complete, Environmental Protection Agency officials told the Libby City Council at a presentation Tuesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Libby voters say no to bond
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Lawmakers keep aim on wolves
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Troy Taser lawsuit settled out of court
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Negligent homicide suspect remains behind bars
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Troy council fills vacancy
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Troy Fourth of July in jeopardy?
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Grizzly bear research could be on horizon
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
High-tech program to test use of electricity in Libby
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Logger boys fall to Whitefish in low-scoring battle
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Historian to remember: Mark White
Where the casual observer only notices trees, U.S. Forest Service archeologist and historian Mark White saw remains of settlements and a glimpse into life of northwest Montana’s pioneers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy on receiving end of distance learning grant
The world of learning available to Troy students got a whole lot bigger this week with news that a technology grant had been awarded.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Editor's Blog: In the Pressbox
Brad Fuqua, editor of The Western News, writes about news and sports while sharing daily thoughts about what may be going on around Libby and Troy. Click on the link "
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
T. Falls upends Trojans in 7-B battle
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy still without city attorney
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Mill levy expected to help cover expenses
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Committee considers arranging grizzly study
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Asa Wood building eludes ruin
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Ice jam leads to flooding in Libby
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy outlasts Eureka in 7-B boys thriller
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Lady Lions pull away in 2nd half to beat Troy
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Lady Loggers defeat Trojans
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Logger boys rally to defeat Troy, 34-26
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
USFS musical chairs takes Bradford to Missoula
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Drowning claims life of Libby woman
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy City Council's Jones resigns
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
First air quality alert since 2008 goes smoother
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby 'huntress' wins big
One of 10 finalists for a television show’s “Extreme Huntress” contest, Angie Haas-Tennison seemed to be a longshot to win an online voting contest. After all, she hails from small-town Montana – not exactly a booming population center.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Local need leads to new welding course
Bridge parts fabricator Stinger Welding plans to add much-needed jobs to the local economy when construction of its new building is completed in the coming months.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Guest Column: Intern enjoys news experience
It is my last week here at The Western News. It has been rather short but I can say that it was sweet, too.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Boom, flash mystifies Troy on Christmas
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Outgoing sheriff looks back on storied career
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Man's body found after 2 1/2 months
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Troy council passes July 4 park ordinance
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Konzen works final days for county
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Lofts owner, investors file suit
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
County battles air quality challenges
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
LHS falls in dual, takes 2nd at tourney
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Turner Mountain plans to open this weekend
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners pass lakeshore regulations
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
City tells pot store to relocate
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Troy mayor, council divided on city attorney
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Reintsma takes Libby city attorney post
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Couple escapes blaze with lives
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Tough questions greet EPA's Martin
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
School meeting draws low turnout
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Hunting ends on strong note in Region 1
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
LHS drama team 1st at Kalispell tourney
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Stepping onto the stage: Local students get dose of the arts
The theater can have an amazing impact on individual students.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby plans meeting on pot business
The Libby City Council plans to hold a public meeting with representatives of medical marijuana dispensary, Helping Center of Libby, later this month to determine whether to revoke its city business license.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Gold coin caper ends with arrest of Libby man
Police believe they’ve caught the man responsible for stealing more than $30,000 worth of gold coins from a Libby jewelry store this past fall.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Annual concert finds rhythm in 2 communities
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Special events recognize locals veterans
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Sports Weekend: Loggers to battle Belgrade for soccer title
For the past 12 years since most of this year’s seniors began playing organized soccer together, there have been both triumph and heartbreak on the field of battle.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Thieves target Woodway Park
A rash of opportunity thefts were recently reported in the Woodway Park area west of Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Hospital hopes to break ground in spring
The first artist’s rendering of a new future hospital in Libby was released back in January 2009. Now, St. John’s Lutheran Hospital officials say blueprints are being drawn up for the $33.5 million project with plans to break ground in spring.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Troy council, mayor trade jabs at meeting
Though 15 items were on the agenda, the Troy City Council made it only to number nine before adjourning last week’s meeting in protest.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
State soccer title game up next for Libby boys
The Loggers would not be denied.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Lady Loggers' serving key in win over Eureka
Stepping up to the service line in a tight match against Eureka, Libby senior Alex Kulbeck proved that she can do a whole lot more than make kills and blocks at the net.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
School bond issue to go before voters
The Libby School Board approved a resolution Monday to ask voters in a February mail ballot election for permission to issue $12 million in bonds. If passed, the funding would pay for additions and renovations to accommodate consolidating schools into two buildings and closing Asa Wood Elementary.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Lady Trojans sweep Bigfork
Down 11-3 in the opening game of a key District 7-B match against Bigfork on Friday night, the Troy High School volleyball team looked like it just might not find the groove in its final home appearance.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Troy students bond through 'Three Cups'
First cup as strangers, second cup as friends and third cup as family.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Corner kicks haunt LHS in setback
Two corner kicks – that was enough to lift Polson to victory.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Lady Loggers drop conference match to Maidens
Trying to slip into the top three teams in the Northwestern A, the Libby volleyball team suffered a setback on Saturday night with a 25-20, 21-25, 25-13, 25-18 loss to Ronan.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Troy council, mayor challenges continue
The atmosphere and effectiveness of a work meeting next week may be a litmus test for how well the Troy City Council and mayor will collaborate in the future.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
THS falls just short in home-turf thriller
Clinging to a two-point lead past the midway point of the fourth quarter, Troy would need a strong finish to hold off visiting Superior. Unfortunately for the Trojans, a series of miscues helped their nonconference opponent escape town with a 14-8 victory.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Local artist's sculpture honks into hearts of children
Local artist Ron Adamson learned recently that a bronze sculpture he created will become a centerpiece for the Renown Regional Medical Center’s children’s hospital in Reno, Nev.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Weekend: Cielak competes at state; Troy battles again at home
Libby High School junior Louis Cielak will represent his school in the two-day Class A State Golf Meet at Laurel.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Finding the bear facts no easy task
Grizzly bears seem to be holding all of the cards.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Local schools improve marks
The test results are in and Libby and Troy’s elementary schools made pretty good progress.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Lady Loggers come up just short vs. Whitefish
The result on the scoreboard Saturday may have favored the opponent but the Libby High School girls soccer team had no reason to hang their heads following a 3-2 loss.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
At last! Libby boys beat Bulldogs
Finally, Whitefish goes down … and in memorable fashion.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Trojans dig deep hole, drop 7-B game at home
The hole proved to be too deep.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Lady Loggers control tempo to beat C. Falls
Trying to hold off Columbia Falls in the fourth game of a Northwestern A match on Saturday night, Libby’s Kim Tangen found the zone.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Revenue decline impacts county budget
Paying the bills isn’t always easy – especially when income goes down.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Former shipmates find each other after 55 years
The sailors were permitted to rest in four-hour intervals as they fought along the coast of Korea but the pounding of the ship’s gunners made it nearly impossible to sleep. Two guns mounted at the front of the USS Herbert J. Thomas and one over the destroyer’s berthing compartment caused …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Board to weigh Libby's school consolidation issues
The Libby School Board moves closer and closer to finalizing details of campus consolidation but hopes to receive feedback and questions from the public during a special meeting on Monday night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Senator hopes jobs bill moves forward
The Forest Jobs and Recreation Act still hasn’t gone before the Senate Natural Resources Committee but with Congress now back in session, Sen. Jon Tester hopes a hearing date looms on the horizon.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Troy prepares for homecoming
The Troy High School football and volleyball teams will celebrate homecoming on Friday and Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Asbestos research projects reach public through unique event
Researchers study Libby’s unique asbestos fiber, analyze statistics of people who suffer medical complications from it, and examine the social and psychological impacts that it has had on the community.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Longtime Troy city attorney resigns
Troy city attorney Mark Fennessy admits that the timing of his retirement at the end of the calendar year may seem fortuitous but that it has nothing to do with the ongoing quarrels between the council and mayor.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Council approves McLeod promotion
The Troy City Council unanimously consented to promote Bob McLeod to chief of police at last week’s meeting … eight months after the mayor appointed him to the position.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Motocross event adds mud boggin'
Motocross racing this Saturday will have a little extra flair that organizers hope will draw a bigger crowd and maybe lead to more races of its kind.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Libby loses lightning-shortened game
In a game plagued by lightning delays, Frenchtown escaped the Kootenai Valley Friday night with a 13-7 nonconference victory over Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Cabinet View Golf Course's original 9 receives upgrade
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Jam-packed in jail: County's female inmates find little elbow room
Lincoln County Undersheriff Jerry Rust recently sent out a message to deputies – don’t arrest women unless you have to.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
City wants project's road problems fixed
The City of Libby will withhold payments to the Cabinet Heights Sewer Project contractor until perceived shortcomings can be corrected, Mayor Doug Roll said.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Yaak Wilderness Music Festival moves to Turner Mtn.
Back in 2004 when the Yaak Wilderness Music Festival was established, questions about the idea raced through the minds of organizers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby goes back to '50s with reunion
With poodle skirts and drive-in movie theaters, James Dean and the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, the 1950s really was fabulous – just ask the hundreds of former Libby High School students who will be in town next week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Drilling begins to measure ground water treatment success
A contractor for International Paper Co. began to drill wells last Thursday under direction of the Environmental Protection Agency to better delineate the boundaries of contamination within the Libby Ground Water Contamination Superfund Site.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby prepares for annual rodeo
The seventh annual Kootenai River Rodeo is ready to burst out of the gates on July 30-31 at J. Neils Memorial Park in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Trojan sports collections now online
In an effort to allow Trojan fans easy access to reviewing the 2009-10 sports seasons, The Western News has created "collections" for each team. Click on the link to review stories and photos for that particular sport. Or, scroll down the home page to see the various sports and simply …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Election candidates to debate at Troy HS
The Troy High School senior government class is hosting a debate for Troy School Board and Lincoln County Board of Commissioners candidates. The debate is scheduled for 7 p.m., on Wednesday, April 28 at the THS auditorium.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Bears awake to plenty of spring green
Hungry bears are waking from their winter slumber and seeing a sight for sore eyes – the beginnings of spring green-up.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Troy School Board to hire HS principal
The Troy School Board voted Monday to vacate a proposal to cut one of its three administrator positions, choosing instead to move forward in hiring a replacement for resigning high school principal Jeff Ralston.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Standout athlete, soldier Terry Maki headed to LHS Hall of Fame
At the time, incoming freshman Terry Maki wasn’t sure if he wanted to play basketball or wrestle over the winter months at Libby High School.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Weather washes away sporting events
Poor weather conditions wiped out several scheduled sporting events involving Libby and Troy on Tuesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Herbicide ruling has little impact on KNF program
A federal judge’s recent ruling that the U.S. Forest Service can’t use helicopters to spray herbicide in the Kootenai National Forest will have little impact on the agency’s invasive plant management program, an agency official said.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Softball: Defending state champs down Lady Loggers
Defending state champion Frenchtown came to Libby on Saturday afternoon with a lot of new faces. But the Class A Broncs aren’t rebuilding … it appears they’re just reloading.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Boys Tennis: Trojans play to 3-3 tie in opener
The Troy High School boys tennis team opened the season on Saturday at home against Mission and played to a 3-3 tie.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Track and Field: Troy, Libby compete at Columbia Falls Invite
For the second straight week, Troy’s Cory Orr won an event.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Girls Tennis: Eureka, Mission down Lady Trojans
The Eureka High School girls tennis team handed Troy a 6-0 loss in the Lady Trojans’ season-opener on Friday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Funds help preserve history
A lot of history can be found up in those mountains and out in those woods. But in a typical year, Kootenai National Forest doesn’t have the money to complete more than one or two historic preservation projects.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
County approves financing for Stinger
Lincoln County commissioners voted last week in favor of financing a $3.37 million building at the Kootenai Business Park Industrial District that will house Stinger Welding Inc., a bridge fabricator based out of Coolidge, Ariz.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Girls Tennis: Libby downs Columbia Falls at home
The Libby High School girls tennis team played well in their first home appearance on Friday with a 6-1 victory over Columbia Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Softball: Lady Trojans fall twice on road
The Troy High School softball team opened the season on Saturday with a tough opponent in Loyola Sacred Heart. The Breakers took a 10-0 victory behind a two-hit shutout by pitcher Sarah Goodman.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Boys Tennis: Libby edges Columbia Falls, 4-3
The Libby High School boys tennis team put together a well-rounded performance in a 4-3 dual victory on Friday over Columbia Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Special train plans safety stop in Libby
In an effort to promote railway safety, a special “All Aboard for Safety” train will make a three-hour stop in Libby on Thursday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Bill for legal fees in restraining order case could land in city's lap
Justice of the Peace Jay Sheffield ruled Tuesday that a Libby city councilmember who obtained a temporary restraining order against the city clerk and then withdrew his petition would not have to pay the clerk’s legal fees because there was not enough evidence that his petition was “frivolous.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
City scales down cycling ordinance
The Libby City Council passed a scaled-down version of its proposed bicycle ordinance on Monday, striking the contentious portion that would have prohibited riding a bike on Highway 2 and California Avenue sidewalks.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Column: Flasche once played underdog role in NCAA wrestling finals
Everyone loves an underdog.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Emergency crews get workout to reach hiker in woods
Emergency responders had to hack their way through trees and brush last week to rescue a man complaining of chest pain as he was hiking in the woods south of Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Surveillance cameras 'tabled indefinitely'
The Libby City Council voted unanimously Monday to put to rest the mayor’s controversial proposal of placing surveillance cameras on Mineral Avenue to solve downtown vandalism.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
EPA moves forward with cleanup RODs
Environmental Protection Agency officials this week announced that it expects Record of Decision documents for the former export plant and former screening plant sites to be issued by next month – soon enough to begin cleanups this construction season.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Troy considers consolidating administrative positions
The Troy School Board may consolidate administrative positions in a cost-cutting effort to address ever-shrinking funding from declining enrollment.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
THS softball team young but experienced
As the Lady Trojans head into a new softball season, head coach Russ Thompson appears to have plenty of options on where to play athletes. And although Troy lost just one senior and saw another prospect move out of state, the program is still a young group overall.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Disc golfers getting excited about new course at dam
If everything goes as planned and no snags surface along the way, Lincoln County’s newest disc golf course could be open by June and hosting a tournament by the last week of August.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
County sheriff looking to upgrade dispatch system
Lincoln County Sheriff Daryl Anderson asked the county board of commissioners last week to consider spending $68,000 in equipment to improve radio communication and to give the county the ability to dispatch emergency responders in the Troy area.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Car accident survivor returns home to Eureka
The sole survivor of a two-vehicle crash that killed five people last week was released from the hospital Thursday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Track teams warm up for season in Libby
Libby and Troy high school track athletes got their seasons started on Thursday with the Libby Time Trials.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Trojan tennis team gets ready to tackle season
Getting out on re-surfaced tennis courts has been a treat for Troy High School’s tennis team this spring. Even better, players haven’t had to pick up snow shovels or take cover inside because of the elements.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Familiar bats, gloves return for Lady Loggers
With only two seniors in the lineup, one may think the Libby High School softball program is rebuilding with young players.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Surveillance camera issue in Libby to be discussed
Libby Mayor Doug Roll plans to introduce to the city council his latest proposal for Mineral Avenue surveillance cameras at Monday’s council meeting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Council, medical marijuana providers open dialogue
A work meeting between two medical marijuana providers and the Libby City Council did little Tuesday to advance city ordinances to regulate the trade, but did reveal that councilmembers are open to further dialogue and suggestions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Rock Creek Mine stopped again
U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy rejected the U.S. Forest Service’s approval of the proposed Rock Creek Mine in an order released Monday, just days before Revett Minerals planned to issue its 20-day notice to begin construction.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Baucus makes Libby appearance
Recalling a meeting with locals at Gayla Benefield’s home a decade ago, Sen. Max Baucus said he began a mission to “bring justice back to Libby.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
McDougall appeal denied by state
The Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction dismissed a Troy School Board trustee’s case against the school district, upholding the Lincoln County Superintendent of School’s October decision.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
LHS tennis boys down Stevi; girls play to tie in season opener
The Libby High School boys tennis team opened the season on Saturday with a 4-3 victory over Stevensville. The girls played to a 3-3 tie against the host school.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Four vie for 2 spots on Troy School Board
Four people are vying for two full-term positions on the Troy School Board.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Montanore Mine plays waiting game on permits
A sort of eerie silence hovers in the air at the Montanore Mine site. Underground mining trucks are lined up waiting for drivers and operators. Little activity is found in an exploration adit while a nearby $1.2 million water treatment plant hums at a steady pace. A handful of employees …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
High numbers turn out for Libby track
On the football field and the wrestling mat, the Berget boys have made a name for themselves while wearing the Libby High School uniform. Just because spring has arrived, don’t expect cousins Kody and Dylan Berget to miss out on any competitive action.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Rest of Fishtrap wolf pack to be removed
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks ordered the entire Fishtrap wolf pack of the McGinnis Meadows area to be removed since it recently carried out its fourth confirmed livestock depredation since the beginning of January.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
THS track team preps for season
Driving in and out of town, Troy High School track coach Neil Newton can only smile when he sees Jacob Lopez putting in roadwork. The Trojan junior experienced a taste of success in long-distance running last season and hopes to elevate his performance this year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Five lives lost in car accident near Libby
By Canda Harbaugh, The Western News
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Major law firm working with citizens group
With membership that’s growing daily and legal representation working pro bono, the recently formed Citizens for a Healthy Community and Environmental Justice is working toward two goals – to stop asbestos exposure and to protect private property rights in the cleanup.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Time to renew personal-use firewood permits
New personal-use firewood permits from the U.S. Forest Service will be available beginning on Thursday, April 1.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
LHS tennis finds positive start to season
A year ago at this time, Libby High School tennis players couldn’t pick up their racquets and practice backswings and serves until snow had been removed from the courts. But thanks to a mild winter and warm early spring, this year’s sizeable Logger contingent has been able to focus more …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Hageness earns pitcher honor after hurling shutout
Brooke Hageness, a 2008 Libby High School graduate and now a pitcher for the University of Mary, was recently named the Northern Sun Conference’s Player of the Week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Ticks make appearance; check after time outdoors
Warm weather has brought an early arrival of a not-so-welcome critter – ticks.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Kiwanis struggles to keep local demolition derby alive
Kootenai Kiwanis Club members discussed at their meeting Tuesday the possibility of not hosting the annual demolition derby anymore because they say the fundraiser has experienced a decline in participation and profits over the years.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Baucus to help kick off CARD project
Sen. Max Baucus plans to host a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, March 31 at the Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Conditions could lead to bad fire season
Low snowpack and a forecasted warmer than average spring could lead to a bad fire season, though summer rain will be the final indicator.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Revett, government regulators reach settlement
A settlement reached last August between Revett Minerals and government regulators concerning fines levied after a Troy Mine worker’s death in 2007 has been approved.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Landmark bill to aid asbestos victims
The landmark health-care reform bill that was expected to be signed into law by President Barack Obama on Tuesday is slated to expand Medicare coverage to locals suffering from asbestos-related health conditions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
River on wheels offers education
Purchasing a piece of property on the banks of a river or creek to serve as the perfect spot for a home is not an uncommon dream. Scenery in all directions, wildlife of every type and the relaxing sounds of a nearby stream sound pretty good to a lot of …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Lady Logger Mee makes all-state hoops team
Libby High School senior Jackie Mee wraps up her impressive Lady Logger basketball career with inclusion on the Class A all-state team.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Crace joins Team Montana for event in Iowa
With Iowa developing a reputation as the center of the wrestling universe, qualifying for a tournament within its borders carries with it a high degree of prestige.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Care center, teen win special awards
Emily Banich of Libby was honored as Young Adult Volunteer of the Year on March 16 during the Montana Health Care Association Convention in Bozeman.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Maffit decides not to seek re-election
Following a 28-year career in teaching, it seemed natural to serve on the local school board. And for the past nine years, Sylvia Maffit did just that with the Troy School Board of Trustees.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
WN Hiking Series: Alexander Mountain Trail
With the sun shining bright and Lake Koocanusa’s water so blue, it seemed like the perfect time and place to take a hike.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Sweet 16 calcutta benefits Legion baseball
The Libby Loggers American Legion baseball team is raising money through a calcutta for the Sweet 16 of the NCAA men’s basketball playoffs on Wednesday, March 24 at 7 p.m., at Treasure Mountain Casino.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Rock Creek mine ruling could be close
A status conference last week in federal court appeared to indicate that, after a two-year break in proceedings, a ruling to determine whether the proposed Rock Creek mine can begin developing is only weeks away.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Woman charged in hit-and-run death of Parsons
More than two years after Troy native Bronson Parsons was killed in a hit-and-run in East Missoula, a Stevensville woman faces felony charges related to his death.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Three candidates for Troy School Board
An early glance at school board candidates in Troy reveals that longtime member Sylvia Maffit does not plan to seek re-election. Darren Coldwell’s seat is also up this term and he also does not plan to run.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
County finds way to keep project on schedule
A blasting project to improve safety at a tight corner on Kootenai River Road appears to be on schedule.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Troy Food Pantry stays put for now
Troy city councilmembers agreed at Tuesday’s work meeting that the food pantry housed in city hall is not a burden to the city and should not be forced to move.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Our Town: LMS Jitterbug Dance Contest
Carrying on a tradition that is believed to have started at Libby Middle School in the early 1980s, students in grades 5-8 showed off their dancing moves in front of judges, parents, teachers and classmates on Thursday during the annual Jitterbug Dance Contest.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Youth fight hunger in unique way
As the final seconds of a 30-hour fast approach at 11:30 p.m. on March 27, Libby teens raising money to help the hungry might just break into an animated countdown to the moment when they can stuff food into their mouths.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Winslow places 3rd in regional hoop shoot
Jared Winslow, Montana Champion in the 12-13-year-old boys division, took third at the Elk’s Regional Hoop Shoot Tournament on March 6 in Rapid City, S.D. He made 19 out of 25 free throws in the finals.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Larson, O'Neil, Keiper take 1st in archery league
The Libby Archery Club’s indoor league at Lincoln Lanes wrapped up recently with season champions announced.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby tackles concerns with medical marijuana providers
Current city ordinances prohibit medical marijuana providers from working within Libby, Mayor Doug Roll told councilmembers at Monday’s meeting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Report shows mild increase in wolf numbers
Montana’s wolf population saw a mild increase last year even with the state’s first hunt, a state conservation and management report released Thursday revealed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Flood safety-related events scheduled this week in Libby
Local officials are recognizing Flood Safety and Awareness Week with three events.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
EPA to set up ambient air stations in 6 spots
The Environmental Protection Agency plans to set up ambient air stations in six locations around Libby in an ongoing effort to test for asbestos.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Primary election picture complete
The filing deadline to run for county and state elected positions ended Monday, beginning the 12-week countdown to the primary election.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Event covers conservation easements
The Montana Forest Stewardship Foundation and the Montana Association of Land Trusts are teaming up to bring “A Forest Owner’s Introduction to Conservation Easements” workshop to Libby on Friday, March 26.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
U.S. Census Bureau workers hand-delivering forms
U.S. Census Bureau workers began hand-delivering census forms to Lincoln County residents last week with the goal of handing out the last batch by the end of next week, according to Western Montana’s Census Office Manager Bill Knowles.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
LHS hopes to find ways to reduce dropout rates
School officials had hoped to glean insight from survey results of Libby High School dropouts that would help steer the district’s efforts in increasing graduation rates.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Testing finds no asbestos in mill fire ash
Lincoln County commissioners gave the Environmental Health Department the go-ahead Wednesday afternoon to set up a hotline for residents to request their yards be cleaned of debris from the mill fire.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Lack of snow forces local ski area to close early
A lack of snow forced the Turner Mountain Ski Area to close, cutting the ski season a month short and prompting the annual Crazy Days celebration to be canceled for the first time in over a decade.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Tragic accident claims 4 lives
A 17-year-old Libby boy, a 59-year-old Columbia Falls woman and her two grandchildren were killed Saturday evening in a two-vehicle collision near Happy’s Inn.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Officials continue followup on fire
The mill fire in Libby is no longer smoldering, but the aftermath is keeping people busy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Injured car accident victim survives freezing temps, long wait
A Libby woman who endured freezing temperatures overnight after her vehicle slid off a steep embankment on a dirt road near Happy’s Inn was found alive Sunday morning, law-enforcement officials said.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Primary care appeals to med student from Troy
Troy native Sarah Reichert began a monthlong rural medicine rotation in Libby last week while working toward a degree from Kansas City University of Medicine, Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Families take action to prevent subdivision
Two local families finalized conservation easements on their properties recently to control future development and prevent subdivision.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Collision near Libby kills 4 people
A 17-year-old Libby boy, a 59-year-old Columbia Falls woman and two children were killed Saturday evening in a two-vehicle collision near Happy’s Inn.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
County begins debris cleanup following plywood plant fire
The Lincoln County Environmental Health Department intensified cleanup efforts on Friday in the aftermath of the Libby plywood plant fire.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Grant expands local recycling options
Recycling options in southern Lincoln County will soon expand since the Montana Department of Environmental Quality awarded the county a $25,000 grant to put toward recycling infrastructure.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Music, food, crafts all part of annual Irish Fair in Libby
Forget Boston and Chicago, the storied tradition of the Irish in America is well represented in Butte. With an influx of Irish immigrants in search of hard-rock mining jobs, Butte once had the highest percentage of Irish residents among any city in the United States.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Getting in their kicks: Tae Kwon Do becomes popular activity for family
With their bare feet lined up in a neat row, 11 Tae Kwon Do students listen attentively to their instructor. They’ve been anticipating this day for weeks and training for it for months – the test that will determine if they’ve gained enough knowledge and skill to move up to …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
County issues info on fire debris
The Lincoln County Environmental Health Department on Wednesday issued a release asking Libby residents to not disturb plywood plant fire debris. But if any debris must be moved, the county has advice on how to handle it.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Law enforcement finds challenges with medical marijuana
Medical marijuana has put law-enforcement agencies in a sticky situation – and Libby is no exception.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Past comes alive in program coming to Troy
The past will come alive this coming Tuesday in Troy through an evening of “Living History” with author Jack Nisbet and historian/entertainer Richard Baker.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Casino robber gets 10-year prison sentence
A man who robbed the Lucky Logger Casino in Libby last fall and led authorities on a high-speed chase to within miles of the Idaho border was sentenced Monday to 10 years in prison.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Fire destroys plywood plant in Libby
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, with help from a state fire marshal, is still investigating the cause of the fire that burned the former Stimson Lumber Co., plywood plant to the ground last Thursday, though the area of origin has been determined, a fire investigator said Monday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Loggers' season ends at divisionals
The Libby High School boys basketball team’s season ended on Saturday afternoon with a 49-43 loss to Ronan in the consolation final of the Northwestern A Tournament.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
LHS beats impressive opponent at Science Bowl
Libby High School came away with one victory during its first-ever appearance in the Big Sky Regional Science Bowl.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Debris, smoke from fire impacts Libby residents
With ash and debris landing in yards across town and with smoke lingering in the air, Libby residents expressed health concerns following the huge fire that on Thursday night destroyed the old plywood plant.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Plywood plant operated in Libby for four decades
While smoke drifted around various neighborhoods on Friday morning, a Libby man wearing a bathrobe and carrying a cup of coffee wanted to take one more look.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Fire damages Swede Mountain home
A Swede Mountain home suffered extensive smoke and fire damage last week after the heat from a fireplace contributed to shorting out an electrical switch and setting a wall on fire.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: THS boys put up fight at tourney
The season may have ended for the Troy High School boys basketball team last week at the Western B Divisional Tournament but the Trojans did not go down without a fight.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
American Cancer Society bringing program to Libby
The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program will be offered in Lincoln County.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Water main project begins in Troy
A water main replacement project to stop 500,000-plus gallons of city-owned water from leaking into the ground on a daily basis got under way on Monday in Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Lady Loggers come up short in tourney
The Polson defense came out of the gate in the Northwestern A semifinals against Libby on Friday with a strategy that centered around stopping Jackie Mee.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Financial loss from plywood plant fire 'significant'
The financial loss from the massive fire that consumed the former Stimson Lumber Co., plywood plant last week had not yet been determined as of Monday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Logger boys wrap up season in Kalispell
The Libby High School boys basketball team’s season ended on Saturday afternoon with a 49-43 loss to Ronan in the consolation final of the Northwestern A Tournament.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby girls see curtain close on 14-6 season
The Libby High School girls basketball team saw its season come to an end on Saturday at the Northwestern A Tournament in Kalispell.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Massive fire destroys plywood plant
It took a mere three minutes to arrive on site Thursday night after the 911 call came in but Libby firefighters found the former Stimson Lumber Co., plywood plant fully engulfed in flames.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Mild winter, volunteers help church get closer to completion
Since the project broke ground this past June, the Libby Assembly of God’s new church has been inching its way skyward on a lot at the end of Collins Avenue.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Trojan boys move into semifinals
The Troy High School boys basketball team opened the Western B Divisional Tournament on Wednesday with a 48-45 victory in overtime over Deer Lodge.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Group promotes reading through fun atmosphere
“I know! I know!”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
List of public office candidates grows
Tim Linehan, Eileen Carney, Glenn Garrison and Tessa Anderson have all thrown their names into the hat by filing candidate statement forms with Lincoln County.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Landfill vehicle thefts lead to felony charges
Three brothers and a friend, who face felony charges for allegedly stealing three pickups last week and leading law enforcement on multiple chases, had allegedly only intended to break into the Lincoln County Landfill that night to shoot birds.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Lady Loggers win big over Whitefish
The Libby High School girls basketball team ended the regular season on Saturday with a 51-26 win at Whitefish.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Season ends for Lady Trojans
While first-year coach Neil Newton chatted with his team during a timeout, the game clock overhead showed 1:43 remaining in the first half with the Troy girls basketball team holding a 20-9 lead over District 7-B tournament opponent Mission.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Forest's motor-vehicle use maps available
Kootenai National Forest motor-vehicle use maps are now available to the public, the agency announced last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Wolf pack in Yaak next to be reduced
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has authorized the lethal removal of two wolves from the Candy Mountain Pack in the Yaak Valley since a federal agency confirmed Friday that the pack is responsible for the death of three cows.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sweedman, Berget 2nd at tourney
Libby High School senior Kyle Sweedman got one more shot at Polson’s Brock Picard on Saturday in the 171-pound final at the Tournament of Champions in Great Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Irish Fair to feature concert on March 13
The Irish Fair Committee in Libby announced its schedule and plans for this year’s event on March 13.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
STOKR applications due back by March 7
Rider applications for STOKR (Scenic Tour of the Kootenai River) are currently available online and in Libby, organizers of the annual event announced. This year’s event will be staged on May 8-9.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Troy quilters planning big event this weekend
The Tender Lovin’ Quilters are offering a Quilting 101 class in Troy on Saturday, Feb. 27.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
County issues burning reminder
The Lincoln County Department of Environmental Health reminds residents that a ban on open burning continues through the end of February statewide and through the end of March for those in the Libby Air Quality Impact Area.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Troy PD up to full staff
Troy police officer Frank “Colin” Barnett was trained and certified before hire, and a second new officer, Nathan White, is concluding his field training, making Troy Police Department’s three-officer force whole again.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: LHS falls to Whitefish in regular-season finale
The Libby High School boys basketball team wrapped up regular-season play in the Northwestern A Conference on Thursday night with a 49-40 setback to Whitefish.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Boys basketball: Trojan boys rally late to stun Thompson Falls
Trailing by seven points as the game clock dipped below 1 minute, the odds were definitely against Troy to pull out its opening game in the District 7-B boys basketball tournament.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Spelling titans square off for county title
W.F. Morrison Elementary School’s Kasey Faur spelled “palatable” only for Brian Chupp of Tobacco Valley Home Educators to correctly string together “adjudicate.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Online Exclusive: Thompson Falls downs Troy at districts
The Troy High School girls basketball team opened the District 7-B Tournament on Thursday night with a 55-36 loss to Thompson Falls but had one of its better performances of the season.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Lady Loggers win big over Whitefish
The Libby High School girls basketball team ended the regular season on Saturday with a 51-26 win at Whitefish.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Online Exclusive: Bigfork takes 7-B title game over Troy
Nobody really expected the Troy High School boys basketball team to reach the District 7-B championship game. But the Trojans fought their way through a first-round thriller over Thompson Falls and a semifinal triumph over Plains to get a shot at the regular-season champion.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Online Exclusive: Trojan boys reach 7-B title game; down Plains
In losses to Plains during the regular season, the Troy High School boys basketball team suffered through offensive lulls that impacted the final outcome.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Whitefish boys down LHS
The Libby High School boys basketball team wrapped up regular-season play in the Northwestern A Conference on Thursday night with a 49-40 setback to Whitefish.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video: Thompson Falls vs. Troy girls in 7-B Tournament
Feb. 18, 2010: Thompson Falls 55, Troy 36
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
'Joyriding' lands 4 suspects in jail
Three teenagers and a man in his 20s are being held on felony charges for allegedly stealing three pickups out of the Lincoln County Landfill in Libby late Tuesday night and leading local law enforcement on multiple chases that ended with two crashes.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Food pantry in Troy searches for new building
The Troy Food Pantry is able to serve more families now than ever before, owing part of its success to the city for housing it for the past six years.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Scotchman Peaks group offers free film festival
While brainstorming for ideas on a new event for the Libby-Troy region, Friends of Scotchman Peaks members wanted to come up with something a little different. In the past, the group had organized dinners, summer music gatherings and organizational picnics.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Forest Service plans upgrades to McGillivray Campground
Widened camp sites and newer tables and toilets are among improvements planned for the McGillivray Campground situated along the west side of the Koocanusa Reservoir in Kootenai National Forest’s Libby Ranger District.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Lady Loggers knock off Columbia Falls
Playing for the final time on their home floor, Libby High School seniors Jackie Mee and LaRona Luscher put together memorable performances Tuesday night to lead the Lady Loggers’ basketball team to a 51-44 victory over Columbia Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Mayor: All to have say on cameras
The controversial idea to place surveillance cameras on Mineral Avenue to prevent vandalism wasn’t on the Libby City Council meeting agenda Tuesday, but it was brought up anyway.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Troy bowler places high in national amateur tourney
John Brown of Troy placed third overall in the TAT Amateur Nationals held earlier this month in Las Vegas, Nev.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Scotchman Mine cleanup meeting set for Heron
A public meeting on the cleanup of the Scotchman Mine has been scheduled for 6-8 p.m., on Tuesday, March 2, at the Heron Community Center.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
State to hold meetings in Libby on highway projects
The Montana Department of Transportation will host a public meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 23 to discuss planned improvements to sections of U.S. Highway 2 and Montana Highway 37 and will present information on road projects in the Libby area for this year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
School board OKs mail-in election
The Libby School District plans to hold its next trustee election through a mail-in ballot.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Wolf pack to be reduced: Officials make decision after McGinnis Meadows incidents
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has determined that four of the seven wolves in the Fishtrap Pack should be killed to reduce livestock depredation at McGinnis Meadows. The pack is believed to be responsible for killing a cow last month and then injuring a calf at a neighboring ranch two …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video: Columbia Falls at Libby girls basketball
Feb. 16, 2010: Libby 51, Columbia Falls 44
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: LHS girls defeat Columbia Falls
The Libby High School girls basketball team played well in its regular-season home finale on Tuesday night with a 51-44 victory over Columbia Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: LHS defeats Troy, Polson
Hanging on to a two-point lead in a close one on Saturday night, the Libby High School girls basketball team needed a little breathing room to make sure visiting Polson didn’t pull off a fourth qarter rally on the way to victory.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Officials seeking public's help to solve wildlife crimes
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials are hoping to receive tips on two wildlife crimes that occurred in the Libby area in late January.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Wrestling: Leir, Sweedman take 2nd at state
Kyle Leir and Kyle Sweedman each advanced into the championship matches in their respective weight classes at the Class A State Wrestling Tournament on Saturday in Billings. Both Leir and Sweedman came up short in their finales, however, and had to settle for runner-up.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Group hopes to erase political, religious lines
Self-reliance, constitutional rights and reduced meddling from the federal government were among the topics presented by a Hamilton group last week at a rally in Libby that attracted about 50 people.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Asa Wood study moves forward
Libby School Board trustees agreed that their top five choices in companies to perform a school building needs assessment would all serve the district well, but they awarded the bid Friday to a company with a Kalispell office.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Lady Trojans' Pepiot scores 17 in District 7-B loss to Eureka
As the Troy High School girls basketball team heads into its final week of the season, no victories appear on the record. The Lady Trojans continue to have problems even staying close to their opponents.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: THS hangs on to down Eureka
In what turned into a nerve-racking free-throw shooting contest over the final 2 minutes of the game, the Troy boys basketball team had just enough to pull out a 57-55 victory on Friday night over visiting Eureka.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Libby falls to Pirates in home finale
Popping 3-pointers through the net as if they were half-speed, routine layups, the Polson boys dampened Libby’s regular-season home finale on Saturday afternoon with a 59-34 victory.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Reaching out to Haiti: Students, school staff raise money
One month after a magnitude-7 earthquake killed more than 200,000 Haitians, students and staff at Libby and Troy schools have raised over $2,500 from bake sales and penny drives to help the devastated country.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
City Council to meet Tuesday night
The Libby City Council will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at City Hall.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video: Polson at Libby girls basketball
Feb. 13, 2010: Libby 53, Polson 46
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Leir, Sweedman place 2nd at state wrestling
Kyle Leir and Kyle Sweedman each advanced into the championship matches in their respective weight classes at the Class A State Wrestling Tournament on Saturday in Billings. Both Leir and Sweedman came up short in their finales, however, and settled for runner-up.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Troy girls lose regular-season finale
The Troy High School girls basketball team lost its regular-season finale on Friday night to District 7-B foe Eureka, 67-26.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video: Eureka at Troy girls basketball
Feb. 12, 2010: Eureka 67, Troy 26
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video: Polson at Libby boys basketball
Feb. 13, 2010: Polson 59, Libby 34
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Trojan boys down Eureka, 57-55
The Troy High School boys basketball team survived struggles at the free-throw line to hang on for a 57-55 victory over Eureka on Friday night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video: Eureka at Troy boys basketball
Feb. 12, 2010: Troy 57, Eureka 55
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Video Playlist: Youth Activities
Various non-sports activities involving youth in Libby and Troy, Montana
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video Playlist: LHS Wrestling
Libby High School wrestling
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Video Playlist: News & Politics
News and Politics in Libby and Troy, Montana
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video Playlist: LHS Basketball
LHS girls and boys basketball
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Video Playlist: Our Town Series
Our Town – Libby/Troy, Montana
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video: Troy at Libby girls basketball
Feb. 11, 2010: Libby 53, Troy 14
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video Playlist: THS Basketball
Troy High School boys and girls basketball
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Video: Hottie Totties
The Hottie Totties perform at halftime of the Feb. 11 Troy-Libby girls basketball game
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Video Playlist: Northwestern Montana
Lincoln County, Montana
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Tester proposes changes to forest legislation
Sen. Jon Tester on Friday announced several proposed changes to his landmark Forest Jobs and Recreation Act.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
EPA nixes suggestion of interim RODs
Environmental Protection Agency officials presented a preview at Monday’s meeting of what will likely show up in the agency’s formal response to public comments on the proposed cleanup plans for the former export plant and screening plant.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
EPA report: Asbestos levels declining at Libby schools
The Environmental Protection Agency announced during a public meeting on Monday that asbestos levels in and around Libby schools are much lower than in years past and do not pose a risk to children.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Troy High School principal resigns
After a rocky past year, Troy High School Principal Jeff Ralston turned in his letter of resignation last week, effective at the end of the school year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Snowmobilers warm up on Keeler trail near Troy
The Keeler snowmobile trail in Kootenai National Forest’s Troy Ranger District became more family friendly this winter with the addition of a warming hut.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Trojans can't get offense going in 2 losses
Putting together a sound defensive plan that included a number of steals and rebounds, the Troy High School girls basketball team once again found itself in the position of nabbing a first victory on Friday night against Mission.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Police arrest pair following gas station robbery
Two California men were arrested Sunday night in Libby after an officer reportedly witnessed them run a stop light a block from the gas station that one of the men allegedly robbed just minutes before.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby girls down Troy in hoops
The Libby High School girls basketball team tuned up for this weekend's big game with Polson by downing Troy in a nonconference matchup on Thursday night, 53-14.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Vigilante entertainment: Theatre troupe coming to Libby
The Vigilante Theatre Company returns to Libby on Saturday for a performance at the Memorial Center. This year’s performance, “Adventures on the Western Stage,” is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Libby boys perform well in Elks Hoop Shoot
Jared Winslow and Ryggs Johnston both represented Libby well during the Montana State Elks Hoop Shoot on Feb. 6 in Livingston.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: THS keeps head above .500 in 7-B
In the first half, the Trojans found success from beyond the 3-point line. And when the opponent tried to make defensive adjustments to stop the perimeter success, Troy started going inside to big man Brian Hammrich.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Our Town Video & SlideShow: Turner Mountain Ski Area
The most common phrase on a Sunday trip up to the Turner Mountain Ski Area – “You picked a wonderful day to come up.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
An American Hero: Local soldier receives Purple Heart, Bronze Star
Fighting in Afghanistan this past summer with the Green Berets, Staff Sgt. Ryan Stovall believes he’s lucky to be alive.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
5 Questions: Kaide Dodson, LHS After-School Program Coordinator
How long has Libby High School had an after-school program and what kinds of programs are offered?
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video: Libby at Troy boys basketball
Feb. 9, 2010: Libby 33, Troy 15
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Libby drops games to C. Falls, Ronan
The Libby High School boys basketball team fell short at Ronan on Saturday, 47-44.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Dancer avoids prison: Heart problems play into judge's decision
Convicted embezzler William Dancer, 53, won’t spend time in prison for stealing $237,000 from his former employer, Sagle, Idaho-based Independence Home Center Inc., over three years ago.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Changes on horizon with forest jobs bill
Sen. Jon Tester offered a few hints last week about changes to be made to the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act and added that full details would soon be announced.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Path to the Olympics: Troy native Hunt trains America's freestyle skiers
Like many other youth growing up in Troy, Justin Hunt headed over to Schweitzer a couple of times to try his luck going down the mountain on skis.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Wrestling: LHS finishes 3rd at divisional tournament
The Libby High School wrestling team qualified 13 athletes out of the 15 weight classes for the Class A state tournament.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Grassroots effort tries to make dent in political process
The newspaper advertisements and glossy brochures promised a way to boot the 435 politicians out of the U.S. House of Representatives and replace them with “everyday Americans.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: LHS boys beat Troy in defensive battle
With tournament time looming around the corner, both the Libby and Troy boys basketball teams wanted to put together sound performances on Tuesday night in a nonconference matchup.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Libby slips past Bigfork
Fighting for position in the post with the game on the line, Libby High School’s Jackie Mee was not going to be denied.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Libby considers 10-year plan for capital projects
New Libby City Administrator Jim Hammons suggested at Monday’s city council meeting that the city invest in a professional 10-year capital improvements plan that would prioritize infrastructure needs.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Effort to establish VA clinic in Libby moves forward
Within two months, a local clinic is slated to begin providing primary care in Libby for Lincoln County veterans, said Chuck Marsden, executive assistant to the director for Spokane Veterans Administration Medical Center.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: LHS beats Ronan by 24
The Libby High School girls basketball team led by seven points at the half and then came out of the game in the third quarter with a 19-3 run en route to a 44-20 victory over Ronan.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
News Update: Dancer gets 20-year suspended sentence
Convicted embezzler William Dancer won’t spend time in prison for stealing more than $200,000 from his former employer, Sagle, Idaho-based Independence Home Center Inc., over three years ago.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: LHS girls take big win at Ronan
The Libby High School girls basketball team led by seven points at the half and then came out of the gate in the third quarter with a 19-3 run en route to a 44-20 victory over Ronan.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Trojan boys fall at Bigfork
The Troy High School boys basketball team put up a good fight against the conference champions but Bigfork pulled away over the final eight minutes to post a 57-42 win.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: LHS qualifies 13 for state; Roby and Dylan Berget win titles
The Libby High School wrestling team qualified 13 athletes for the Class A state tournament.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: LHS boys fall short at Ronan
The Libby High School boys basketball team fell short at Ronan on Saturday, 47-44.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Lady Trojans fall to first-place Vals
The Troy High School girls basketball team couldn’t keep pace with first-place Bigfork in a 7-B District matchup, 66-18.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video: Mission at Troy girls basketball
Feb. 5, 2010: Mission 31, Troy 20
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video: Mission at Troy boys basketball
Feb. 5, 2010: Troy 53, Mission 33
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Dancer gets 20 years probation
Convicted embezzler William Dancer won’t spend time in prison for stealing more than $200,000 from his former employer, Sagle, Idaho-based Independence Home Center Inc., over three years ago.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Troy girls fall to Mission
The Troy High School girls basketball team could not find an offensive rhythm on Friday night in a 31-20 loss to Mission.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Trojan boys defeat Mission by 20
The Troy High School boys basketball game put together a complete performance in a 53-33 victory over Mission on Friday night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Troy City Council fills vacant seat
The Troy City Council filled a vacancy last Friday that was created by councilmember Larry Coryell’s resignation in January.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Turner Mountain reports 21-inch base
The Turner Mountain Ski Area near Libby reported a 21-inch base and 33-inch summit as of late Thursday afternoon.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Columbia Falls boys down LHS
Columbia Falls broke open a close game with a 28-5 effort in the second quarter to defeat Libby, 66-34, in boys basketball action Thursday night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Band Festival coming to LHS
Polson, Stevensville, Hamilton and Libby will gather this coming Monday and Tuesday at Ralph Tate Gymnasium for the Class A Northwest Band Festival.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Memorial Center tackles challenges
A reduction in contributions over the past year has taken its toll on the Libby Memorial Center. As a result, the Kootenai Heritage Council board of directors laid off the Memorial Center’s sole employee and has taken over his duties indefinitely.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby woman wins trip to NBA All-Star Game
Lydia Mysse, a Libby resident, recently won an all expenses-paid trip for two to Dallas, Texas to watch the NBA All-Star Game.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Rogers, Wise win state drama title; LHS as team places 3rd
Libby took third in drama at the Class A state speech, drama and debate meet this past weekend in Corvallis, with seven of the 11 Libby High School participants taking home medals and all competitors making it to the semifinals.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Plains rallies to beat Trojans
The points were coming easy over the first six minutes of the game.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Lady Loggers win big over Whitefish, 46-18
Coming into Saturday’s matchup against the Lady Loggers, the Whitefish girls had just one victory to their credit. Libby, meanwhile, hovered around the .500 mark but on paper, looked like the easy favorite.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Wrestling: LHS nips C. Falls, annihilates Whitefish
A freshman came up big on Senior Night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Student embraces rural setting for medical training
Samantha Michelena, a student at the University of Washington School of Medicine, grew up in a small town, so it was natural for her to choose a rural setting like Libby to receive medical training.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Our Town: Students prepare for Feb. 4-5 'Sleeping Beauty' shows
After the lockers empty and the school buses take off, Libby Middle School is quieter, but not yet silent.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Lady Loggers win close on over Bigfork
Libby High School senior Jackie Mee scored five points in the final 10 seconds to help the Lady Loggers to a 44-41 win over Bigfork in a nonconference matchup on Tuesday night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: THS girls come up short vs. Plains
Although the Troy High School girls basketball team remains winless this season, the Lady Trojans continue to show signs of breaking through.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Troy wins back-to-back OT games
Ryan Rayson’s free throws and Jake Alexander’s 3-pointers proved to be key components in Troy’s 64-54 overtime victory on Thursday night over Thompson Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Casino robbery suspect enters plea agreement
A man charged with robbing a Libby casino in September and leading authorities on a 30-mile high-speed chase through Libby and Troy entered a plea agreement in court last week, while his alleged accomplice may go to trial in March.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Searching for a father: Libby man finally finds answers
Over the summer of 1953, a teenage mother abandoned her 9-month-old baby, William Albert Davis – named after his father – on a bench at a bus station in Ephrata, Wash.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: LHS improves to 3-1 in Northwestern A
Libby High School coach Wally Winslow knows his team’s offense isn’t perfect. The Loggers struggle at times with shooting percentage and will usually hit a wall at some point during the game.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Trojan girls show improvement
Glancing up at the halftime scoreboard, the Troy High School girls basketball team found themselves trailing Thompson Falls by a mere four points. Yes, the Lady Trojans were losing but they were in the game – something they couldn’t say about many of their other contests this season.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Turner Mountain Ski Area still open
The Turner Mountain Ski Area near Libby continues to operate despite a below-average season for snowfall.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
City considers reclassifying minor offenses
Mayor Doug Roll asked the Libby City Council last week to consider following Whitefish and Kalispell’s example of converting some minor misdemeanor criminal offenses into municipal infractions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby boys take out Bulldogs, 48-38
The Libby High School boys basketball team survived a rocky third quarter to defeat Whitefish, 48-38, on Saturday night in a Northwestern A matchup.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video: Whitefish at Libby boys basketball
Jan. 30, 2010: Libby 48, Whitefish 38
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Logger boys win at Eureka by 23
The Libby High School boys basketball team led 30-16 at halftime and went on a 12-2 run to end the game in a 50-27 triumph against Class B Eureka.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video: Whitefish at Libby girls basketball
Jan. 30, 2010: Libby 46, Whitefish 18
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Troy girls lose on road to Noxon
The Troy High School girls basketball team came close to posting its first win this season by trailing by just two points heading into the fourth. But Noxon finished the game with a 9-3 run to take a 36-28 win.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Noxon outlasts Troy boys, 30-25
The Troy High School boys basketball team suffered through long offensive droughts in a 30-25 loss at Noxon on Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: LHS girls roll past Whitefish
The Libby High School girls basketball team handily defeated Whitefish on Saturday evening, 46-18.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby grapplers dominate Whitefish, 64-12
The Libby High School wrestling team ended its regular season on Friday with a 64-12 dual victory over Whitefish.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Troy girls lose at home to Plains
The Troy High School girls basketball staged a late rally but couldn't climb out of the hole in a 45-33 loss to Plains.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Plains boys rally to beat Trojans
The Troy High School boys basketball team shot out to a 12-0 lead early but Plains buckled down, got its inside game going and came from behind for a 55-40 victory on Friday night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video: Plains at Troy boys basketball
January 29, 2010: Plains 55, Troy 40
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video: Libby vs. Columbia Falls wrestling
Libby 45, Columbia Falls 42
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
WN Sports Video: Plains at Troy girls basketball
January 29, 2010: Plains 45, Troy 33
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: LHS girls roll past Eureka by 15
Libby High School senior Jackie Mee was back in uniform on Thursday night in the Lady Loggers’ 50-35 victory at Eureka.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy Mine shows sign of recovery
Starting Monday, Troy mine worker wages will be completely restored to pre-December 2008 levels, a sign of recovery for a company that was on the brink of closing one year ago.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby defeats Columbia Falls on Senior Night
The Libby High School wrestling team won a thrilling 45-42 dual over Columbia Falls on Thursday night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Officials say air quality control plan is working in Libby
In the world of air quality success stories, Libby looms large on the national scene.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
'Sleeping Beauty' musical coming Feb. 4-5 to Memorial Center
Dancing, singing and wielding props – Libby Middle School students have been rehearsing since December to present the musical production of “Sleeping Beauty” next week at the Memorial Center.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
5 Questions with Erik Leigh
Erik Leigh, Lincoln County Environmental Health
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
LHS students headed to regional Science Bowl
A group of five science club students will represent Libby High School at the 18th annual Big Sky Regional Science Bowl competition on Feb. 20 in Billings, adviser Jasper Howell announced.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Missoula Children's Theater coming to Troy
The Missoula Children’s Theatre kicks off a week of “Rumpelstiltskin” with auditions on Monday, Feb. 1, in Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Kootenai NF plans to install bear-proof food boxes
With black bears and grizzly bears roaming around northwestern Montana’s backcountry, interaction with humans will occur from time to time. In an effort to help protect the bears from getting themselves into trouble while increasing safety for campers, Kootenai National Forest this summer plans to install up to 100 bear-proof …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Wrestling: Libby wins 4 of 5 at Class A Duals
The Libby High School wrestling squad won four of five matchups during the Class A Duals at Lewistown on Friday and Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Coryell resigns from Troy council
The Troy City Council is in need of another member – and quick.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Our Town SlideShow: Cheering on the basketball teams
As competitors for the local high school, athletes often find themselves on the pages of a newspaper’s sports section. Beyond the basketball court, however, there are also the cheer squads that do their best to root classmates to victory while keeping the crowd in the game.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Life in the 'husky chariot': Yaak woman discovers passion for dog sledding
At least a couple times per week throughout the winter, Linda Stehlik can be seen standing at the helm of a dog sled while the team’s silent feet pound the ground, and they, not so silently, pant in unison. Stehlik is sensitive to the movements of her dogs, gripping the …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Mee-less Loggers fall to Glacier
The Libby High School girls basketball team’s offense struggled offensively on Saturday in a nonconference matchup against Class AA Glacier in Kalispell.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy native receives honor for fire rescue
Standing on an extension ladder outside of a burning building in Renton, Wash., Mike Bain encouraged a man trapped on the second floor to remain calm.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Bigfork outlasts Loggers
With no field goals over the final 3-1/2 minutes in a tight game on Tuesday night, the matchup between Libby and Bigfork quickly turned into a free-throw shooting contest.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
LHS drama team takes 2nd at divisionals
The Libby High School drama team finished runner-up at last weekend’s Northwestern A divisional tournament in Whitefish.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy tries to fill police vacancies
The Troy Police Department is down to new chief Bob McLeod as its only officer, mayor Don Banning confirmed last week following the first meeting of the new city council.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Annex building options all carry high pricetag
Results from an informal analysis determined the cost of refurbishing the aging Lincoln County annex building in Libby to modernize the electrical, plumbing and heating systems are cost prohibitive county commissioner John Konzen said.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
LC Culinary School classes to begin
The Lincoln County Culinary School is planning to kick off a series of classes on Thursday, Jan. 28 – thanks to a grant through the Montana Food Bank Network.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Libby falters in 4th in loss to Glacier
The Libby High School boys basketball team jumped out to a 12-2 lead in the first quarter and held a seven-point advantage at halftime but came out cold in the fourth quarter in a 65-41 loss to Glacier.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby Schools may be forced to cut staff
The numbers keep coming down.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby boys fall on road at AA Glacier
The Libby High School boys basketball team jumped out to a 12-2 lead in the first quarter and held a seven-point advantage at halftime but came out cold in the fourth quarter in a 65-41 loss on Saturday to Glacier.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Troy High girls show improvement
The Troy High School girls basketball team showed signs of improvement in back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby girls fall to Glacier
The Libby High School girls basketball team’s offense struggled on Saturday in a nonconference matchup against Class AA Glacier in Kalispell.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: LHS wrestlers win 3 of 4 at Class A Duals
The Libby High School wrestling squad won three of four matchups during the Class A Duals at Lewistown on Friday and Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Troy goes to OT again for another win
The Troy High School boys basketball team went into overtime for the second straight game for a 64-56 victory on Saturday over Superior.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Trojan boys down T. Falls in OT
Ryan Rayson’s free throws and Jake Alexander’s 3-pointers proved to be key components in Troy’s 64-54 overtime victory on Thursday night over Thompson Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Case of whooping cough confirmed in Lincoln County
The Lincoln County Health Department announced one confirmed case this week of pertussis, or whooping cough.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Tourism summit slated for Feb. 2 at Libby Dam
Lincoln County Tourism plans to host a tourism summit on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m., at Libby Dam.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby school superintendent receives extension
After debating the pros and cons of contract lengths, the Libby School Board on Monday night approved a two-year extension to school superintendent Kirby Maki.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Agencies consider expansion of interim storage area for soil
A proposal to expand an interim storage area for contaminated soil is under consideration by agencies involved with the Libby Superfund cleanup.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby artist brings home 'People' Choice' honor
Over the years, Libby artist Ron Adamson has earned a number of honors, rubbed elbows with Hollywood stars and drew the attention of the legendary rock band, “The Eagles.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
TV translator group continues search for funds
In an attempt to get operation and maintenance costs covered while preparing for the ultimate conversion to digital, the Libby TV Translator Group is trying to find local residents who are willing to contribute to the cause.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Election battles take shape across county
Election 2010 officially started on Thursday with candidates intending to run for various county, district and state offices filing their paperwork.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Air quality meeting set for Jan. 26 at Little Theatre
The Lincoln County Environmental Health Department plans to host a public meeting on Jan. 26 at the Little Theatre in Libby. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Loggers hang on to down Troy, 35-29
Down by just four points with eight minutes to play, the Troy High School boys had battled back from a 15-2 hole in the opening quarter. Just when the momentum seemed to be in favor of the Trojans, Libby dug deep and snatched it away to end up winning, 35-29.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Lady Loggers post 49-point win over Class B Trojans
Over the first minute of Thursday night’s game at Class B Troy, the Libby High School girls committed turnovers on their first two possessions and gave up a hoop to fall behind, 2-0.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Congressional candidate hosting chili feed on Saturday
Dennis McDonald (D-Melville), a candidate for U.S. representative, will host a free chili feed on Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Libby Senior Citizens Center.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy Police Department down to only McLeod
The Troy Police Department is down to new chief Bob McLeod as its only officer, mayor Don Banning confirmed Wednesday night following the first meeting of the new city council.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Coryell resigns from Troy City Council
The Troy City Council is in need of another member – and quick.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby's city administrator position goes to Hammons
Reaching the conclusion of a search that went on for more than six months, Libby has finally hired a city administrator. And a familiar face will take on that role – former Troy mayor Jim Hammons.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council to meet Tuesday evening
The Libby City Council plans to meet for a regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m., in council chambers at City Hall. The meeting was postponed from Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Trojans take care of Eureka
The Troy High School boys basketball team improved to 3-2 in District 7-B on Saturday with a 58-53 victory at Eureka.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Loggers upend Polson, 41-40
The Libby High School boys basketball team pulled off a 41-40 road victory over Polson on Saturday to improve to 2-1 in the Northwestern A.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Eureka defeats Troy, 50-21
The Troy High School girls basketball team dropped a 50-21 loss at Eureka on Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
LHS drama wins Bigfork tourney
Libby High School’s drama team nailed down first place in Class A during Saturday’s Bigfork Invitational.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Folk singer John Dunnigan coming to Libby
On a visit to John Dunnigan’s website, an interesting description greets folks on the home page:
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Volunteers come through to keep Nordicfest alive
Facing the possibility of dying out after a quarter-century, Libby Nordicfest put out a desperate plea for volunteers to keep the annual festival alive. The community responded in a big way on Friday evening during an organizational meeting to fill out a board aching for new faces.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Wrestling: Sweedman 2nd at Rocky Mountain; LHS loses by 1 point to Ronan
Libby High School’s Kyle Sweedman finished second in the Jug Beck Rocky Mountain Classic wrestling tournament in Missoula on Saturday but his loss in the championship bout came to an old nemesis – Brock Picard.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Rehberg listens to variety of viewpoints on Tester bill
Standing in front of a podium with a wireless microphone on Saturday afternoon in Libby, U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg shared a couple of stories, offered a few viewpoints and even told a joke.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Bigfork boys hang on to beat Libby
The Libby High School boys basketball team rallied from an early nine-point deficit to take the lead in the fourth quarter only to see Bigfork win in the end, 43-41.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Polson downs Lady Loggers by 11
The Libby High School girls basketball team couldn’t put a blemish on Polson’s Northwestern A record on Saturday in a 49-38 loss.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
5 Questions: Dolly Blata, Troy High School Student Council President
1. What are some of the primary issues that you are involved with as student council president?
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Vincent strives for seat in state senate
Reps. Chas Vincent and Gerald Bennett of Libby both filed their paperwork last week in an effort to continue their public service to Montana. In Vincent’s case, the road to Helena has a different twist as he filed for the Senate District 1 seat currently held by Aubyn Curtiss.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Our Town: Conquering the Treasure Mountain Challenge
Organizers of the Treasure Mountain Challenge didn’t quite know what to expect for its inaugural cross-country skiing races on Saturday. And although only five competitors took part in two races, that wasn’t exactly a bad thing.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Trojan boys improve to 3-2 in district
The Troy High School boys basketball team improved to 3-2 in District 7-B on Saturday with a 58-53 victory at Eureka.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Sweedman 2nd at Rocky Mnt.
Libby High School’s Kyle Sweedman lost a 5-2 decision to rival Brock Picard of Polson in the 171-pound finals at the Rocky Mountain Classic on Saturday in Missoula.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Help on way for self-representing civil case litigants
An AmeriCorps volunteer will travel to Libby from Kalispell at least monthly, starting this coming Wednesday, to help guide self-representing litigants through civil legal matters.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Eureka girls roll past Trojans
The Troy High School girls basketball team dropped a 50-21 loss at Eureka on Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby School Board meets Monday night
The Libby School Board will gather Monday at 7 p.m., for its regular monthly meeting in the Central Administration Building’s Little Theatre.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Polson girls beat LHS, now 3-0 in region
The Libby High School girls basketball team couldn’t put a blemish on Polson’s Northwestern A record on Saturday in a 49-38 loss.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Logger boys upend Polson, 41-40
The Libby High School boys basketball team pulled off a 41-40 road victory over Polson on Saturday to improve to 2-1 in the Northwestern A.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
News Update: Former Troy mayor hired as Libby city administrator
Former Troy mayor Jim Hammons has been hired to fill the position of Libby city administrator.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Our Town SlideShow: Libby Scatterguns
There are no strangers among the Libby Scatterguns.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
News Update: Volunteers come through to keep Nordicfest alive
Facing the possibility of dying out after a quarter-century, Libby Nordicfest put out a desperate plea for volunteers to keep the annual festival alive. The community responded in a big way on Friday evening during an organizational meeting to fill out a board aching for new faces.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
State of Montana directory now online
The State of Montana Phone Directory is now online at www.mt.gov , the governor’s office announced last week. The link can be found on the right side under “State Government.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby grapplers fall in dual, 42-41
The Libby High School wrestling team lost a dual by one point for the second straight week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Rehberg listening session moved to Libby HS
U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg's listening session on Sen. Jon Tester’s Forest Jobs and Recreation Act scheduled for Saturday has been moved from the City Hall's Ponderosa Room to Libby High School's Ralph Tate Gymnasium, press secretary Tom Schultz announced late Friday afternoon.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Rehberg in Libby on Saturday for listening session
U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg has scheduled a listening session on Sen. Jon Tester’s Forest Jobs and Recreation Act in Libby for Saturday, Jan. 15.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Logger boys down Troy, 35-29
The Libby High School boys basketball team jumped out to a 15-2 lead in the first quarter and then held on for life to defeat Troy, 35-29.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports update: Libby girls down Troy, 55-6
The Libby High School girls basketball team scored 55 straight points in a 55-6 win over Troy on Thursday night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby air quality in Stage 1 advisory
Erik Leigh of the Lincoln County Environmental Health Department issued a Stage 1 air advisory on Thursday afternoon.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Story followup: Fishtrap wolf pack safe for now but will be watched
The Fishtrap Pack is safe for now after killing a cow at McGinnis Meadows last week, but that could change if the wolves make a habit out of dining on livestock, according to Kent Laudon, wolf management specialist for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Two-woman revue to play Little Theatre
Mary Reckin and Mona Charles, who have developed a reputation as Kalispell’s “Theatre Queens of Comedy” are bringing their two-woman revue to the Little Theatre in Libby on Jan. 23-24.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Mayor suggests use of cameras on Mineral Avenue
With two separate incidents involving vandals breaking glass in the community over the past year, Libby Mayor Doug Roll is looking into the possibility of installing surveillance cameras on each end of Mineral Avenue.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy's new officers under microscope
A state board in charge of certifying law-enforcement officers has been asked to look into the Troy Police Department’s two recent hires – an officer suspended from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office reserve program in 2007 and an officer who was fired from the sheriff’s office last year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
No charges filed against Walters, Pearson
Troy’s former chief of police Mitch Walters and officer Kit Pearson, whose resignation goes into effect Monday, will not be charged for alleged criminal wrongdoing related to a Nov. 19 conversation that they unintentionally broadcast over a police radio.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
School board to begin Asa Wood consultant interviews
The Libby School Board plans to kick of a series of special meetings on Thursday to interview prospective consultants to complete a needs assessment concerning the future of the district’s Asa Wood building.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Our Town: Libby Scatterguns
There are no strangers among the Libby Scatterguns.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Wrestling: Polson edges LHS; Greenchain competes in dual tourney
In a dual that came down to arguably the best wrestlers on each squad, Polson defeated Libby on Thursday night, 36-35.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Incident with wolves has McGinnis Meadows couple on edge
Jan Bourdeau can point out each of her 15 cows and bulls by name. Some are named after old television shows – “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Little House on the Prairie” – while others have Gaelic names that stem from the breed’s Irish heritage.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
5 Questions: Charlie Clough, Friends of Scotchman Peaks
1. What is the No. 1 challenge in Friends of Scotchman Peaks’ quest to obtain the wilderness designation?
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Boys basketball: Troy downs Mission, falls to Bigfork
The Troy High School boys basketball team came up big in the fourth quarter to down Mission, 37-27, in a District 7-B matchup on Friday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby drama team 2nd at Columbia Falls Invite
The Libby High School drama team took second place behind Polson in the Class A competition at last weekend’s Columbia Falls Invitational.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Girls basketball: Libby off to 1-1 start in conference
The Libby High School girls basketball team opened Northwestern A play on Friday with a 54-44 setback at Columbia Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Boys basketball: Libby breaks even in first week of conference play
With a variety of weapons in the starting lineup and a deep bench to keep the opposition gasping for oxygen, it was easy to see on Thursday night why the Columbia Falls boys were picked as the preseason favorites in the Northwestern A.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Officials hope to receive funding for road
Escaping life in the city limits and enjoying the beautiful backcountry that Lincoln County has to offer, a growing number of people have purchased property in the Yaak.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Local entities finalize comments on OU1, OU2 cleanup plans
The Environmental Protection Agency is not using or does not yet have the proper science or data to impose final remedies on operable units 1 and 2, according to the County/City Health Board, Libby City Council and Libby Area Technical Advisory Group.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Girls basketball: Lady Trojans lose to Mission, Bigfork
The Troy High School girls basketball team got seven points from Jackie Pepiot in a 43-16 loss to Mission in a District 7-B meeting on Friday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Cross-country ski race coming to Libby
While racing in various cross-country skiing events around the region, Libby’s Ben Scott wondered if such a competition would draw much interest back in his hometown.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Online Exclusive: Snowpack below average in Kootenai River Basin
Mountain snowpack in the Kootenai River Basin is below average, the Montana Natural Resources Conservation Service reported Friday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports update: LHS at Western A Duals
Libby High School's wrestling team placed sixth at the Western A Duals Friday and Saturday at Ronan. Libby won duals over Deerlodge, 82-6; Flathead, 40-33; Thompson Falls, 57-30; and Flathead JV, 53-21.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Lady Loggers win by 30
The Libby High School girls basketball team took care of Class B Eureka in a nonconference meeting Saturday evening, 52-22.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy appoints new police chief
In one of his first actions as Troy mayor, Don Banning promoted officer Bob McLeod to chief of police.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports update: Polson wrestlers beat Libby by 1 point
In a dual that came down to arguably the best wrestlers on each squad, Polson defeated Libby on Thursday night, 36-35.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Noxon slips past Lady Trojans
Looking for positives in a sixth straight loss this season, first-year coach Neil Newton said Saturday night following his team’s 27-18 loss to Noxon that the Lady Trojans continue to learn the game.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy PD sees more changes
Staffing at the three-officer Troy Police Department has shuffled since the chief and an officer inadvertently broadcast a controversial conversation over a public frequency in November. The exchange, which was recorded by dispatch, launched a state investigation and the chief shortly thereafter resigned.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Singing Sons Of Beaches to play Libby on Jan. 16
Libby native Steve Riddle plans to make another musical appearance in his hometown – but this time it’s not with the Mission Mountain Wood Band.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Columbia Falls defeats Libby boys, 56-25
The Libby High School boys basketball team opened play in the Northwestern A on Thursday night with a 56-25 loss to Columbia Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
New Year's Baby arrives on Jan. 2
A little more than 30 hours into the new year, Tahley Renee Dobrowsky made her way into the world at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Year in Review, Part III: September-December
(Editor’s note: This is the third of three stories reviewing Libby and Troy news of the past year. In this issue, read about the final four months of 2009. In the Jan. 1 edition, January through April was presented and in the Jan. 8 edition, May through August was reviewed).
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Rose fills vacant seat on council
The New Year is marking big changes for Troy city government.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
2009 Year in Review Part II: May-August
(Editor’s note: This is the second of three stories reviewing Libby and Troy news of the past year. In this issue, read about the second four months of 2009. In the Jan. 1 edition, January through April was presented. September through December will follow on Jan. 8).
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Trojans step out of conference to beat Noxon
The Troy High School boys basketball team continues to be a work in progress but first-year coach Cory Andersen was pleased with a lot of aspects to the game in a 39-26 victory on Saturday night over Class C Noxon.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Libby takes care of Eureka
The Libby High School boys basketball team built a double-digit lead by halftime and took care of Eureka, 50-27, in a nonconference game on Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Stage 2 air advisory in effect for Libby area
Erik Leigh of the Lincoln County Environmental Health Department said Tuesday morning that a Stage 2 air advisory remains in effect for the Libby area.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Our Town: Perfect way to start the new year
With one eye on the time and another on a darkened Treasure Avenue, the growing crowd waiting in drizzle outside of the National Guard Armory in Libby on New Year’s Eve wondered if their loved ones would make it home before the clock struck midnight.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Wrestling: Libby dominates Whitefish, 76-12
The Libby High School wrestling team rolled to a 76-12 dual victory over Whitefish on Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Skiers, boarders hit Turner Mountain slopes
Skiers and boarders took to the slopes this past weekend after Turner Mountain Ski Area announced that it had accumulated enough snow to open up for the season.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby boys down Eureka by 23
The Libby High School boys basketball team built a double-digit lead by halftime and took care of Eureka, 50-27, in a nonconference game on Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
New Troy police chief, New Year's baby, air advisory
In one of his first actions as Troy mayor, Don Banning on Monday promoted officer Bob McLeod to chief of police. He is scheduled to be sowrn in tonight. Also, Libby’s “New Year’s baby” made its way into the world on Jan. 2, St. John’s Lutheran Hospital announced. And a …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Libby's New Year's baby born on Saturday morning
Libby’s “New Year’s baby” made its way into the world on Jan. 2, St. John’s Lutheran Hospital announced Monday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Troy mayor appoints chief of police
In one of his first actions as Troy mayor, Don Banning promoted officer Bob McLeod to chief of police. McLeod was an obvious choice to lead the three-officer department, Banning said.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Greenchain handily defeats Whitefish
The Libby High School wrestling team rolled to a 76-12 dual victory over Whitefish on Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: LHS girls cruise past Eureka
The Libby High School girls basketball team took care of Class B Eureka in a nonconference meeting Saturday evening, 52-22.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Trojans boys defeat Devils
The Troy High School boys basketball team took care of Class C Noxon in a nonconference meeting Saturday night, 39-26.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Troy girls fall to Noxon
The Troy High School girls basketball team played one of its most competitive games of the season on Saturday night against visiting Noxon but fell short in the end, 27-18.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
The perfect New Year's: Soldiers back home
With one eye on the time and another on a darkened Treasure Avenue, the growing crowd outside of the National Guard Armory in Libby wondered if their loved ones would make it home before the new year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Update: Weather delays soldiers' return by 1 hour
Libby and Troy soldiers from the Montana Army National Guard’s 639th Quartermaster Company are scheduled to return home Thursday night after a yearlong tour in Iraq.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Libby air quality in Stage 2 advisory
Erik Leigh of the Lincoln County Environmental Health Department issued a Stage 2 air advisory on Thursday for the Libby area.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
County's costs for inmate medical treatment to increase
The two physician’s assistants that have made house calls to county inmates for the past year will quit after Jan. 31, which means more inmate trips to Prompt Care or health clinics – and more cost for Lincoln County.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Local soldiers scheduled to return home Thursday
Libby and Troy soldiers from the Montana Army National Guard’s 639th Quartermaster Company are scheduled to return home Thursday night after a yearlong tour in Iraq – getting back just in time for the New Year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners leave intersection alone for now
Lincoln County commissioners decided not to create a three-way stop at the Snowshoe-Shaugnessy-Cabinet Heights intersection against the wishes of nearly 150 people who signed a petition last month requesting a stop sign be put back up on Cabinet Heights Road.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Nordicfest tries to find a way to survive
A matter of months after celebrating its silver anniversary, Libby Nordicfest finds itself at a crossroads. If the Scandinavian-themed festival cannot find several volunteers to fill key positions by Jan. 15, then the few remaining organizers say the event will fade into memory.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
MT Outdoors: Weak snowpack unloads on snowmobiler
As predicted, the weak mountain snowpack unloaded on a snowmobiler high marking on Crown Butte near Cooke City two days after Christmas, the Billings Gazette reported.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Life lost, lives saved: Story of Bronson Parsons
Supplied with a paint-by-number style portrait of their son, glue and a tray of diverse “paints” – poppy seeds, coffee grounds, crushed wheat – Paul and Carol Parsons and their two daughters created Bronson Parsons’ smiling face using organic materials.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Mine, Ivins family settle lawsuit
Revett Minerals’ insurance company has reached a settlement agreement subject to court approval with the widow of a man who was killed two years ago in a cave-in at Troy Mine.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Benson named Shrine Bowl alternate
Libby High School senior T.J. Benson was named as an alternate to next summer’s 64th annual Montana East-West Shrine Game.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Holiday house fires impact locals
Christmas won’t be the same this year for residents who lost their homes and belongings in three separate house fires over the past two weeks.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Bank to operate under state charter
First National Bank of Montana, which was founded in Libby in 1913, will begin operating under a state banking charter and change its name to First Montana Bank at the beginning of the year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
State environmental council to talk biomass
The bipartisan Environmental Quality Council will meet Jan. 7-8 in Helena to consider a variety of issues, including biomass energy, noxious weeds and the disposal of e-waste.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
LHS tunes up for conference with dual against Glacier
Trailing 5-0 through the first period in his 189-pound match on Tuesday night against a Class AA grappler, Libby junior Kody Berget appeared to be in a pretty tough spot.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Troy, Libby libraries plan book discussion groups
For book lovers who want to enjoy an evening of discussion, insight and laughter, the Lincoln County Public Libraries offers book discussion groups in the Libby and Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Veteran Troy judge relinquishes spot on bench
Twenty years ago last September, Troy’s mayor handed over the keys to the city courtroom to John Duehr. Although he hadn’t yet received any formal training for the part-time city judge position, Duehr possessed intelligence and an unbiased attitude – qualities needed to get started.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Plans call for Libby Dam spill test to help white sturgeon
As far as biologists can tell, fewer than 500 adults remain among the population of white sturgeon in the Kootenai River.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Libby now in Stage 1 air advisory
The Lincoln County Environmental Health Department currently has a Stage 1 air advisory for the Libby area.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Hearing ends with embezzler's sentencing delayed
Sentencing for convicted embezzler William Dancer was pushed back another month during a status conference hearing on Monday. The hearing was called to discuss Dancer’s condition after he reportedly suffered a heart attack Dec. 8.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Historical society seeks longtime farmers, ranchers
Keeping a farm or ranch in the same family for 100 years or more through good times and bad deserves recognition.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Wrestling: Greenchain whips Columbia Falls
The Libby High School wrestling squad won its third straight dual on Tuesday with a 57-28 victory at Columbia Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Mayor plans to request action against councilmember
Citing the use of false accusations and the creation of a hostile work environment for city employees, Libby mayor Doug Roll announced that he will request that the city council investigate councilmember D.C. Orr for official misconduct with the intention of removing him from office.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Sports Roundup: Sweedman 3rd at Tri-State
Libby High School senior Kyle Sweedman placed third at the prestigious Tri-State Wrestling Tournament last weekend at North Idaho College.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Troy takes thrilling win over Bluehawks
Trent Cratty’s free throws with less than 20 seconds remaining boosted Troy to a 41-40 victory over Thompson Falls on Thursday evening in the Trojans' District 7-B opener.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Thompson Falls downs Troy
The Troy High School girls basketball team dropped its District 7-B opener on Thursday night at Thompson Falls, 52-17.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Libby air quality in Stage 1 advisory
Erik Leigh of the Lincoln County Environmental Health Department issued a Stage 1 air advisory on Thursday morning for the Libby area that will continue at least through the night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
CARD clinic receives big financial boost
Come this spring after the snow melts, the Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby plans to continue with an expansion project to better serve a steady flow of residents that undergo screenings.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
District looks for answers on Asa Wood
Proposals have been coming in for a needs assessment to guide the Libby School District with decisions concerning the future of Asa Wood.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
LMS students score high at Science Olympiad
Libby Middle School students achieved its highest finish ever at the 25th annual Montana Science Olympiad on Nov. 24 at Montana State University in Bozeman.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
County hires new officer for Troy
A new Lincoln County sheriff’s officer began field training this week to become the Troy resident deputy, a position that has been vacant since spring.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Young Trojans fall twice to open season
Trailing by 26 points early in the fourth quarter, the Troy High School girls basketball team never gave up on its offense in the season-opener Friday against Valley Christian.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Lanier to honor veterans in concert
Born into a military family, entertainer Linda Lanier is no stranger to that unique way of life. In fact, she’s had family members serve in every branch of the military from her husband in the U.S. Navy to their son in the U.S. Coast Guard to her father in the …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Inmate health insurance gets OK from county
Lincoln County recently signed up for inmate medical insurance that could mean big savings for taxpayers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Libby downs Anaconda, falls to Hamilton
The Libby High School boys basketball team dropped Anaconda in its opener on Friday but then fell to Hamilton on Saturday in the Tip-Off Tournament at Ronan and Polson.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Lady Loggers dump Class AA opponent
Leading by four at the break, the Lady Loggers wanted to come out strong in the third quarter to take control of their matchup against Class AA Glacier.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Former Troy mayor files civil suit against Walters
Former Troy mayor John Allen Brown filed a civil lawsuit Dec. 4 in district court against Troy chief of police Mitch Walters and the City of Troy, alleging misconduct mostly stemming from Brown’s September 2008 arrest by Walters.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Wolfpack all over Libby boys
Early on, the Libby boys basketball team appeared as though it might give Class AA Glacier a pretty good fight in a nonconference high school basketball meeting on Tuesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Mee scores 41 in loss to defending champs
Libby senior Jackie Mee opened the season on an incredible note Friday in the Tip-Off Tournament at Polson. Mee scored 41 points – including seven 3-pointers – against defending Class A champion Anaconda. But the Copperheads also got 41 from its own Torry Hill and won the game, 67-56.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Forest Service stands ground on grizzly issues
When the Alliance for the Wild Rockies filed a lawsuit last month to challenge three logging projects in Kootenai National Forest, the news probably didn’t surprise officials within the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
CARD receives $550,000 appropriation
The Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby will receive a $550,000 appropriation as part of a larger measure approved Monday by the Senate.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Glacier wins by 41 over Loggers
The Libby High School boys basketball team had a rough time finding the basket in a 65-24 loss to Kalispell Glacier on Tuesday night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Libby downs AA Glacier, 55-44
The Libby High School girls basketball team improved to 2-1 on the season Tuesday night with a 55-44 victory over Class AA Kalispell Glacier.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Loggers wins another dual; take 2nd at Superior Invite
Back when Morgan Peek first entered the Libby High School wrestling program, Todd Schatz watched the then-freshman do a lot of push-ups for getting a little wild in practice.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Libby fills chief of police post
Sgt. Jim Smith agreed last week to take on the permanent title of Libby chief of police after performing the duties for more than four months.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Coker to begin new job in Helena
Former Libby chief of police Clay Coker will start a new job next week in Helena, a recently formed position under the Montana Peace Officers Standards and Training bureau.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
LHS drama team 3rd at Kalispell Holiday Invite
The Libby High School drama team placed third at the Kalispell Holiday Invitational on Friday and Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Trojans fall in pair of games at home
Hitting a 3-pointer just over a minute into the season-opener on Friday night, Ryan Rayson gave the Trojan boys basketball team an early 5-2 lead.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Wrestling: Greenchain slams Polson in conference dual
Although only a freshman on the Libby High School wrestling squad, those who follow the sport closely have probably heard of Mitch Haugen.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Club wrestlers compete in Washington tournaments
The Libby Wrestling Club has been busy over the past several days with trips to Washington for three tournaments.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
National academic honor goes to LHS
For the second straight year, Libby High School is receiving accolades on a national scale with inclusion in the U.S. News & World Report's 2010 America's Best High Schools list.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Plenty of flu shots now available to public
H1N1 shots, seasonal flu shots and pneumonia shots will be available on a walk-in basis on Wednesday, Dec. 16 from 1-4 p.m., at the Kootenai Senior Center in Troy (304 Third St), and again in Libby on Thursday, Dec. 17 from 3-5 p.m. at the Libby Senior Citizens Center (206 …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Libby councilman drops restraining order request
Justice court expected a full house Wednesday afternoon for a hearing to determine if a Libby councilmember’s temporary restraining order filed last month against the city clerk should be extended.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Groups recognize Rep. Vincent for efforts
Rep. Chas Vincent’s efforts in the Montana Legislature were recently recognized by two organizations.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
City finds skateboard park funds in amount of $2,000
The proposed Libby skateboard park encountered a setback at last week’s city council meeting as Mayor Doug Roll read off a letter stating that the sale of the land of the old skateboard park – money to be set aside for the new park – was only $2,000, considerably less …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Fire destroys home in Libby
A Libby home was destroyed in an early Saturday evening fire, killing pets but not hurting any people.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Sentencing delayed: Dancer suffers heart attack
Ten weeks after William Dancer was convicted of embezzling more than $400,000, he has received a second sentencing continuance – this time because he reportedly suffered a heart attack.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Troy falls twice in home tourney
The Troy High School girls basketball team opened the season Friday and Saturday with losses to Valley Christian and Stillwater Christian in a preseason tournament on the home floor.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Libby goes 1-1 in Tip-Off Tournament
The Libby High School boys basketball team dropped Anaconda in its opener on Friday but then fell to Hamilton on Saturday in the Tip-Off Tournament at Ronan and Polson.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Wrestling: Sweedman, Kody Berget win titles at Superior
The Libby High School wrestling team finished runner-up at the 13-team Superior Invitational on Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Trojans open season on home floor
The Troy High School boys basketball team opened the season with losses to Valley Christian and Stillwater Christian.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Libby splits 2 games at tournament
The Libby High School girls basketball team opened the season Friday and Saturday at the Tip-Off Tournament in Polson by splitting a pair of games.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Today's Events: Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009
• 6:30 p.m. – High school wrestling: Bonners Ferry, Idaho at Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Lady Trojans return solid lineup
The close of last season was not a whole lot of fun for the Troy High School girls basketball team. A close 38-37 loss to Plains in a district tournament “play-in” game was the end of a 7-12 campaign.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Column: Trip to Eureka had to include Bubba Burger
Venturing out of town on Highway 37 toward Eureka last week, I was beginning to have my doubts about trying my first Bubba Burger.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Magazine publicity benefits ski area
Seats were scarce at the Red Dog Saloon on Saturday night as Turner Mountain enthusiasts consumed pizza, salad and pitchers of beer all in the name of the beloved volunteer-run ski area that was featured in a national magazine this year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Treasure Tones annual show set for Sunday night
Libby’s 20-voice choral ensemble, the Treasure Tones, will present an evening of vocal music in concert on Sunday, Dec. 13, at the Libby Memorial Center. Curtains open at 7 p.m.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Suspect arrested for Eureka justice office arson, burglaries
A 20-year-old man allegedly confessed Monday to a string of Eureka burglaries and an October act of arson in the Eureka justice office that shut down the North Lincoln County Annex Building for over a month.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Wrestling: Libby takes down Bonners Ferry, 55-29
The Libby High School wrestling squad won its second straight dual on Thursday evening with a 55-29 victory over Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Seattle group to rock Hot Club in Troy
Fresh out of the Seattle music scene, the band QUIST will be rocking out the Hot Club in Troy on Friday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Libby shooters perform well at 'Elks Hoop Shoot'
Six winners from the local Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks “Hoop Shoot” Free Throw Contest competed in the Western Montana District Competition Saurday in Pablo at the Salish Kootenai College Sports Complex.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Festival of Trees to light up Memorial Center
The lineup of holiday events continues this weekend at the Libby Memorial Center with the Festival of Trees and the annual Treasure Tones performance.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Girls Basketball: Lady Loggers prepare for battle
The Libby High School girls basketball team may not have a whole lot of depth heading into this season but when it comes to putting the first five on the floor, coach Jim May’s confidence leve remains high.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Troy cagers coach sees potential
With only one starter returning from last season’s 13-9 squad and a new head coach now onboard, the Troy High School boys basketball team could be characterized as a program that’s rebuilding.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Boys Basketball: Loggers return plenty for another run
Heading into boys basketball season last year, not too many coaches around the league gave the Loggers much of a chance. But Libby rolled through a fairly impressive regular season and took a 13-5 overall record into the Northwestern A tournament.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
A&E: Local group to perform Messiah
One of the most popular works in the history of Western choral literature, Messiah comes to the local stage at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 at the Libby Memorial Center.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Wrestling: Libby gets 7 pins in win over Polson
The Libby High School wrestling team won its first dual of the young season with a 54-30 victory over Polson on Tuesday at Ralph Tate Gymnasium.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Wrestling: Ronan slips past Libby in opener
The Libby High School wrestling team opened the season on Saturday with a 44-32 dual loss to Ronan.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Greenchain wrestlers get ready to hit mat
Gasping for air after running sprints in the Libby High School hallway, members of this year’s edition of the Logger Greenchain were working hard to get in shape for Saturday’s season opener.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Schrader wraps up 16 years on Troy council
If Laura Schrader has learned one thing in her time on the Troy City Council, it’s that a good decision isn’t always a popular one.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
McLeod back on job for Troy PD
Troy police officer Bob McLeod went back to work Friday following two weeks of administrative leave that stemmed from a civil lawsuit launched against him alleging improper use of a Taser.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
County stresses communication with air quality
For those who have lived in the narrow Kootenai Valley long enough, they are no strangers to inversions. In such instances, warmer temperatures are found at higher altitudes and pollutants become trapped in stagnant air.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Troy police officer reinstated
Troy police officer Bob McLeod went back to work Friday after being on administrative leave for two weeks concerning a civil lawsuit launched against him alleging improper use of a Taser.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Troy officer reinstated
Troy police officer Bob McLeod will be back to work Friday after being on administrative leave for two weeks pertaining to alleged misconduct concerning the use of a Taser on Troy resident Alfred Haflich two years ago.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
City of Troy may not revisit annexation issue
The idea to annex nine lots that are surrounded by city limits will most likely not be heard at Troy City Council’s next meeting Dec. 16.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Kootenai logging projects challenged in federal court
A series of logging projects for about 4,000 acres of timber in Kootenai National Forest have been challenged in federal District Court in a complaint filed recently by the Alliance for the Wild Rockies.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Long weekend sees spike in search, rescue calls
Rescuers kept busy over the long Thanksgiving weekend, receiving multiple reports of missing or distressed hunters and hikers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Hospital construction likely beyond 2010
Unless Santa drops off a generous $7 million gift, construction on the proposed new hospital in Libby won’t begin next year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
EPA calls numbers good for 2009 cleanup
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Mike Cirian reported exceptional numbers for the now-completed 2009 season. In fact, the amount of contaminated soil removed from Libby-area properties doubled when compared to the previous year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
UM program focuses on future of Libby
An event that focuses on the future of Libby is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Dec. 3 on the campus of the University of Montana.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
EPA, owners discuss possible 2010 cleanup on historic Hotel Libby
One of the few structures that dates back to the town’s beginnings, the Hotel Libby has appeared on a list of potential asbestos cleanup projects in the coming year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Troy School Board tackles issue of individual actions
At the suggestion of an attorney defending the school district against an appeal by one of its own trustees, Troy School Board passed a motion last week to publicly acknowledge that the board is not liable for a trustee’s individual actions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Intersection change draws fire
The Lincoln County road crew has been replacing a stop sign weekly on Snowshoe Road in Libby since first putting it up mid-July – the vandalism costing taxpayer money and demonstrating neighbors’ overall discontent with the intersection’s new layout.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Magazine honors Elk foundation founders
While compiling a list of 25 people who have had the greatest impact on hunting, fishing and conservation, Outdoor Life magazine made sure to include two founders of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Thanksgiving Eve service set for Libby
The third annual Thanksgiving Eve community worship invites all to its multi-denominational event at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at Christ Lutheran Church in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Federal grant to help school's outdoor program
Libby Public Schools in a partnership with the Kootenai National Forest has been awarded one of 17 national grants.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Crace brothers roll at tournament
Libby Wrestling Club members Zach Crace and Cody Crace each won medals recently at the Spartan Challenge at North Central High School in Spokane, Wash.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby Dam releases to increase in December
The process to lower Lake Koocanusa for flood risk management began this fall with water releases from Libby Dam, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Community shows support for Troy officer
Troy residents have rallied around Bob McLeod, showing support for the police officer who was recently placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by the city’s insurance company.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
CAG plans to continue meetings
“So, CAG lives,” Mike Giesey said at the conclusion of Thursday’s Community Advisory Group meeting, the first time it convened in three months.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
General big-game hunting season ends Sunday
The general big-game hunting season for deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goats closes Sunday, Nov. 29.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Troy police under investigation for radio conversation
The future of the Troy Police Department appears shaky after one of its officers and chief unintentionally broadcast a conversation Thursday morning on a frequency accessible to the public.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Discord over 2002 deal: Councilmember files complaint
Libby city councilmember D.C. Orr continues to allege wrongdoing concerning a deal seven years ago between the City of Libby, the Environmental Protection Agency and W.R. Grace and Co. concerning asbestos-contaminated buildings that were demolished on the former export plant property.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Mee makes all-state team
Libby High School senior Jackie Mee was honored as an All-Class A selection, volleyball coach Cindy Ostrem-Johnston announced.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby councilmember obtains order of protection
A Libby city councilmember obtained a temporary restraining order against the city clerk last week to allegedly protect himself from what he says is harassment dating over five years ago.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Conquering all challenges: Libby native leads active lifestyle despite disabilities
Wade Kuntz can feel the cool powder speckle his face, perhaps more acutely than others, as he shifts his weight to accommodate the changing terrain under his skis. He has negotiated the run many times before, but he must be careful – an abrupt variation in incline or another skier …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Loggers drama students perform well at own invite
The Libby High School speech and drama program had one of its biggest weekends of the year by hosting its own invitational this past Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Treasure Tones concert coming to Libby on Dec. 13
Taking the stage on Dec. 13 at the Memorial Center, the Treasure Tones not only offer a free concert as its gift to the community but also urges those who plan to attend to help out the local food bank.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Deer harvest still lagging in Region 1
The deer harvest around northwestern Montana is lagging well behind last year as well as historic averages three weeks into big-game hunting season. Meanwhile, the elk harvest is running close to last year’s success rates.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Single-vehicle accident kills 19-year-old
A 19-year-old Eureka woman was killed and a second woman critically injured in a single-vehicle accident Friday evening on Highway 93 near Stryker.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Christmas tree permits available from Forest Service
Personal-use permits to harvest Christmas trees are now available from the U.S. Forest Service.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Library finds interesting ways to reach children
Getting down on their hands and knees on the floor of the Libby Library to test their “balloon rocket cars,” 6-year-old Tucker Boyer Masters and 8-year-old Emma Gruber smiled with joy to see just how far their creations would go.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
School district finds success with reading skills program
Reading skills of Asa Wood Elementary students have noticeably increased since implementing a federally-funded program five years ago aimed at increasing the number of students reading at benchmark standards and reducing the number of struggling readers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
State volleyball: LHS wins 1 of 3 to finish 5th
Following a great start to the Class A state volleyball tournament last week, Libby High School moved into a winner’s bracket game on Thursday evening for a showdown against Billings Central.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Property owners react to taxes
The Department of Revenue has received 712 requests countywide for informal property tax reviews – most originating from the Eureka area. That portion of northern Lincoln County saw the largest tax increase, according to a department official.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Veterans Day: Soldiers' stories serve as way to reach students
Of the 28 men Terry Andreessen served with during the Vietnam War, five died in action, 20 were wounded and three killed themselves after they returned home.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Flathead Electric makes changes in Libby
Flathead Electric recently cut its staff in Libby, but emphasized that it will respond to emergencies in a manner no different from the past.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby continues search for administrator
Libby has been without an administrator since the beginning of the month after Dan Thede retired and the city’s first crack at hiring someone to head city departments failed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball coach: 'I Gotta Feeling'
‘I Gotta Feeling’
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby building from pioneer period coming down
The building on Mineral Avenue went up around 1906 when booming downtown Libby boasted its first cement sidewalks, electric lights and water systems. More than a century later, it’s coming down.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Three-peat: LHS wins volleyball divisionals
It took three close matches between Libby and Polson to decide the Northwestern A tournament title. And in a scorching conclusion to the final step before state on Saturday night, the Lady Loggers finally claimed the conference’s top prize.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Mud Bay Jugglers to perform at Memorial Center
Entertaining with a blend of juggling, physical comedy, dance and music, the Mud Bay Jugglers will take the Memorial Center stage on Friday as part of a membership benefit.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Election: Voter turnout higher than usual across country
The county and municipal elections experienced substantial voter turnouts that election officials attribute to more contenders this year and the new application of mail-ballot elections.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Vandals shoot up windows around Libby
Vandals used a pellet gun to shoot through multiple windows at businesses, cars and a residence this weekend, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage in Libby, according to officials.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Bootleggers Ball to feature Tune Stranglers
Recently referred to as “a circus that plays music,” the Tune Stranglers will bring their smorgasbord of stringed instruments, washboard and the occasional clarinet to Libby on Friday night as part of the Bootleggers Ball.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Election: Roll retains seat as Libby mayor
Incumbent Doug Roll kept his title as Libby mayor in a roughly 60-40 split against councilmember Peggy Williams.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Proposed skateboard park site changes
Organizers proposed at Monday’s Libby City Council meeting a new location for an over 12,000-square-foot skateboard park that councilmembers said last month won’t fit in the initial site between Lee Gehring Field and Highway 37.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
CAG's future in Libby appears unclear
The Community Advisory Group, which has discussed Superfund-related issues at monthly meetings and operated as an Environmental Protection Agency watchdog for the past nine years, hasn’t convened since August and doesn’t have immediate plans for its next meeting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Lady Trojans' season ends at district tourney
Heading into the District 7B tournament last week, the Troy High School volleyball team knew it would need to battle both Mission and Thompson Falls to keep its season alive.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Shooting of grizzly in Cabinets ruled self-defense
The shooting of a grizzly bear by a Troy man in the Cabinet Mountains was determined to be an act of self-defense, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials reported Monday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Veterans Day activities set for Libby, Troy
Schools and VFW Posts will observe Veterans Days through special programs in Troy and Libby this week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
LHS dominates Ronan; prepares for divisionals
Following a pair of three-game sweeps last week, the Libby High School volleyball team now turns its attention to the Northwestern A Divisional Tournament. And if the Lady Loggers can come through as one of the top two teams, a berth in the state playoffs will follow.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Lady Loggers defeat Polson for divisional championship
The Libby High School volleyball team not only qualified for the state tournament over the weekend at the Northwestern A Divisionals, but the Lady Loggers knocked off Polson for the tournament title.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby volleyball team qualifies for state
The Libby High School volleyball team powered to a 21-25, 26-24, 26-24, 27-25 victory over Polson on Friday night in the semifinals of the Northwestern A Divisional Tournament.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Sweet sounds of the Kootenai concert to arrive Saturday
Steve “Toby” Nelson’s rich, baritone voice has entertained summertime audiences in productions such as “Forever Plaid” and “All-Night Strut.” A regular member of the long-running group, Port Polson Players, Nelson will be among the many entertainers on hand Saturday during this year’s Kootenai River Rhythm concert.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
H1N1 shots roll in to Lincoln County
The most recent batch of H1N1 flu vaccinations – 400 injectable doses – are now available from providers in Libby, Troy and Eureka.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Election: Banning takes mayoral race; McCully, Fisher on council
Don Banning won the Troy mayoral race over Ed Hanson, ending a fierce competition and leaving a council position open.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Election: Libby votes for change on council
Three new faces will join Libby City Council in January, beating out incumbents in a close race for the full-term positions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Election: Non-partisan ballots win with voters
In a close county race, constituents voted to end the practice of identifying county candidates in elections by their political party.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Federal grant to help asbestos victims
A $6 million grant announced in May from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will begin to take effect next week to provide asbestos screening and health care for former and current Libby-area residents.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Election results: Roll, Banning claim mayor victories
Following is a rundown of Libby and Troy municipal election results as reported by the Lincoln County Elections Department:
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Billings Central goes to OT to take girls soccer title
Through a postgame wave of tears, hugs and words of encouragement, the Libby High School girls soccer team tried to work through the realization that Billings Central had captured its second straight Class A state championship.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Inversion impacts air quality in Libby area
The Lincoln County Environmental Health Department is asking Libby-area residents to not use wood burning stoves on Tuesday evening if an alternate heat source is available.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Fallen son comes home: Stright honored
On a cool, crisp Monday afternoon with the Cabinet Mountains serving as the backdrop, soldiers who served in Sgt. 1st Class James R. Stright’s unit meticulously folded the American flag that had been draped over his coffin.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby falls short in OT in state soccer finals
The Billings Central High School girls soccer team won the Class A state title on Saturday with a 4-2 overtime victory over Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Governor orders flags at half-staff in memory of Stright
Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer ordered that the national and state flags be flown at half-staff on Monday morning (Nov. 2) until sundown on Tuesday evening (Nov. 3) to honor U.S. Army Sgt. First Class James R. Stright.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Troy chief of police cleared of wrongdoing
The state attorney general’s office recently cleared Troy’s chief of police of criminal wrongdoing related to a dispute the official had with a local gun club.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Girls Soccer: Libby, Billings Central ready to rumble
When the final whistle blows on Saturday in the Class A state championship game, one team will suffer the sinking feeling of defeat for the first time this season while the other wildly celebrates perfection.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Girls soccer finale to be played in Libby
Libby High School officials announced Thursday that Logger Stadium's turf is in good shape for this week's girls soccer Class A state championship game vs. Billings Central.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Troy woman's body found in Lake Pend Oreille
The body of a drowned woman discovered Thursday afternoon in Lake Pend Oreille near Hope, Idaho, was identified Monday as Joan Lyons of Troy, according to a Bonner County Sheriff’s Office release by Lt. Doug Harris.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Revett officials meet with governor on Rock Creek Mine
Officials from Revett Minerals met with Gov. Brian Schweitzer and his top economic adviser last week to discuss Troy Mine’s success in the face of low metal prices, and the company’s desire to proceed with Rock Creek, a proposed silver and copper mine located in the Cabinet Mountains between Libby …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Plenty to do locally for Halloween
Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, allowing kids and adults to soak up the holiday with a full weekend of ghoulish pleasure.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby theater to screen Mission Mountain Wood Bank documentary
The Mission Mountain Wood Band is coming to the big screen.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Hunting season opens with lower numbers
Big-game hunting season opened on Sunday with 110 fewer hunters going through the Canoe Gulch.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Mail-in ballot election ends Tuesday
Municipal elections in Libby and Troy will wrap up this coming Tuesday when mail-in ballots are due to the Election Department at the Lincoln County Courthouse.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Column: Carrying on Halloween tradition
When I was a kid, Halloween rivaled Christmas as the best holiday of the year. Sure, there were no presents, but parading around school in a pointy witch hat (thanks Kmart) and black ensemble (compliments of St. Vincent de Paul and a handful of safety pins) and spending the evening …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
EPA's No. 2 visits Superfund site in Libby
The City-County Health Board meeting in Libby Thursday featured a top Environmental Protection Agency official that embraced the theme of increasing the EPA’s transparency, accessibility and cooperation with the community.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Boys Soccer: Libby boys fall short in title defense
When Libby goalkeeper Lewis Brossman knocked the ball out of the net during a second-half offensive by Billings Central, the head official in the Class A semifinal matchup hesitated and glanced in the direction of an assistant.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Libby pushes Polson in Northwestern A match
The first time around, Libby’s volleyball team did not walk off the court happy in a three-game sweep at the hands of Polson. Besides losing in such a lopsided manner, the match had been playing in Libby’s own gymnasium.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Football: Libby rolls over Canadian counterpart
Down 14-0 eight minutes into Friday’s season finale against Lethbridge, the Libby High School football team needed to turn things around quick before the game got out of hand.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council ponders Cabinet Heights street situation
Cabinet Heights residents could end up with better streets than they started out with once the sewer extension project is completed next summer. Libby City Council is contemplating options after hearing a proposal Monday from project engineer Ryan Jones.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Polar Plunge: Cold water swimmers take 1st dip in Libby Creek
About three weeks shy of his 67th birthday, Rick Klin climbed into the 46-degree water of Libby Creek on Sunday afternoon with a wide smile accompanying his water boots and gloves.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Girls Soccer: LHS girls move on to state finals
One more win.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Formula Fabrication receives prestigious business award
Formula Fabrication, a Libby heating and cooling business, recently received an award for installing more ductless heat pumps than any other business in Montana.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Tragic training accident claims life of Libby soldier
Army Staff Sgt. James R. Stright was killed Thursday during a special operations training exercise off the coast of Virginia, military officials said.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Troy Mine finds way to survive
Bruce Clark shut off his truck headlights, leaving only the glow of his parking beams so as not to blind an oncoming vehicle.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Kootenai National Forest releases AARA project descriptions, locations
Kootenai National Forest officials anticipate soliciting for numerous construction, service and supply contracts throughout the fiscal year (October 2009-September 2010) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Lady Trojans find groove against Plains
With Senior Night and homecoming all wrapped up into one event, the Troy High School volleyball team had plenty of reasons to feel energized while playing on its own floor.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Trojans finish strong against Bluehawks
Without a trip to state playoffs on the line, the Troy-Thompson Falls football game on Friday night didn’t hold much importance. Unlike last season, both the Trojans and Bluehawks had been eliminated from the postseason race.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
State girls soccer game site changed
The Class A state playoff soccer game between Libby and Hamilton has been moved to Troy. The game is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. at Roosevelt Park.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Historic train steams through Libby, Troy
Local train enthusiasts gathered Monday morning at the rails in Libby and Troy to catch a rare glimpse of a restored steam locomotive pulling a train of vintage rail cars on its way home to Portland, Ore., from the Train Festival in Michigan.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Girls Soccer: Libby girls survive first round of playoffs
With aspirations of keeping a shot at the state title alive, the Libby High School girls soccer team simply survived on Saturday afternoon in the opening round of the playoffs. The Lady Loggers got a scare out of a determined bunch from Livingston but moved on after winning in a …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Glacier takes match on Libby's home floor
Playing up a classification against the likes of Glacier, the Libby High School volleyball team had hopes of finding the type of rhythm that comes in handy with the stretch run approaching.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Troy School Board considers options on cell phone policy
The Troy School Board is considering a new cell phone policy that would give the principal more flexibility and would recognize the multiple ways the devices are used.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby moves forward in elementary school assessment, feasibility study
The Libby School Board plans to put together a request for proposals for a needs assessment and feasibility study regarding the potential of a new elementary school.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Halloween Carnival coming to Troy elementary school
The W.F. Morrison Elementary School gym in Troy will be filled with the sounds, sights and fun of Halloween from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Candidate question-and-answer pieces wrap up
Two candidates up for a pair of vacant seats on the Troy City Council during the current mail-in ballot election did not return questionnaires to the Western News.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Column: Dog seems to enjoy new home in Montana
Looking up toward a sizeable tree behind the house, Marley Boy’s ears stand at attention. A squirrel is chattering away above as if he’s cursing the dog for glancing his way. You might even say the squirrel is taunting him … as if it knows that the canine cannot get …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Spend an evening with Edgar Allan Poe
Hosting a party with frightful friends and heading out into the cool night to collect candy will be a part of many Halloween celebrations in the coming days. But to enhance those traditions, locals may want to check out the heart-pounding works of Edgar Allan Poe through a pair of …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
H1N1 flu vaccine clinic coming to Troy
The Lincoln County Health Department announced that it will provide an H1N1 nasal spray flu vaccine clinic for healthy children and adolescents from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the Kootenai Senior Center in Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby family safely escapes fire
Marcia Fantozzi was teaching her grandkids – ages 2, 4 and 6 – how to make caramel apples. Amy Fantozzi, their mother, was tidying up the kitchen, her 6-month-old was napping, and her father-in-law, Al Fantozzi, sat in the family room.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Football: Ronan downs Loggers in conference shootout
Taking advantage of a power football mentality along with nifty misdirection plays, Ronan lit up the scoreboard on Friday night in a 70-36 victory over Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Boys Soccer: Loggers go to OT to eliminate Hamilton
Unable to suit up last year because of a knee injury, Crawford Dinning was forced to watch from the sidelines as the Libby High School boys soccer team captured its first-ever state championship.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Cross Country: Falk takes sixth at divisionals
Libby High School foreign-exchange student Nikola Falk continued to collect hardware on this fall’s regional cross country circuit by placing sixth at Saturday’s Northwestern A Divisional at Pablo.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Paint It Pink 5K staged in Libby
Dan Rose and Shala White claimed the top individual spots on Saturday during the inaugural Paint It Pink 5K Fun Run/Walk.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Troy girls drop 2 close matches
The Troy High School volleyball team lost two tough matches within the district last week. Although both Thompson Falls and Bigfork swept the Lady Trojans, each game was a battle to the end.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Lady Loggers down Eureka in 4
The Libby High School volleyball team stepped out of the conference on Thursday to take a 25-11, 25-22, 21-25, 25-13 victory over Eureka.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby Mayor Candidate: Doug Roll
Editor's Note: The Western News submitted a series of questions to candidates in the Libby mayoral election. Following are answers to those questions by each candidate.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Custer's Grass Band to take stage in Libby on Oct. 24
Custer’s Grass Band brings its tribute to bluegrass legends Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs to the Memorial Center stage in Libby on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
County renews pledge to economic development district
The county board of commissioners agreed during Tuesday’s meeting to renew its commitment as a member of the Northwest Montana Economic Development District for another year starting in January 2010.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby Mayor Candidate: Peggy Williams
Editor's Note: The Western News submitted a series of questions to candidates in the Libby mayoral election. Following are answers to those questions by each candidate.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Bigfork rallies to down Trojans
Driving into the red zone with time ticking away midway through the fourth quarter, the Troy High School football team seemed to be in a good position to reclaim the lead in a 7B District battle against Bigfork.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Troy Mayor Candidate: Edward Hanson
Editor's Note: The Western News submitted a series of questions to candidates in the Libby mayoral election. Following are answers to those questions by each candidate.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Prescription drug abuse on rise in county, state
The Montana Department of Justice is forming a special drug-diversion unit to combat prescription drug abuse in the state, a solution for an escalating problem county and statewide.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Supporters, opponents turn out for Tester talk in Troy
Sen. Jon Tester was greeted Saturday morning by both supporters and critics of his proposed Forest Jobs and Recreation Act as he took his place behind the podium at the Troy High School auditorium.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Boys Soccer: LHS to battle Hamilton as well as flu
Heading into last year’s state playoffs as the No. 2 seed out of the North, Libby went on a roll and captured its first-ever boys soccer championship. As this year’s postseason gets set to begin on Saturday, the Loggers again find themselves as a No. 2 seed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
H1N1 flu vaccine arrives in Lincoln County
The Lincoln County Health Department announced Wednesday morning that it has received several nasal dosages of the H1N1 flu vaccine.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Editorial: Letters during mail-in election
The mail-in ballots for the municipal elections should be in the hands of registered voters by now and folks around the county are making their choices.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Golf: Watson places among top 15 at state
Libby’s Zach Watson wrapped up an exceptional high school golf career on Tuesday with a 12th-place finish at the Class A state tournament in Whitefish.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Girls Soccer: Lady Loggers to face Livingston in 1st round
Going through the regular season undefeated, the Libby High School girls soccer team enters the postseason as one of the favorites to hang a championship banner. The Lady Loggers know that anything can happen and that they must focus to avoid a letdown along the way.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Cross Country: Loggers compete in cold at Whitefish
Libby’s Nikola Falk turned in a top-five finish and Jacob Thomas set another personal best on a cold course Saturday at Whitefish.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
County schools superintendent turns away appeal
The Lincoln County Superintendent of Schools ruled last week that he would not hear a Troy School Board trustee’s case against the school district because she failed to file her Notice of Appeal within 30 days of the board’s decisions concerning each of the alleged offenses.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
County waives fees, taxes on junk mobile homes
A variety of situations around all corners of Lincoln County have caused many property owners to ignore the ugly, run-down mobile homes sitting on their land.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby gets good news on air quality
The positive effects of a wood stove changeout program were realized last week when the Environmental Protection Agency designated Libby as an attainment area that now meets federal air quality standards.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Golf: Weather creates problems for state tourney
The Class A state golf tournament at Whitefish has been shortened to 27 holes, organizers announced.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
H1N1 flu case confirmed in Lincoln County
The first confirmed case of the H1N1 flu surfaced in Lincoln County late last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
State golf meet postponed to early this week
Libby High School’s golf squads were scheduled to compete early this week in the Class A state meet on the South Course at Whitefish Lake.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Boys Soccer: Libby to play Hamilton in state playoffs
The second season now begins.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Football: Libby falls by 1 point for 2nd straight week
Despite a one-point loss on the scoreboard for a second straight week, the Libby High School football team is trying to focus on its own victories in various facets of the game.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Girls Soccer: Loggers finish regular season unbeaten
Bringing the ball into the right corner with less than 2 minutes remaining, Libby junior Jaime Gilden kept an eye on teammate Anna Valentine. With a powerful kick, Gilden crossed the ball to her teammate over the middle. And Valentine finished with an impressive header into the net.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Libby wins marathon over Whitefish
Trailing 7-3 in the fifth game of a back-and-forth Northwestern A match against Whitefish on Saturday, the Lady Loggers huddled during a timeout.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Troy takes down Misson in 4 games
The Troy High School volleyball team went on the road Friday for an impressive victory in four games over Mission.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Lincoln County sees first H1N1 flu case
It’s official … the first confirmed case of the H1N1 flu has surfaced in Lincoln County.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby downs Polson in girls soccer
Chelsea Ahart scored with four minutes remaining in the game Thursday as the Libby High School girls soccer team defeated Polson, 3-2.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Loggers win thriller over Pirates
The Libby High School boys soccer team officially punched its ticket to the Class A state playoffs on Thursday with a 2-1 thriller over Polson.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Tester to host open house on Forest Jobs bill in Troy
Montana Sen. Jon Tester will host an open house in Troy Saturday to discuss the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Libby City Council considers skateboard park
Teenagers and pre-teens, some clutching skateboards, watched in awe at Monday’s Libby City Council meeting as preliminary designs for a first-rate skateboard park in Libby were projected on the wall in front of them.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Sheriff recall effort dies
A group of Eureka-area residents failed Tuesday to turn in the nearly 2,000 signatures required to hold a special election to remove Lincoln County Sheriff Daryl Anderson from office.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Sampling chili on chilly day in Libby
An estimated 120 chili testers brought their appetites to Heritage Museum’s fourth annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, pleasantly surprising organizers who feared a low turnout would correspond with a slow-to-signup group of cooks.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Eureka takes 7-B match over Troy
Eureka improved to 6-1 in District 7-B on Tuesday night with a 25-13, 25-20, 25-23 victory over Troy in high school volleyball action.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Forest Service project contracts stay close to home
The first projects put out to bid by Kootenai National Forest through federal stimulus funding attracted a healthy number of bidders.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball Update: Eureka wins 7-B match over Troy
Eureka improved to 6-1 in District 7-B with a 25-13, 25-20, 25-23 victory at Troy on Tuesday evening.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Tester to host open house on Forest Jobs bill in Troy
Sen. Jon Tester will host an open house to discuss the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act in Troy on Saturday, Oct. 10.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Veterans gather in Libby for annual Stand-Down
A man in a red T-shirt marked “volunteer” peered around Libby’s VFW Hall Saturday morning at a line of veterans flowing from the entrance, across the parking lot, around the fence and down the street.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Lady Trojans down Noxon, Plains
Trying to move past a frustrating five-game volleyball loss the previous weekend to Darby, the Lady Trojans wanted to come out before the home fans on Thursday night with a performance that would put them back into a winning groove.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Troy Mine responds to spill into waterways
Troy Mine continued Monday to clean up a tailings spill that leaked into nearby waterways, but is so far not considered detrimental to the environment.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Girls Soccer: Lady Loggers defeat Bigfork, 3-1
Timing Jaime Gilden’s pass perfectly, Libby junior Chelsea Ahart never hesitated while burying a screamer into the net. And then she didn’t hesitate to celebrate as the Lady Loggers pulled away from Bigfork, 3-1, in front of a Saturday homecoming crowd.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Polson defeats Libby in 3 games
Back to work.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Golf: Libby qualifies 4 for state meet
Zach Watson and Louis Cielak for the boys, and Chelsey Oedewaldt and Candace Hendrickson for the girls qualified for the Class A state golf tournament this past Thursday with top 15 finishes at divisionals.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Newsroom Journal: Life of a Small-Town Editor (Oct. 4-10)
(Note: Newsroom Journal is a collection of various notes and observations through the eyes of Brad Fuqua, managing editor of the Western News in Libby, Mont. The journal is updated periodically as the week progresses.)
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Boys Soccer: Libby takes 5-1 homecoming victory
Even during last season’s state championship run, the Libby High School boys soccer team didn’t have more than seven victories during the regular season.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Football: Columbia Falls scores late to beat Libby
The sick feeling that results from deep disappointment hung in the air for players, coaches and fans Friday night. Columbia Falls had rallied late in the fourth quarter to steal a 22-21 victory over Libby in a key Northwestern A game for both teams.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Cross Country: Loggers compete at Thompson Falls, Eureka
Libby High School cross country runners Jacob Thomas and Will Lott each recorded the fastest 3.0-mile course times in the past two seasons last week at different meets.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby golf qualifies 4 for state
Two boys and two girls qualified for the Class A state golf meet based on performances Thursday in the Northwestern A divisionals.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Live Updates: Libby vs. Polson volleyball
Live event closed (concluded at 7:01 p.m.)
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Lady Loggers go to 9-0 on season
The Libby High School girls soccer team improved to 6-0 in the Northern A and 10-0 overall following a 3-1 victory over Bigfork on Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Polson takes down Libby in 3
The Libby High School volleyball team suffered its first loss in the Northwestern A this season with a three-game loss at home to Polson.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Columbia Falls beats Libby on gridiron
Columbia Falls rallied from an eight-point deficit over the final 5:05 of regulation to defeat Libby on Friday night, 22-21.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby boys defeat Bigfork, 5-1
The Libby High School boys soccer team broke open a close game with an impressive second half in a 5-1 win over Bigfork on Saturday afternoon.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Girls Soccer: Valentine, Gilden go wild in win over Wildkats
Throughout this girls soccer season, Anna Valentine and Jaime Gilden have demonstrated an uncanny nose for the net. And on Tuesday in a Northern A clash with Columbia Falls, the Lady Logger pair put on their latest offensive clinic in a 6-3 victory.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Skateboards, new city attorney on council agenda
Libby City Council plans to meet on Monday at 7 p.m. for its first regular meeting of the month. The meeting will include public hearings on the Millwork West Subdivision and the fiscal year 2010 budget.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Woman, boy rescued from island in Kootenai River
Trained swift water technicians safely rescued a 10-year-old boy and his 30-year-old aunt who were trapped on a rocky island at the mouth of Kootenai Falls early Saturday evening, according to rescuers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Golf: Watson, Benefield in top 10 at Frenchtown
The Libby High School boys golf team placed third out of six teams and Zach Watson had a top-five performance at Monday’s Frenchtown Invitational at King Ranch Golf Course.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Political issues take center stage at 'tea party'
The Lincoln County Tea Party last week had nothing to do with overtaxed tea and everything, according to organizers, to do with the frustration and fear that the community feels about a range of current state and federal legislative issues.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Young chef with local connections appears on TV show
Joy Skogas would always set up a space for her granddaughters to “help” in the kitchen when they visited during Christmas and summer vacations.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Country music performer Schikora to play on home stage
While attending Libby High School in the early 1980s, Mike Schikora lived a double life. During the day, he attended classes leading up to his graduation in 1983. In the evenings, Schikora played in local bars as part of the band, “The Juke Box Jammers.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Boys Soccer: Loggers shutout Columbia Falls, 6-0
Despite a loss last weekend to Whitefish, the Libby High School boys soccer team controls its own destiny in a drive for the conference title.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Local bar, casino owners react to smoking ban
Local bar and casino owners are begrudgingly preparing to turn their businesses smoke-free as their four-year grace period from the statewide smoke ban will expire Thursday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Troy School Board member disputes district actions
A Troy School Board member has accused its board and superintendent of violating a list of school policies and state laws in an array of alleged actions ranging from not following the proper bidding procedure to not gaining board approval in purchasing a new driver’s education vehicle.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Lawrence Mountain fire continues to burn
The Lawrence Mountain fire, located south of Lawrence Mountain on the Rexford Ranger District, as of Thursday had burned approximately 1,200 acres since it began on Sept. 2, Kootenai National Forest officials reported.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Lady Trojans fall to Darby in five-game match
In a match that came down to a final game to 15, the Troy High School volleyball team saw its fortunes run short in a 14-25, 25-20, 14-25, 25-21, 15-10 loss to nonconference opponent Darby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Libby sweeps Columbia Falls, Ronan
Jackie Mee may wear a new uniform number, but she still hits the same … maybe better.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Boys Soccer: Whitefish slips by Loggers, 2-1
A victory over Whitefish will have to wait for another day.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Girls Soccer: Lady Loggers rout Whitefish, 5-1
Alone at the top.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Golf: Watson finishes 2nd at Polson Invite
Libby High School senior Zach Watson missed winning his second straight tournament by just one stroke Thursday in Polson. Watson finished runner-up to Whitefish’s Reed Platke with a round of 72 at Polson Bay Golf Course.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Football: Loggers fall in Northwestern A opener
Trailing 21-17 in the second quarter, the Libby High School football team found itself in a classic Northwestern A battle Friday night at Polson.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Cross Country: LHS competes at monster meet in Missoula
Participating in the largest-ever Mountain West cross country meet Saturday in Missoula, Libby High School’s results featured a couple of personal bests on a course the Loggers will see again later this year at state.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Jury finds Dancer guilty in embezzlement trial
William Dancer sat stone-faced Friday afternoon as the court clerk read off three guilty verdicts that could put him in prison for up to 30 years.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby girls soccer team wins, 4-1
The Libby High School girls soccer team remained unbeaten on Thursday with a 4-1 win at Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Watson 2nd at Polson Invite
Libby High School senior Zach Watson missed winning his second straight tournament by just one stroke Thursday in Polson. Watson finished runnerup to Whitefish’s Reed Platke with a round of 72 at Polson Bay Golf Course.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Jury finds Dancer guilty of embezzlement
William Dancer’s solemn expression changed little Friday afternoon as the court clerk read off three guilty verdicts that could put him in prison for 30 years.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby boys soccer team wins at Bonners Ferry
The Libby High School boys soccer team improved to 6-1 overall with a 1-0 victory on Thursday over nonconference foe Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Lady Loggers rout Columbia Falls
The Libby High School volleyball team took less than an hour to dispose of Columbia Falls in a Northwestern A matchup on Thursday night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Accident injures 2 on Bull Lake Road
A Bull Lake Road accident, about a mile inside Sanders County, on Tuesday resulted in two people being transported to the hospital.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Free preschool screening scheduled for Friday in Troy
Troy Public Schools will hold free preschool screening on Friday, Sept. 25 at the Troy Methodist Church between 8:30 a.m.-noon.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation celebrates 25 years
Through a 25-year period of incredible growth and hundreds of success stories, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has developed a presence around the world. From the organization’s founding in 1984, membership today stands at around 150,000.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
EPA agrees to extend OU1-OU2 comment period
The Environmental Protection Agency agreed during Wednesday’s City-County Health Board meeting to extend the comment period for the proposed plans of the former export plant and former screening plant by two months.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Much-needed legal guidance to serve region
There is no question that the need is there.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Family resource centers attempt to ease parents
Some parents are comfortable speaking to their child’s teacher or principal when they have questions or concerns. But others have never stepped a foot into the school, don’t know the names of the teachers or principal, and would feel awkward just stopping by.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Federal recovery funding allows school bus upgrades
Federal recovery funding has led to the purchase of two new school buses in Libby and another in Troy, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality reported Tuesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Libby native Schikora to perform in concert
Mike Schikora is headed home.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Newsroom Journal: Life of a Small-Town Editor (Sept. 20-26)
(Note: Newsroom Journal is a collection of various notes and observations through the eyes of Brad Fuqua, managing editor of the Western News in Libby, Mont. The journal is updated periodically as the week progresses.)
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Troy opts to contract out animal control to county
The City of Troy will join Libby and Eureka in contracting out animal control to Lincoln County starting in October, a new arrangement that the city council approved during this past Wednesday’s meeting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Biomass plant idea faces obstacles in Lincoln County
It’s not a new idea – a biomass power plant located in Lincoln County.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Charges against Dancer reduced as trial begins
Jury selection for the retrial of former Libby businessman William Dancer began Monday with the accused facing half of his former charges. The prosecution dropped four charges last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Grizzly bear released near Spar Lake
A grizzly bear was released near Spar Lake, south of Troy, on Friday as part of an ongoing program to increase the Cabinet-Yaak grizzly population.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Football: Hamilton controls 2nd half to beat Loggers
Lining up against one of the top teams out of the Southwestern A, Libby High School football players found out a lot about themselves in Friday’s 35-21 loss.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Libby downs Whitefish, wins at Bonners Ferry
Posting a Northwestern A victory in the Whitefish gym is not an easy task. Plenty of teams have experienced heartache at that particular venue over the years. So, when Libby pulled off a three-game sweep over the Lady Bulldogs, it represented a rare occurrence.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
City, EPA views differ on cleanup
Libby City Council presented a professional design of its future plans for the old export plant during Monday’s meeting, a week after the Environmental Protection Agency released its proposed cleanup plan for the site.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Troy beats Valley Christian, falls to Loyola
Going into last weekend’s pair of matches in Missoula, Troy volleyball coach Sandra Jansma knew her team should be favored to beat Valley Christian but have its work cut out against Loyola Sacred Heart.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Girls Soccer: Gilden scores 4 goals in win over Polson
Still perfect.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Cross Country: Thomas, Carlson make big strides on Libby squad
For the past two seasons, Libby cross country runner Jacob Thomas has steadily moved up the ladder on his own squad. Still, he had never finished with the best time on the team – until this past weekend.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Elvis show makes return to Libby
Elvis Presley impersonator Danny Vernon will take his talents to the Memorial Center stage in Libby for two shows on Saturday, Sept. 19.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Golf: Watson takes 1st at Libby Invite
Going up against an exceptional field of players on the home course at Cabinet View Country Club, Loggers senior Zach Watson wanted to go out with a bang in his final appearance at the Libby Invitational.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Boys Soccer: Reny scores late to lift Loggers past Polson
The Libby High School boys soccer team remained unbeaten in the Northern A region last week with victories over Bigfork and Polson.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Eureka downs Troy in key 7-B matchup
Walking toward the locker room following his team’s 35-8 loss to Eureka, Trojans head coach Rich McElmurry could only shake his head.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Eureka downs Troy in 7-B tilt
The Troy High School football team dropped its first game of the season Friday night against District 7-B defending champion Eureka, 35-8.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Watson wins Libby Invite
Libby's Zach Watson shot a round of 77 on Saturday at Cabinet View Country Club to win the Libby Invitational.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Girls soccer team wins again
Jaime Gilden scored four goals in Libby's 5-1 victory over Polson Saturday in girls soccer.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: LHS boys slip past Polson
The Libby High School boys soccer team remained unbeaten in the Northern A region on Saturday with a 1-0 shutout over Polson.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Troy splits 2 matches in Missoula
The Troy High School volleyball team split a pair of matches in Missoula on Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Hamilton defeats Loggers, 35-21
The Libby High School football team's record dipped to 1-3 Friday night with a 35-21 loss to visiting Hamilton.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Boys soccer team beats Bigfork
The Libby High School boys soccer team improved to 2-0 in the Northern A with a 3-1 victory on Thursday over Bigfork.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Girls soccer team blanks Bigfork
The Libby High School girls soccer team shutout Bigfork on Thursday in a Northern A matchup, 2-0.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Grizzy relocated to Cabinet Mountains
Wildlife officials released a 400-pound female grizzly bear Friday in the Cabinet Mountains.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Lady Loggers sweep Whitefish
The Libby High School volleyball team swept three straight games in a victory over Whitefish on Thursday, 25-21, 25-20, 25-18.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Newsroom Journal: Life of a Small-Town Editor (Sept. 17-19, 2009)
Thursday, Sept. 17
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Lady Loggers 3rd at Anaconda Invite
In a Northwest vs. Southwest showdown on Friday and Saturday, the Libby High School volleyball team won nine of 12 games and then placed third in the medal round during the Anaconda Tip-Off Tournament.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Design phase begins on Pipe Creek resurfacing project
The Montana Department of Transportation said this week that it is preparing plans to resurface a section of Pipe Creek Road. However, the project is tentatively scheduled for construction beyond 2012.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
School board looks to consultant on Asa Wood
Libby School Board members don’t all agree on how to address the problem of an aging Asa Wood elementary school building, but they did agree Monday that a professional would be able to provide the best and most objective answer.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Dancer embezzlement trial begins Monday
The retrial of William Dancer, who is accused of embezzling more than $400,000 from his former employer, Sagle, Idaho-based Independence Home Center Inc., nearly three years ago, is scheduled to begin Monday and last six days.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
BPA transmission line rebuild on schedule
Bonneville Power Administration officials expect to complete on time the rebuild of a 17-mile section of 115-kilovolt line from Libby to Troy. Early estimates called for the work to be wrapped up by the end of November and everything is on schedule.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
'Dreamscapes' to entertain at Memorial Center
The Kootenai Heritage Council will kick off its 2009-10 membership season on Friday, Sept. 25, with a piano concert and art exhibit by composers and visual artists David Thomas Roberts and Scott Kirby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Two veterans on elk hunt through Camp Patriot
Camp Patriot announced that an elk hunt is being provided this week to two veterans.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Golf: Libby High hosting own invite on Saturday
The Libby High School golf team will make its lone home appearance of the season on Saturday morning at Cabinet View Country Club.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Column: A few minutes with Patrick Swayze
The interview was brief – perhaps 10 minutes on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. And afterward while returning to my vehicle, I looked back to see a smiling Patrick Swayze with his arms around two people posing for a photo.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Weekend previews: Troy to host speedy Eureka
Speed kills … and the Eureka football team tries its best to utilize that strength to its advantage.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Stimulus funds help schools complete window projects
W.F. Morrison School in Troy replaced the last of its single-pane windows on Tuesday. Libby High School expects to receive its window supplies within a week or two. And Eureka Elementary School replaced some windows that had been boarded up for the past 20 years.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Fires discovered on Three Rangers District near Troy
Two fires were discovered Tuesday on Kootenai National Forest, officials said Wednesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Football: Loggers defend home turf, whip Corvallis
It’s good to be home.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Girls Soccer: Gilden scores 2 in victory
The Libby High School girls soccer team remained unbeaten with a 4-2 victory at Columbia Falls on Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Lawrence Mountain fire up to 400 acres
The Lawrence Mountain and Parsnip fires that were caused by lightning earlier this month continue to be managed under a confine strategy, Kootenai National Forest officials reported.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Not just for boys anymore: Forster kicks up storm on gridiron
Hauling in a two-point conversion pass against Corvallis on Friday night, Libby’s No. 2 celebrated with teammates while coaches on the sidelines displayed ear-to-ear-grins.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Trojans defeat Thompson Falls for 7-B victory
Those timeouts can work wonders.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Obama message in local schools
Libby Middle School kids and various other Libby and Troy students watched President Barack Obama’s address to schoolchildren last week – a speech that initially drew fire from conservative groups and parents.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Heritage Museum's chili cook-off coming
The Heritage Museum’s fourth annual Chili Cook-Off is on the horizon and entries are being accepted for the Oct. 3 event.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Casino robbery leads to high-speed chase
The bond for two men suspected of robbing a Libby casino Friday was set at $500,000 during their initial appearance Monday afternoon in justice court.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Washington couple injured in accident
A Washington couple was seriously injured Thursday morning after striking a deer on their motorcycle as they traveled on Highway 2 south of Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
High-school students give 'hope' to chemo patients
Hope in a little blue bag.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Boys Soccer: Loggers shutout Columbia Falls
The Libby High School boys soccer team opened play in the Northern A on Saturday with a 4-0 shutout at Columbia Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Cross Country: LHS competes at Silverwood
Opting for a fun competition at Silverwood Amusement Park north of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, the Libby High School cross country team avoided the sizeable Flathead Invitational in Kalispell on Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Troy gridders blank Mission
The Troy High School football team put on an offensive display of balance in a 46-0 victory at Mission on Friday night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby sweeps Columbia Falls in soccer
The Libby High School boys and girls soccer teams both took victories at Columbia Falls on Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Troy blanks Mission, 46-0
The Troy High School football team improved to 2-0 on the young season with a 46-0 shutout at Mission.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Loggers blast Corvallis, 50-28
The Libby High School football team made a successful home debut on Friday night with a 50-28 rout over Corvallis.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Libby spikers win 7 of 10 games on day 1
The Libby High School volleyball team compiled a 7-3 record in pool play during the first day of the Anaconda Tip-Off Tournament on Friday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sports Update: Troy volleyball team downs Thompson Falls
The Troy High School volleyball team won its first District 7-B match of the season on Thursday night with a 15-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19 victory over Thompson Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Watson shoots 71 for first place at Browning
Libby’s Zach Watson shot a scorching round of 71 to take first place in last weekend’s Browning Invitational at East Glacier Golf Course.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Couple injured in motorcycle accident near Libby
A Washington couple was seriously injured Thursday morning after striking a deer on their motorcycle as they traveled on Highway 2 south of Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Bigfork downs Troy in 7-B District matchup
District 7-B’s newest member, Bigfork, won in impressive fashion on Tuesday evening in a home match against Troy, 25-8, 25-7, 25-9.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Health officials prep for H1N1
Although health officials are bracing for the worst-case scenario when it comes to the H1N1 flu strain this winter, Lincoln County residents should not panic.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Judge OKs wolf hunts; tag sales brisk
U.S. District Court Judge Donald Molloy gave the OK Tuesday night for wolf hunts in Montana and Idaho to continue as scheduled after denying an injunction requested by environmentalists.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Weevils work on noxious weeds
The weevils have gone to work.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
LHS volleyball squad sweeps through Eureka
The Libby High School volleyball team swept a three-game match over Eureka on Tuesday, 25-16, 25-14, 25-22.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Relocating Fifth Street Extension prompts questions
Relocating Fifth Street Extension away from the river and further south toward the railroad tracks would turn homeowners’ land into valued riverfront property and allow for the building of a safer railroad crossing.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Cross Country: Logger harriers host invitational
Sitting down in the grass not far from the finish line and trying to catch his breath, Libby junior William Lott knows he has a lot of hard work ahead to reach his goals in cross country.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Mission, Eureka post wins over Lady Trojans
The Troy High School volleyball team opened District 7-B action last week with losses to Mission and Eureka.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Nordicfest spirit continues in celebration;s 25th year
When members of a small community get together and put all their energy toward a goal, good things tend to happen.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Girls Soccer: Lady Loggers off to 2-0 start
The Libby High School girls may have started the season a bit later because of a game cancellation but the Lady Loggers showed no negative effects in a pair of victories over quality opponents last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Law-enforcement agencies working way to full staffs
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Libby Police Department are working their way up to a full force, good news in a county that has experienced law-enforcement shortages.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
New owners keep local bookstore open
New owners will within a week reopen Cabinet Books and Music after it faced the possibility of permanent closure.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Boys Soccer: Libby takes home opener
With the clock winding down and two tired teams reaching deep for a little magic, Livingston came up big to pull off a 2-1 victory over Libby on Saturday at Roosevelt Park in Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Football: Libby drops second straight on road
With 24 seniors and a seasoned lineup that is arguably the best in Class A, the Frenchtown football team outscored its first two opponents this season, 94-0. Playing in front of the home crowd on Friday night, the Broncs downed Libby, 52-0, in a nonconference meeting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Trojans open season by dominating Darby
Putting on a varsity uniform for the first time as the starting quarterback, Troy junior Mike Ormiston had the jitters early on. But he settled down quickly, threw four touchdown passes and even had two picks on defense to help the Trojans to a 42-6 season-opening victory Friday over Darby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Forest manages Lawrence Mtn. fire
Lightning sparked various fires across Kootenai National Forest last week, including a blaze on Lawrence Mountain that is now under a wildfire management plan.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Troy, Libby public libraries offer book discussion groups
For book lovers seeking an evening of discussion, insight, and laughter, the Lincoln County Public Libraries offers book discussion groups in the Libby and Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
WN Hiking Series: Lake Creek Trail
Pausing at the top of the trail and looking downward, the sight of Lower Geiger Lake proved to be moving with reflections of tree-lined slopes dancing off the water. Further on, the sunshine sparkled off the surface of Upper Geiger Lake with Ferrell’s Wall to the left and Carney Peak …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
KV Quilt Guild honor goes to Mabel Edington
The content of Mabel Edington’s booth at this weekend’s Quilt Show will reveal that quilts are not solely made of cloth, batting and thread – but also of love.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Highway 2 accident claims life of Idaho man
A 50-year-old Bonners Ferry, Idaho man died and two others were injured Wednesday afternoon in a collision on Highway 2, west of Troy, that caused both vehicles to roll, according to a Montana Highway Patrol release.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Bonners Ferry man killed in accident near Troy
A 50-year-old Bonners Ferry, Idaho man died and two others were injured Wednesday afternoon in a collision on Highway 2, west of Troy, that caused both vehicles to roll, according to a Montana Highway Patrol release.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Forest plan at fork in road
Back on Aug. 14 in Seattle when Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack took the podium during his first major address regarding the U.S. Forest Service, the former Iowa governor stressed a new direction for the agency guided by the principles of conservation, management and restoration.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Yaak woman, 79, survives night in woods
A 79-year-old Yaak woman was found cold and wet but “in good spirits” Saturday after getting lost and spending the night in the woods, according to rescuers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby High golfers open season
The Libby High School golf team opened the season last weekend with an appearance in the East Glacier Tournament.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Musician brings his 'slack key' guitar style to Hot Club
Embracing the finger-style genre of guitar music known as “slack key,” Jim “Kimo” West creates a unique sound while on stage. The Canadian-born entertainer with comedic connections to Weird Al Yankovic will perform Friday night at the Northwest Music and Hot Club in Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Kootenai Karacter Kraziness: The Boardinghouse
Director Shanda Jennings knows that the Nordicfest crowd – a merry bunch filling up on lutefisk and Ole and Lena jokes – won’t want to retire in the evening to a theater with solemn characters and foreboding music.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
No major fires on Kootenai - so far
The fire season seems pretty mild in the Kootenai National Forest this year, though officials say that’s only because the past decade has seen above-average wildfire activity.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Simulated emergency serves as test for responders
A snow load collapsed the Ajax Furniture Co. roof, and many of the 26 victims died on scene or at the hospital. While emergency response crews sifted among the wreckage for signs of life, families of the victims pleaded for information about their loved ones, and the media demanded details.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Troy after-school program gets set for year 2
Heading into the second year of the New Horizons Learning Center in Troy, program director Ralph Stever and site coordinator Tracy McNew believe the after-school program can provide a well-rounded extension of education that goes beyond classrooms and textbooks.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: Troy opens season by winning tourney
Falling to Mission during round-robin play, the Troy High School volleyball team just couldn’t find the groove and “mentally beat ourselves” – as head coach Sandra Jansma put it.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Junior high building marks 40th year
As the summer of 1969 drew to a close and fall classes were on the horizon, principal Don Waldron led local Rotarians on a tour of the new Libby Junior High building. He escorted them down hallways and into classrooms, through the commons area and over to the gymnasium.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Football: Loggers open season with loss
Embattled in a close game through the first half, the Libby High School football team could not keep pace with a dangerous Timberlake running attack in a season-opening contest at Spirit Lake, Idaho on Saturday evening.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Appointments available for free hearing screenings
St. John’s Lutheran Hospital plans to offer free hearing screenings from Sept. 21-25 as part of National Rehabilitation Awareness Week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
LHS golf tees off this weekend
Missing a placing by just one shot at the Class A State Golf Tournament last fall, Libby High School’s Zach Watson no doubt wants to improve in his final season and earn a medal by finishing among the top 15.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Cross Country: Libby runs at Bonners Ferry
The Libby High School cross country team opened its season on Saturday with an appearance in the Bonners Ferry Invitational and based on the results, the Loggers appear to be off to a good start.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Old cranes pass test for Stinger
As part of its plan to move forward into production, Stinger Welding in Libby on Friday successfully tested a pair of interior overhead cranes.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Girls Soccer: Libby opener cancelled
Libby High School’s girls soccer team was not able to take the field last weekend for its season opener. The scheduled opponent, Stevensville, cancelled the game apparently because of player injuries sustained in its opening game the previous day.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Volleyball: LHS girls play well at starter tourney
The Libby High School volleyball team had an encouraging start to the season on Saturday by winning six of eight games at the Whitefish Starter Tournament.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Boys Soccer: Libby blanks Stevensville
The Libby High School boys soccer team opened the season on a high note Saturday with a 4-0 shutout over Stevensville.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Eureka's Bull Thing to feature region's top bullriders
Top bullriders from around the region will gather in Eureka on Saturday for The Bull Thing – a popular attraction during the Lincoln County Fair.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Youth golfer tears up course
Nine-year-old golfer Ryggs Johnston of Libby has put together another exceptional run on the links this summer.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Mine settlement pending approval
A settlement between Revett Minerals and government regulators concerning a fine levied after a Troy Mine worker’s death two years ago was reached last week and is pending a judge’s approval.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Troy spikers looking to move up
With fire in their eyes and power in their hits, the Troy High School volleyball team has intentions of making a little noise this season in Class B.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Police chief search continues
The City of Libby will more-than-likely set a new deadline for chief of police applicants, as only one person has shown interest so far after a month of local and statewide advertising.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Too Slim headlines blues festival
Too Slim and the Taildraggers will headline the inaugural Riverfront Blues Festival on Saturday in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby cross country squad preps for long road ahead
On the surface, an 89th-place finish at the Class A state cross country meet may not seem like much of an accomplishment. But for William Lott, the effort on the University of Montana course represented his best time of the season in the continuing battle to lower personal-bests.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
County fair kicks off this week in Eureka
A century ago, the few existing roads in the county were rough with wagon wheel ruts, and it was inconceivable for Libby and Troy residents to travel to Eureka for the Tobacco Valley Fair.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Program helps kids with disabilities
The Child Development Center in Kalispell with help from the Plum Creek Foundation helped 35 kids from Libby and Kalispell enjoy summer activities through a “Be Safe Summer Program” for children ages 6-18.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
State champion Loggers hoping for shot to repeat
It’s a tough act to follow.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
County favors non-partisan ballots
Lincoln County commissioners gave final approval Wednesday to hold a special mail-in election this fall to allow voters to decide if the county should begin conducting elections as non-partisan.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Honors long overdue: Veteran, now 81, receives decorations
Jack Cunningham never talked about the horrors he witnessed while moving through the treacherous Pacific Ocean during World War II in a cargo ship full of food, explosives and fuel.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Lady Logger spikers return plenty for another run in NW
An imposing presence at the volleyball net, Libby High School senior Jackie Mee definitely captures the opponent’s attention. In fact, Mee’s skills are so exceptional that she attracts two, sometimes three blockers in an attempt to control the damage that she can inflict.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Trojans hope to carry over momentum from playoff year
The enthusiasm on the Troy High School football field is easy to spot.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Study: Forest products outlook still gloomy
Montana’s forest products industry saw increases in employment, wages and production during the second quarter of 2009, but those indicators remain at very depressed levels, University of Montana researcher Todd Morgan reports.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
EPA's Montana director suffers fatal fall on hike
A 64-year-old Environmental Protection Agency official died after tumbling down a cliff Thursday night while descending Snowshoe Peak with a fellow hiker, law-enforcement officials confirmed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Logger girls soccer team works hard to find success
On a windy day in Billings, the Libby High School girls soccer team experienced a painful elimination from the state playoffs after seeing a 2-0 lead turn into a 3-2 overtime loss. It was a disappointing conclusion to a stellar season that included the Lady Loggers’ first-ever conference title and …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
LHS gridders show potential
Finishing the season with a 4-4 overall record and staying home during the playoffs was out of character for the Libby High School football program. The Loggers had established themselves as postseason mainstays in previous years under head coach Neil Fuller.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
EPA's Montana director dies from fall on Snowshoe Peak
A 64-year-old Environmental Protection Agency official died after falling off a cliff Thursday night while descending Snowshoe Peak with a fellow hiker, law-enforcement officials confirmed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby council votes on employee raises
The Libby City Council at Monday’s meeting granted all city employees a 1.5-percent cost of living increase and the standard 1-percent longevity rate.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Column: Exploring area on trails proves to be rewarding
When it comes to writing, one of the biggest rewards that a reporter can receive is feedback from the public. When folks go out of their way to comment on something you’ve written, it means they’re reading your stories and it generated a reaction – whether it’s positive or negative.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Gun club votes to back Walters
A Troy gun club voted at its Tuesday meeting to support the efforts of Troy’s chief of police in his dispute concerning assets belonging to another gun club.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
School board commits to replace Asa Wood
The Libby School Board on Monday night agreed to move forward in its pursuit of a new elementary school building. The aging building, constructed in the 1950s, has been a point of concern for school board members.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Back to School: Libby schools plan registration days, open houses
(Following is a rundown of registration and other information for each school in the Libby School District).
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Back to School: Communication with parents on minds of Libby educators
School bells in Libby will be ringing on the morning of Aug. 31 as children in grades 1-12 head back to the classroom.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Back to School: Elementary PE classes among additions in Troy
Troy teachers are preparing their classrooms and school officials are scrambling to get everything in order before the buses fire up and the schools come back to life on Aug. 26.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
WN Hiking Series: Granite Creek Trail to Waterfall
“Be careful, it’s slippery,” my wife called out a split second before I fell to my butt and slid violently down an embankment.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Golf course prepares for cleanup
The Environmental Protection Agency didn’t achieve its Monday target date to begin asbestos removal at the Cabinet View Golf Course but has begun preparations for the six-week cleanup.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby man, 62, faces sexual molestation charges
A 62-year-old Libby man is awaiting arraignment in district court for allegedly molesting several pre-pubescent children over a span of nearly two decades.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Judge throws out Thomas conviction
After determining that neither the District Court nor the youth court has the jurisdiction to sentence Stephen Thomas for tampering with evidence when he was age 17, District Court Judge Michael Prezeau threw out his conviction and released him from jail last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby Dam operation earns national recognition
Libby Dam project manager Mick Shea first learned that his crew won a national award when he stepped off a plane in Spokane, Wash., and checked his voicemail.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners approve salary plan
Lincoln County commissioners approved salaries Wednesday, granting a 2-percent cost of living increase to all non-union county employees and giving a 1-cent per hour increase to elected officials.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Libby youngster fighting leukemia
An active 10-year-old who showed no signs of an illness, Giovanni Cano suddenly finds himself in the fight of his life. The Libby youngster was diagnosed with leukemia and is now receiving treatment at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital in Spokane, Wash.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Column: Mixed emotions on watching child head off to college
On Saturday afternoon, my stepdaughter will climb aboard a U.S. Airways flight in Spokane and head to college in Flagstaff, Ariz.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Igniters cruise into part of Libby's history
In a scene typical of the times for many towns around the country, Ivan Troyer enjoyed cruising Mineral Avenue in his ’55 Ford, hanging out at the Blue Bear and getting rowdy with his friends.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
National art exhibit to make stop in Eureka
A national exhibit of new work by artist Robert Rickard, “Terra Mia,” is scheduled to open Aug. 22 at the Silver Fish Gallery in Eureka.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Shakespeare program in Libby Aug. 16-17
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks returns to Libby this summer with performances on Sunday and Monday evening at the middle school amphitheater.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Health board takes action on contaminated house
The neighbors have had enough.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Cabinet View stages annual Member-Guest tourney
Joe Cielak and Chuck Eble turned in a gross score of 135 to claim first place in this past weekend’s Member-Guest Tournament at Cabinet View Country Club in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
State investigating actions of Troy police chief
The Montana Department of Justice is investigating Troy’s chief of police for allegedly refusing to surrender property owned by a gun club that members say will cost $7,000 to replace.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Relay's spirit visible all night
Cleone Spiering changed into her walking shoes Friday night for her 57-year-old daughter in Las Vegas.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Agencies plan emergency response drill
The heavy snows of 1996 collapsed the roofs of dozens of local businesses and homes, including the VFW Hall only hours after it had been crowded with people.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Aerosmith tribute band to rock ballpark
While meeting one of his guests back on July 16, talk show host Regis Philbin thought Chris Vandahl looked familiar.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Dropping party affiliations from ballots catches county's interest
If Lincoln County commissioners give final approval at an Aug. 19 meeting in Eureka, the county will hold a special election this fall to decide whether or not to continue conducting county elections as partisan or to switch to non-partisan elections.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
WN Hiking Series: Scenic excursion along Cedar Cre
With sore joints, tired feet and a trick knee, seeing my vehicle in the distance at the trailhead was a welcome sight. The personal theme of the day, however, was not about aches and pains but the fact that I had just completed my first-ever hike of 10 or more …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
WN Hiking Series: Short stroll to waterfall
A hike along the Little North Fork Falls Nature Trail in Kootenai National Forest’s Rexford District does not require boots, sticks or even water. In fact, the hike probably could easily be called a stroll over its route of one-fourth of a mile.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Huckleberry season not over just yet
It’s already August, but huckleberry picking season is not over yet, according to Greg Hall, who has been fascinated with the pastime since moving to Libby in 1990.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Scotchman Mine project receives stimulus funds
Kootenai National Forest received funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for cleanup of the abandoned Scotchman Mine southwest of Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Former war refugee helps people find way into music
Escaping occupied Hungary with his family as an infant during the tail end of World War II, Gabriel Farago could easily be characterized as someone who has lived “the American dream.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Bigger staff on horizon for police
The City of Libby is in the process of replacing three police officers it lost and, with the help of federal stimulus fund grants, plans to hire two more to fill a full-time and a part-time position.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Hunting huckleberries is tradition for longtime resident
Jeanne Spooner plucked each ripe huckleberry carefully, holding a certain amount of reverence for the wild fruit collecting at the bottom of her heavy cup.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Treasure Tones releases two CDs
The Treasure Tones, a 20-voice choral ensemble based in Libby, has released two compact discs, director Phyll Minde-Mackey announced.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby native returns to roots with concert
A group of Montana boys getting back to the small town of one of its band members … helping out with a good local cause … and a chance to play the links at Cabinet View, float the Kootenai and maybe even sleep on the ground at Pioneer Park.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Motorcycle accident claims man's life
A man died early Sunday morning in a motorcycle accident on Highway 2, west of Libby, the day before his 26th birthday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Relay For Life: Celebrate, remember, fight
It’s a difficult challenge.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
EPA cleanup process sees change
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s new role in property cleanups this fall should improve efficiency and change very little else, according to an official with the agency.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Troupe puts final touches on Oliver
“Louder, guys! I can’t hear you!” director Rebecca Sporman hollers, with clipboard in hand, from a back row seat. She races down the aisle to the stage to give further instructions and then returns to the back.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Free seminar at Libby Library could lead to success in music industry
Escaping occupied Hungary with his family as an infant during the tail end of World War II, Gabriel Farago could easily be characterized as someone who has lived “the American dream.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby golfers play in state women's amateur tourney
Five golfers from the Cabinet View Ladies Golf Club competed in the July 22-25 Montana State Women’s Amateur and Senior State Golf tournaments in Missoula.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
KPFL continues work on building
Though work on the new Kootenai Pets for Life animal shelter in Libby has experienced delays due to funding and volunteer shortages, the organization moved forward Friday in fulfilling its agreement to take over housing, medical needs and adoption of all county animals.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Effort to get Swamp Creek road section repaired intensifies
Whether he’s eating out for lunch, shopping at a convenience store or attending Rotary Club, county commissioner Tony Berget is handing out postcards to everyone he bumps into.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Governor visits Libby to hail Stinger operation
The Montana Department of Commerce awarded more than $5.7 million in grants and loans to fund a bridge-building operation that is expected to provide at least 200 jobs within the next four years.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
City begins task to fill new position
Libby City Council will move forward next week in the hiring process for a new city administrator. The new position will replace the current supervisor of city services, who is retiring in the fall.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
WN Hiking Series: Grouse Lake Trail
Raspberries, huckleberries and gooseberries lined much of the route during a hike last weekend on the Grouse Lake Trail south of Troy. At the end of the trail, we came upon a peaceful little lake with lily pads after traversing the 1.3 miles.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Loggers baseball: One win shy of state tourney
Leading 5-3 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Libby American Legion baseball team found itself nine outs away from reaching the state tournament in a hard-fought game against the Bitterroot Red Sox.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
More funding pegged for projects on forest
Kootenai National Forest trails and facilities are scheduled to receive much-needed maintenance through stimulus funding, the U.S. Forest Service announced last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Three Rivers region sees its share of wildfires
A flurry of fires ignited on Kootenai National Forest’s Three Rivers District last week as the result of lightning storms.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Community Advisory Group begins to rebuild
It has been a long haul in the nine years since the Community Advisory Group formed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Belly laughs: Teacher-turned-rodeo clown makes name for himself in arena
In the lull of the rodeo when organizers are transitioning between events, spectators can get antsy. That’s when J.J. Harrison strolls in.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby opens districts with 16-0 rout
The Libby Loggers baseball team opened the Western A District tournament on Thursday with a 16-0 rout over the Bitterroot Bucs.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
City of Libby finds positives with its budget
The City of Libby fared well over the past fiscal year despite the country’s economic woes.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Lightning storms ignite several fires on forest
A flurry of fires ignited on Kootenai National Forest’s Three Rivers District late this week as the result of lightning storms.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Finding hope with 'Ate Annette'
It’s 5:30 in the morning and Annette Fosgate is boiling hundreds of eggs in her small kitchen.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Fire north of Libby under control
Firefighters contained the “Lindy Fire” north of Libby this week to limit the number of acres burned at 18.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
New wildlife book showcases Troy photographer's work
Shooting from afar with a zoom lens, Donald M. Jones captured incredible images of three cubs riding atop their mama black bear. The playful cubs proceeded to push each other off until just one remained.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Tester bill includes Three Rivers proposal
Logging and wilderness – existing together in harmony.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Fire breaks out near Lindy Peak
Six crews continued working Monday to contain a fire near Lindy Peak that had consumed 20 to 30 acres of forest land since its discovery Saturday evening.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Troy School Board changes training and eligibility rules
The Troy School Board at its Monday meeting approved changes to the district’s training and eligibility rules, allowing more flexibility and falling in line with competing schools.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby Schools continues with Iowa testing
The Libby School Board voted Monday night to continue administering the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills to students in grades 1 through 11.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Youth Runnerfell seeks slogan contest entries
The Youth Runnerfell 20th Anniversary Slogan Contest has arrived with the deadline to enter set for Monday, Aug. 17.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Baucus: Health-care services funding on way
The Department of Health and Human Services announced the release of a $6 million grant to provide an increased level of health care for Libby-area residents suffering from asbestos-related illness, Sen. Max Baucus said Friday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Water meter readings in Troy questioned
When it came time for public comments at the Troy City Council meeting Wednesday, local resident Jerry Kensler stood up, unfolded a piece of paper from his shirt pocket and began discussing his household’s monthly water use.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Loggers hoping for another playoff run
The Libby Loggers American Legion baseball team opens district tournament action on Thursday in Whitefish with a first-round game against the Bitterroot Bucs.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Mother, 2-year-old son killed in trailer blaze
A woman and her 2-year-old son died in the early morning hours Saturday after a fire destroyed their trailer home on Spencer Hill Avenue in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Krushers win state softball title
The Kootenai Krushers 12-and-Under softball team out of Libby won the Babe Ruth Softball state championship with a 16-5 victory over Forsyth on July 12 in Livingston.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Doctor tries out Libby with residency at clinic
In Libby for only a few weeks as part of a residency, Dr. Justin Abbott hopes he may be able to stay in town much longer at some point in the future.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
VA approves plans to open clinic in Libby
If all goes according to plan, veterans in Lincoln County will have a new clinic to call their own by the end of the year. And when it opens, the nearly 3,800 veterans found in the county will no longer need to travel 100 miles or more for medical services …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Mother, toddler son die in home fire
A woman and her 2-year-old son died in the early morning hours Saturday after a fire destroyed their trailer home on Spencer Hill Avenue in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Tester introduces bill that includes impact to Kootenai forest's Three Rivers District
Standing with loggers, outfitters, conservationists, hunters and anglers who spent years working together on a plan for Montana’s forests, Sen. Jon Tester on Friday introduced his much-anticipated legislation to reform forest management.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Breaking News: VA to open clinic in Libby
The U.S. Veterans Administration has approved a new veterans outreach clinic for Libby, Sen. Jon Tester’s office announced Thursday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Breaking News: Health-care services funding on the way
The Department of Health and Human Services announced the release of a $6 million grant to provide an increased level of health care for Libby-area residents suffering from asbestos-related illness, Sen. Max Baucus said Friday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Excellence on high seas: Recalling 36 years in U.S. Navy
Herbert Gregory says it’s an experience a man never forgets.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Column: Nothing wrong with a little lazy while camping
Sitting in a camping chair overlooking Bull Lake last weekend, I didn’t care about having the appearance of lazy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Remp wins CVCC golf league title
The Tuesday Night Men’s Golf League wrapped up at Cabinet View Country Club in Libby this week with Remp Sand and Gravel taking first place.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Road resurfacing project planned for next summer
A routine road resurfacing project is scheduled for California Avenue in Libby and Highway 37 north to Pipe Creek Road sometime next summer, the Montana Department of Transportation announced Tuesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Best Bets: Bluegrass, rendezvous highlight big weekend
Tap your toes to the sounds of American bluegrass on one day and then transport yourself back to the pre-1840 time period the next this weekend in the Libby-Troy region.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
In a positive light: Libby tries to work past negativity
Vans equipped with rooftop satellites scoped out opportunities to illustrate a town that had been declared by the federal government as a public health emergency.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Mee takes men's club title
Jimmy Mee cruised to victory in the Club Championship tournament on Sunday at Cabinet View Country Club in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby awaits final OK on loan to begin sewer project
The City of Libby is awaiting final approval of a federal loan in order to begin construction on the Cabinet Heights sewer extension project.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Coker resigns as chief of police
After 13 years as Libby’s chief of police, Clay Coker will resign Aug. 1 to pursue a law degree. He submitted a letter of resignation last Friday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Centennial Series: Family ties at sawmill
When Lincoln County was formed in 1909, Libby’s transition into a logging community was just beginning.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Rodeo cowboys to converge on J. Neils Park
Working on a tight budget with financially-challenged sponsors during a nationwide economic downturn, the PRCA Kootenai River Rodeo certainly had plenty of obstacles to get out of the gate this year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Logger trio helps team win state championship
A trio of Lady Loggers helped the Montana Slappers take the U18 championship game on Sunday in the State ASA softball tournament at Bozeman.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Two Rivers Rendezvous runs Friday through Sunday
The 14th annual Two Rivers Rendezvous runs Friday through Sunday at Fawn Creek Campground near the Fisher River east of Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Health board officially reorganizes
A reorganized Lincoln County Board of Health submitted five primary points of concern to Environmental Protection Agency officials last week in a move to improve lines of communication concerning the Libby Superfund cleanup.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Loggers split 4 in Canada
Two runs short of a sweep.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Insurance company to defend Revett Minerals
Revett Minerals’ insurance carrier agreed to defend it in a multi-million dollar lawsuit filed in February concerning a death at Troy Mine two years ago.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Bluegrass on the Kootenai River
Heading into the second year of the Kootenai River Bluegrass and Beyond Festival, the entertainment lineup will “kick it up a notch.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Disaster avoided on Highway 2
A man’s quick thinking may have avoided a disastrous head-on collision Tuesday evening after a woman apparently passed out and veered into his lane about 22 miles south of Libby on Highway 2.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Bluegrass festival in 'make or break' year
While traditional and modern bluegrass music plays over the sounds of the Kootenai River in Troy, organizers of the second-year festival will be keeping a close eye on the numbers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Troy mayor nixes run for re-election
The Troy mayor and two councilmembers who are up for re-election chose not to run this fall, while the Libby mayor and its four incumbent councilmembers will be campaigning to serve another term.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby council by narrow margin grants CD to Troy
After approving it in May, then voting to withdraw approval, then discussing it and voting on it two more times at Monday’s meeting – Libby City Council presumably made the final decision, by a narrow margin, to transfer ownership of a certificate of deposit to the City of Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Stinger production only weeks away
Bridge manufacturer Stinger Welding Inc. plans to hire 10 local welders this month to train and begin production in an alternative building while the permanent facility is being constructed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Revett increases wages at mine
Only a matter of months ago, Troy Mine workers were unsure about whether or not they would have jobs as silver and copper prices plummeted.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Loggers settle for conference runner-up
Following the disappointment of watching a shot at the conference championship slip away, the Libby American Legion baseball team finished strong in a Tuesday doubleheader against Kootenai Valley.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Dam outflows approaching summer norm
Libby Dam flows will be adjusted this week to levels that will remain throughout the rest of the summer, U.S. Corps of Engineers officials announced.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Police find quiet Fourth around county
Lincoln County law-enforcement and emergency response agencies reported a fairly quiet Fourth of July weekend.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Three Rivers plan promotes unity but some see holes
For more than three years, Three Rivers Challenge has presented itself as a group that embraces the needs of all stakeholders when it comes to timber, recreation and wilderness on the Three Rivers Ranger District in Kootenai National Forest.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Libby begins search for city administrator
Libby’s new city administrator will work less in the field and play more of an administrative role than the current supervisor of city services, according to Mayor Doug Roll.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Jury acquits teen on deliberate homicide charge
Stephen Thomas was justified for shooting Larry Kingsley to death last July, a jury concluded Wednesday after less than two hours of deliberation.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Centennial Series, Part II: County sees similar questions century later
“How should we use this land?”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
WN Hiking Series: Refreshing yet rocky route to Leigh Lake
The beautiful hike to Leigh Lake is a favorite among many locals. For those not familiar with the route, wear good hiking shoes or boots because the last half-mile gets pretty interesting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
WN Hiking Series: Bramlet Lake
Swooping down close to the water’s surface, a bald eagle was the perfect greeting for a first glance of Bramlet Lake. The eagle took its place on a tree at the lake’s far end, joined moments later by its mate.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
On the air Ham radio operators
Sitting in a small trailer in Roosevelt Park on Saturday morning, Bill Cunnane’s first contact of the day ended up being an individual in Mongolia – an Asian nation that borders Russia and China.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Analysis shows catastrophic fire could break out
The potential for a catastrophic fire overtaking populated areas in and around Libby is real. And community forester Ed Levert is trying hard to get the message across.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Recall group clears hurdle for petition
The Lincoln County clerk and recorders office approved on Monday a petition drafted by a group of Eureka-area residents to remove Sheriff Daryl Anderson from office.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Lincoln County goes 'stratospheric'
The Lincoln County Amateur Radio Group is planning a special event during the Fourth of July celebration in Troy to commemorate the county’s 100th birthday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Thomas trial: Testimony shows victim as disturbed individual
Just when two teenagers told law-enforcement officials a seemingly fictional account of why they shot a 67-year-old man to death at a remote campground, a third witness fell from the sky like a gift for defense attorneys.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Reminder: Fireworks on forest lands prohibited
With the Fourth of July holiday arriving this weekend, U.S. Forest Service officials remind visitors to the Kootenai National Forest that the possession and or use of any type of fireworks on National Forest lands are strictly prohibited at all times.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Column: Good, all-around taste of Libby Logger Days
Shooting photos of a special event that runs over a four-day stretch does tend to challenge one’s stamina. But in the case of Logger Days, well, the assignment was both fascinating and fun.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Troy celebration on the Fourth dates back nearly a century
Locals are proud of events like Troy’s Timberbeast Disc Golf Tournament because it represents a cutting edge activity popular in today’s world. But Troy’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration is cherished for the exact opposite reason.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Thomas acquitted in Kingsley shooting
Stephen Thomas was justified for shooting Larry Kingsley to death last July, a jury decided Wednesday after less than two hours of deliberation.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Youth battle in golf tourney
Dan Leggins, Jonathan Davidson, Keith Johnson and Holly Leggins claimed first-place finishes within their respective divisions at the Cabinet View Country Club Junior Tournament, held recently in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Lincoln County: 100 years old
“Lincoln County’s first official family takes oath of office this morning in the presence of a medium-sized crowd which had gathered to witness the event.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Logger Days 5K/10K draws 142 participants
The inaugural Logger Days 5K/10K Run-Walk appeared to be a success, race director Chris Colson announced.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Snowshoe Mine reclamation project in stretch run
Motorists this summer once again face limited access to the Snowshoe Trail and the Leigh Creek trailhead as the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and Kootenai National Forest undertake the last leg of reclamation at the former Snowshoe Mine.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
CAG considers ideas for future
The Community Advisory Group took a timeout Thursday from its usual discussion of asbestos cleanup and health care to engage in a candid dialogue about how the group can draw in the community and work more efficiently.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Loggers sweep pair over Glacier
Eric Riddle pitches during the first game of a doubleheader sweep Friday over Glacier. Riddle threw a complete game.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Best Bets for June 26-29
Logger Days highlights this weekend’s activity slate for residents and visitors.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
New status give EPA more authority with cleanups
Along with the run-of-the-mill line of questioning about the Superfund process, the Environmental Protection Agency at Monday’s public meeting answered questions about the Libby area’s public health emergency status.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
County continues work on bicycle-walking path
Lincoln County commissioners reviewed plans for a walking/biking path in Libby with design engineer Marc Liechti while inviting comments from the public during a hearing on Wednesday morning.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Former girlfriend takes stand in Thomas trial
Heather Henson took the stand Wednesday in Stephen Thomas’ murder trial, recounting the bizarre events that led the two teenagers to shoot to death 67-year-old Larry Kingsley last July at a remote campground outside Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Troy opts for mail-in ballot for fall election
The City of Troy on Wednesday became the fourth and final municipal in Lincoln County to pass a resolution to hold its fall election by mail-in ballot.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Column: It's fitting to see Logger Days at J. Neils Park
When Libby High School’s football players make their way onto the field during home games on Friday nights, a chorus of chainsaws echo through the evening air. Oh yeah, the Loggers are getting ready to rumble.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Loggers split 4 games in home tourney
Keeping errors to a minimum more often than not translates into victories on the baseball diamond.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Bull of the Woods about more than punching hard
In his youth, lifetime Libby resident Mort Curtiss enjoyed lacing on a pair of gloves for a go-around in the ring. To go along with the fun of trading blows with a fellow competitor, he also liked to wrestle in another way to test his one-on-one athletic abilities.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Logger Days begins Thursday in Libby
For the past four years, Hope Kirschenmann has offered her support to help organize and promote Libby Logger Days.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Students plant trees at old dumpsite
When the Turning Winds Academic Institute approached Troy City Hall for volunteering opportunities for students, city clerk Sandy Johnson had the perfect project – trees.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Relay for Life goes high-tech in fight against cancer
The Lincoln County Relay For Life is part of an American Cancer Society test program on Sunday to collect donations through text messages.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
WN Hiking Series: Glacier NP's Avalanche Lake Trail
(Editor’s Note: This is part of an ongoing series of stories on hiking in northwestern Montana. Past hiking features have been done on the Flagstaff Mountain Trail near Libby and the Old Highway 2 Interpretative Trail near Troy).
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Police arrest 3 in connection with Troy burglary
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Troy Police Department teamed up early Saturday morning with the arrests of three suspects for their alleged involvement with a burglary and vehicle arson.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Krushers live up to name in tourney
For Troy’s 16-and-under girls softball team, “Krushers” appears to be an appropriate nickname based on results from last weekend’s tournament.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Conquering the Kootenai: Disc golfers take on river at Troy event
An amateur disc golfer won “Discs Across the Kootenai” – an event that has been referred to as the icing on the cake of Troy’s Timberbeast disc golf tournament.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Fuller plays DB in all-star contest
Libby High School’s Joel Fuller played in the defensive backfield for the Montana all-stars in the 16th annual Knights of Columbus Badlands Bowl on Saturday in Miles City.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Defense: Thomas justified for shooting Kingsley
Opening statements and testimony in the murder trial of 18-year-old Stephen Thomas revealed a storyline and defense Tuesday consistent with the trial of his alleged accomplice, 20-year-old Heather Henson.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
UM students find connection to Libby
Serving as the capstone of a reporting experience that encompassed three months and included daily trips to a federal courtroom, a post-trial trip to Libby brought everything in focus for a small group of college students.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Kids get hooked at fishing derby
Junior anglers hurled their lines into the Troy Community Pond on Saturday morning with hopes of catching the biggest fish and winning the grand prize – a fishing pole with flashing lights on the reel.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Summer softball in Libby: Coed league off to strong start
Pull into the parking area near the softball fields at J. Neils Memorial Park on a Wednesday evening and it just might be a challenge to find a spot.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Former PGA Tour player at golf clinic
Former PGA Tour player Lon Hinkle participated in a junior golf clinic last week at Cabinet View Country Club in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Advanced hunter ed course coming to Libby
The Libby Rod and Gun Club in planning to hold an Advanced Hunter Education Camp on Saturday, Aug. 15, at Fawn Creek Campground.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Thomas trial begins in Libby
Jury selection began Monday in the case of an 18-year-old man charged with helping his girlfriend shoot a man to death at a remote Libby-area campground last summer.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Children's theatre production coming to Libby
The opportunity to participate in theater – to plan, act, sing, dance, design and build – is not always available in small towns like Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Western News wins 3 statewide awards
The Western News earned three awards on Saturday night in the Montana Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Contest.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
House bill co-sponsored by Rehberg impacts car dealers
A bill that would prevent General Motors and Chrysler from cutting dealerships from their respective franchises was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Health declaration: Finally, some justice
“It’s about time.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby Schools to fill up to 4 teaching vacancies
With the Fourth of July around the corner and summer school on the horizon, the Libby School District knows time is running short to fill teacher vacancies.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
EPA declares public health emergency in Libby
The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday declared a public health emergency in Libby designed to intensify cleanup efforts and provide better health protections to local residents impacted by asbestos-related diseases.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Eight teams vie for Big Bucks title
For the winning team, taking the championship game of the Big Bucks Tournament in Libby gives players pride and a level of confidence that could carry on through the rest of the summer.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Best Bets This Weekend: June 19-21
Although the lawn could use a mow and you promised Aunt Flo a weekend visit, folks in Libby and Troy will have plenty of options for things to do this weekend.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Trial in murder case set to begin Monday
The alleged accomplice of a woman convicted of killing a 67-year-old man at a Libby-area campground last July will stand trial on murder charges next week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
WN Hiking Series: Enjoying view from old Highway 2
A good way to enjoy views of the Kootenai River in the area around the falls while learning about the region’s history and natural features is to go on a hike down the Old Highway 2 Interpretive Trail.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Accident near Troy claims life of woman
A 37-year-old Troy woman died and two others were injured Thursday evening in a Highway 2 accident one mile south of Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Prosecutors dismiss last Grace defendant
Federal prosecutors filed a motion Monday to dismiss charges against the final defendant in the criminal trial of W.R. Grace and Co.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
E-waste event likely to return
Libby’s first e-waste event, which collected more than 3,000 pounds of electronics for recycling over two days last month, will most likely become an annual happening, organizers announced.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
County considers options for walking, biking path
It’s Libby’s turn for a new walking and biking path, and Lincoln County commissioners are taking suggestions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Grant could lead to new fire station
With $210 million in stimulus funds available nationwide to build or renovate fire department buildings, firefighters see a good opportunity for the Libby Volunteer Fire Department. Their original idea of tearing down the old city hall and building new, however, is not likely to happen on Libby City Council’s watch.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Team Mee takes 1st in City Tournament
The father-son golfing duo of Jerry and Jimmy Mee took first place in the City Tournament on Saturday and Sunday at Cabinet View Country Club in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Lapka makes all-state softball
Libby High School’s Nicky Lapka earned a spot on the Class A All-State softball team.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Special event organizers change alcohol sale policies
Organizers of summer events in Libby and Troy are upbeat about implementing measures to reduce drunk driving, over-drinking and underage drinking this year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Forest Service's stimulus funds create questions
U.S. Forest Service officials spoke Wednesday with county commissioners regarding stimulus funds, and the burning question was, “When?”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Unique competition to include local trainer
Using a rod with a crinkly piece of blue tarp taped to the end, Phil Gunning worked Tuesday to desensitize a horse to quick movement and sudden sounds. He rapidly swished the rod back and forth in front of the horse, on each side and directly behind it.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Kids Fishing Derby slated for Saturday at Troy Community Pond
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will sponsor the annual Kids Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 20 at the Troy Community Pond at Roosevelt Park.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
German grapplers try soccer vs. LHS
Putting on a series of exhibition matches around Montana, a club wrestling squad out of Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany has seen its share of time on the mat while experiencing the United States.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Golf course cleanup on horizon
Environmental Protection Agency officials met last week with officials from the privately-owned Cabinet View Country Club to discuss options for a cleanup.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Loggers rally in win over Lakers
Clinging to a 6-5 lead heading into the final inning, the Kalispell Lakers erupted for a five-spot on the scoreboard to build a comfortable lead in the opening game of an American Legion baseball doubleheader at Libby on Sunday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Tennis court resurfacing draws board's attention
A sense of urgency could be heard in the voices of Troy School Board members while discussing the need to resurface the district’s four tennis courts.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Ham radio operators planning event
The Lincoln County Amateur Radio Group plans to participate in a public demonstration of emergency communications over the weekend of June 27-28, radio hobbyist Doug Griffiths announced.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Baker 18th in javelin at NCAA meet
Blaine Baker, a 2005 Libby High School graduate, competed this past weekend at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in Fayetteville, Ark.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Incredi-Bull: Event decided on final ride
As the second and final round came to an end at the Incredi-Bull Riding Blowout Saturday night at J. Neils Memorial Park, cowboys – a few pleased, but many defeated – changed out of chaps and spurs.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Car accident claims life of Troy woman
A 37-year-old Troy woman died and two others were injured Thursday evening in a Highway 2 accident one mile south of Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Blackout leads to rollover
An 80-year-old man blacked out and rolled his pickup Tuesday afternoon while traveling north on Highway 2 outside Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Column: Archery event just might lead to new hobby for my son
Leaning over to help my son figure out the mechanics of shooting a bow, Mike Vinion watched with interest as he was able to pop a balloon.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
TV reality star enjoys return to hometown
Libby native Destiney Moore has a lot on her plate right now.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
WN Hiking Series: Solitude on Flagstaff Mountain
With the warm Montana sun beating down, hiking up a somewhat steep trail on Flagstaff Mountain proved to be a challenge – at least for a middle-aged 40-something that has been sitting at a computer keyboard for too many years.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
River rafters survive spill over Kootenai Falls
A 20-year-old man was rescued by helicopter Saturday afternoon from an island downstream from Kootenai Falls after the river overturned his and a friend’s raft.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Running event part of Logger Days
In an attempt to bring an annual running event to Libby, the Logger Days 5K/10K Fun Run for Health will make its debut on the morning of June 27.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Fisher River Shootout gives bowhunters chance to refine skills
Stalking a brow-tined bull during bowhunting season in the fall, a western Montana sport hunter feels the excitement building with the ominous sound of the elk bugling in the distance. Moments later, satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment fills the air with the completion of a successful shot.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Teens fine but vehicles totaled in Libby accident
Two teenagers are OK after an accident south of Libby on Highway 2 totaled both of their vehicles Tuesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Haines, Peck take 1st in golf tourney
The team of Wayne Haines and Gary Peck shot a 136 low gross to take first place in the Cabinet View Country Club Memorial Invite this past weekend in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
New ID requirement at border impacts locals
Though a new requirement that mandates a passport or similar document to enter the United States through Canada has been in the works for five years now, many have put off applying for one or are unfamiliar with the details.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Advanced hunter's education class scheduled
The Libby Rod and Gun Club is planning to sponsor an advanced hunter education camp on Aug. 15 at Fawn Creek Campground, located eight miles up the Fisher River.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Youth bowhunter camp coming
The Montana Youth Bowhunter Camp for boys and girls ages 10-14 will be staged at Thompson Lake Baptist Camp near Libby from June 28-July 1.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Dancer re-trial continued until fall session
William Dancer’s re-trial for allegedly embezzling more than $400,000 from his former employer was continued until the fall jury term, which begins Sept. 1.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Libby Dam releases designed to help sturgeon
Libby Dam plans to increase water releases this week in an effort to improve spawning conditions for the Kootenai River’s endangered white sturgeon.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Teachers workshop focuses on history of Kalispel tribe, fur trade
A workshop for teachers coming up on Wednesday, June 24 in Hope, Idaho will cover the history of the Kalispel Tribe, North West Company fur agent David Thompson and the regional fur trade.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Loggers' Wright medals in 4 events at state
The Libby High School track team came away from the Class A state track meet in Butte on Saturday with a few smiles. Logger athletes claimed eight individual medals and the boys finished among the top 10 in the team race.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Final round of Troy property evaluations to begin
When the Environmental Protection Agency began taking soil samples in December 1999, the primary focus of the cleanup naturally centered on Libby. But the boundaries of the region impacted by asbestos-contaminated vermiculite extended beyond to the neighboring community of Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Libby 5-year-old girl carries on family tradition on track
Blond hair whipped around under her helmet like the orange flag sticking out from her four-wheeler. The boys, many of them bigger and older, easily passed by on their dirt bikes.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
City of Libby considers mail-in ballots
Libby City Council may decide to hold its municipal election completely by mail-in ballot this November.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Libby woman claims $70,000 prize
A winning $70,000 Montana Lottery ticket purchased in Libby has been claimed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Lady Loggers go 1-2 in state playoffs
The Libby High School softball team ended the season by winning one of three games in the Class A state playoffs at Polson.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Troy teen mom beats odds to earn high school diploma
Sitting among her classmates in cap and gown, 19-year-old Lacey Erickson leans forward and smiles wide.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Officials extend comment deadline on Montanore Project
Because of the complexity of the issue and to make sure all who wish to comment have enough time to do so, the Montanore Project’s public comment period was extended another four weeks.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Transmission line rebuild project begins
After at least three decades of proposals, documents and public meetings, the effort to improve the transmission system in northwestern Montana finally got under way last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Loggers split with Mission Valley
The Libby American Legion baseball team split a doubleheader at Mission Valley on Saturday. The Loggers dropped the opener, 9-4, but won the nightcap, 6-5, in Polson.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Palmer works his way to prestigious Harvard
From a small community tucked away in the northwestern corner of rural Montana, Aaron Palmer will make his way onto perhaps the most prestigious college campus in the country.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
THS girls tennis competes at state
The Troy High School girls tennis team sent one singles player and two doubles teams to the Class B-C State Tournament in Missoula.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
County, shelter partner on pets
Kootenai Pets For Life – a local animal shelter that will soon be operating out of a new building in Libby – will take over housing, medical needs and adoption of all county animals.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Forest Service closes Brush Creek, Tally Lake Road for repairs
The Brush Creek/Tally Lake Road No. 113 has been temporarily closed at approximately milepost 6.5 due to a washout, the U.S. Forest Service announced on Tuesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Irish band to 'ShamRock' the house
With names like Liam O’Leary and Paddy Doyle, it’s obvious that an Irish band will be taking the stage.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
County buys finger-joint plant: Move intended to keep infrastructure in community
Lincoln County purchased a finger-joint plant on Wednesday. But don’t expect Tony Berget or Marianne Roose to be running ripsaws or grading lumber inside the Kootenai Business Park facility.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Libraries launch summer reading program
Summer reading programs for youth and adults will be offered through the Lincoln County Public Libraries.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Troy embraces era of high-tech teaching
Hana Coy’s second-grade students were squirming with excitement to meet their pen pals, students from a Billings school that they had been writing back and forth to throughout the year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Museum plans big opening day
Heritage Museum’s opening-day festivities will feature a new living history exhibit this year with characters from an 1839 river expedition.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Montanore Project public comment period extended
The Montanore Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement public commend period has been extended to June 29, officials announced on Thursday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Mysterious blaze: Officials baffled by overnight fire that burned junk vehicles
A fire that consumed about 270 junk vehicles at the Lincoln County Landfill in Libby went unnoticed until workers found the smoldering heap when they showed up for work Tuesday morning.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Quiet holiday weekend for police
While locals took advantage of sunny blue skies and temperatures that reached 85 degrees over Memorial Day weekend, law-enforcement officers and emergency responders enjoyed a relatively quiet three days.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Are you a winner? Jackpot ticket sold in Libby unclaimed
A jackpot lottery ticket was purchased in Libby on Saturday but as of Tuesday night, no one had come forward to claim the prize.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Local high school graduations this weekend
Troy and Libby high schools will be bidding farewell to their respective graduating classes this weekend.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Judges reject Sichting's appeal
A panel of three appellate judges last week denied the appeal of 40-year-old Shane Sichting of Libby, who is serving 10 years in prison for trying to hire someone to kill his estranged wife.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Loggers split 4 games in Wood Bat tourney
A broken hand is not going to stop Dustin Morningstar.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
'Industrial' draws concern of residents
The majority of a standing room only crowd at last week’s Libby City Council meeting objected to the council’s plan for an industrial area next to Riverfront Park.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Loyola Sacred Heart defeats Lady Trojans
Loyola Sacred Heart scored 12 runs over the first three innings in an 18-4 victory on Saturday over Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
LHS track athletes prep for state
If one thing’s for certain with the state track meet on the horizon, Libby High School’s Stephany Kluver has a good arm.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Palmer, Harper claim divisional track titles
Ninety feet?
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Garrett, Day place 3rd at state tennis
In their final match together as doubles partners, Troy seniors Shado Garrett and Jesse Day won a third-place medal at the Class B-C state tennis tournament on Saturday in Missoula.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Cislo, Broden, Maloney at state for boys
Libby’s No. 1 singles player, Alex Cislo, and the doubles team of Nate Broden and Cyrus Maloney competed Thursday and Friday at the Class A state tennis tournament in Kalispell.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Campgrounds open for summer season this holiday weekend
Kootenai National Forest campgrounds will officially open for the summer season Memorial Day weekend, the U.S. Forest Service announced.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Motorcycle riders suffer broken legs
Two motorcycle riders suffered leg injuries after a deer struck them Sunday afternoon in a remote area east of Libby Dam.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Federal grant to help fight asbestos-related diseases
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is giving Lincoln County $6 million to fund health care for people with asbestos-related diseases and, according to Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), there may be more help on the way.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
LHS wins regular-season home finale
The Libby High School softball team won its regular-season home finale on Thursday with a 6-1 triumph over Whitefish.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Montana marimba group to play Memorial Center on May 29
The distrinctive sounds of marimba will fill the Memorial Center on May 29 but these musicians won’t be traveling to Libby from a far-away African nation.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Eureka takes 2 over Libby on diamond
Colt Cannon’s pitching performance was nearly perfect.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Troy Mine sees conditions improve
Improved metal prices and continued improvements in productivity has led Revett Minerals to stop issuing 60-day notices to its Troy Mine employees, the company announced Thursday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
County announces poetry contest winners
Lincoln County last week announced the winners of its 2009 poetry contest.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Service extension raises sewer rates
Libby City Council unanimously voted at a special meeting Wednesday to increase city sewer rates in order to extend service to residents in the Cabinet Heights area.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Mee wins third straight divisionals tennis title
Libby High School junior Jackie Mee won her third straight divisional title on Saturday with a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Polson’s Jane Probst in the No. 1 singles final in Kalispell.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
EPA plans activity-based sampling at schools
The Environmental Protection Agency plans to continue testing at local school sites, the agency’s Libby field leader told Lincoln County commissioners last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Quick Takes: Youth sports parade nice event for candy hunters
Kids in Troy did not see a shortage of candy on Saturday morning.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Locals organize 'e-waste' disposal
The U.S. population throws away 130 million cell phones each year, contributing to electronic waste that makes up 40 percent of lead found in landfills.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Grant leads to CARD expansion
The Center for Asbestos Related Disease put in for a Senate appropriation this year to help fund its operations and ended up, instead, receiving a grant to build an addition.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Lincon County Crimestoppers calls it quits
The board for the Lincoln County chapter of Crimestoppers voted to dissolve the organization last week as a result of declining community involvement and five years of operating costs surpassing donations.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Troy girls win softball thriller
The Troy High School softball team rallied in the bottom of the seventh inning for an 8-7 victory over Noxon on Monday night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Lady Loggers drop 2 straight
The Libby High School softball team dropped back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday with region losses to Columbia Falls and Ronan.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Troy girls qualify three for state tennis tourney
The Troy High School girls tennis team qualified one singles player and one doubles team for this week’s Class B-C state tournament.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Swamp Creek project doesn't make cut
The Swamp Creek road construction project on Highway 2 will not receive stimulus funds and the Montana Department of Transportation continues to list it as a “beyond 2013” project.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Morberg, Lacklen win Graham
Dave Morberg of Whitefish shot a two-day total of 144 to win the Ben Graham Memorial Tournament last weekend at Cabinet View Country Club in Libby. Morberg’s gross score was three strokes better than runner-up Jimmy Mee, who came in with a 147.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Palmer wins 2 divisional titles
Troy’s Aaron Palmer was a double-winner and both Scotty Harper and Molly Harpole had first-place performances at Saturday’s District 7-B Meet at Eureka.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
LHS tracksters tune up for stretch run
The Libby High School boys and girls track teams tuned up for this week’s divisional meet with a home dual on Friday against Flathead.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Libby Dam operations to benefit recreationists
Recreationists can expect a deep Lake Koocanusa for boating and a gentler Kootenai River for fishing this summer, Libby Dam officials said during Wednesday’s annual operations meeting.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Family cruise: Libby native, daughter serve together on carrier
Twenty-year-old Lisa Kyes sees her father, John Kyes, more now than she did when she was growing up.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Lady Loggers volleyball camp to feature Univ. of Idaho coach
A University of Idaho volleyball camp is coming to Libby High School on June 15-17, Lady Loggers coach Cindy Ostrem-Johnston said.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Troy finds challenges with finding music teacher
With two of three applicants accepting jobs elsewhere, Troy Schools is scrambling to decide how to fill next year’s high school music teacher position.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Thompson Falls blanks Lady Trojans
The Troy High School softball team dropped an 8-0 decision on Saturday at Thompson Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Logger basketball camp accepting registrations
Logger Basketball Champ Camp is coming June 8-10 in Libby, organizers announced.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Day, Garrett tie for 1st at Mission
The Troy High School boys tennis team participated in a four-team informal meet on Saturday at Mission. The non-scoring get-together served as a tune-up for this week’s Class B-C State Tournament at Missoula.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Derby winner has special connection to annual event
George Earle doesn’t participate in many fishing competitions, but the annual Trout and Salmon Derby at Lake Koocanusa Resort and Marina is dear to his heart.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Teenager recovering from spill on track
A Libby teenager was released from a Spokane, Wash. hospital Wednesday after suffering a head injury from a dirt bike accident in Libby on Sunday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
LHS alum named University of Idaho president
The Idaho State Board of Education announced recently that M. Duane Nellis will serve as the 17th president of the University of Idaho.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Tester pitches plan to help Libby
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester last week asked the Environmental Protection Agency to team up with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to improve health care for victims of asbestos poisoning in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Drummond wins pair over Troy in softball
The Troy High School softball team saw an early lead slip away in the first game and then couldn’t battle back all the way in the second game in losses of 8-5 and 14-8 to Drummond on Tuesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Palmer breaks 200 feet in javelin
On the day before Mother’s Day, Troy’s Aaron Palmer got some good advice. Of course, it came from his mom, Jeanie.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Grace trial: Reaction around Libby toughest on Judge Molloy
A jury acquitted W.R. Grace & Co. and three former executives last week of all criminal charges relating to Libby’s asbestos poisoning.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Junior golf tournament, clinics coming this summer
A junior golf championship tournament is scheduled for June 19 at Cabinet View Country Club in Libby, organizers announced.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Day, Garrett finish 2nd at Best of West tennis tourney
Troy’s Jesse Day and Shado Garrett placed second Saturday at the Best of the West tennis tournament in St. Ignatius, losing a heartbreaker in the finals to a duo from the host school.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
County to take look at cost of feeding prisoners
The cost of feeding prisoners their three square meals a day is on the rise and as a result, Lincoln County is taking a look at making a change.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Sacred Heart downs Trojans on softball field
The Troy High School softball team led 1-0 in the first inning but then got shell-shocked by an exceptional Loyola Sacred Heart opponent on Saturday in an 18-1 loss.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Libby girls win 3 of 4 in Butte Central tourney
The Libby High School softball team won three of four games on Friday and Saturday at the Butte Central Tournament.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Loggers sweep 2 north of border
The Libby American Legion baseball team swept a twinbill from Cranbrook on Sunday during a trip to British Columbia.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Dispatch center to replace antiquated system
The Lincoln County dispatch center will get a much-needed system upgrade, using grant and county funds to replace equipment that was installed as early as the 1970s.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Libby tennis girls win back-to-back matchups
The Libby High School girls rolled to victories over Whitefish and Columbia Falls last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Cycling in God's country: Libby-area event has grown into popular annual activity
Motels are booked, cookies and pies are baked and riders are conditioned – it must be time for the annual Scenic Tour of the Kootenai River bike ride.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Asbestos victim memorial group's sign up in Libby
Part of an effort that has been ongoing since 2002, the Community Asbestos Memorial Project reached a milestone Friday morning when a sign was attached to a pavilion at Riverfront Park in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Sewer rates subject of city meeting
Libby City Council plans to conduct a public hearing on Monday, May 18 at 6 p.m. at City Hall regarding a proposed sewer rate increase.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Legion Loggers take care of Glacier AA
Intermittent rain did nothing to put a damper on Libby’s hit parade Tuesday night against Glacier AA. The Loggers busted out for six runs over the first two innings en route to a 13-8 win at Lee Gehring Field.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
GRACE NOT GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS
A jury returned not guilty verdits on all counts Friday morning in the federal environmental case against W.R. Grace & Co. and three executives.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Troy tennis team plays well during busy week
Troy High School’s boys and girls tennis teams played three matches on Friday and Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Stimulus money goes to Libby Dam
Libby Dam is set to receive $220,000 of federal stimulus money as part of a nearly $17 million package to fund Montana rural water projects, Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester announced Thursday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Map details city's plans for export plant area
The Libby City Council continues to solidify plans for the old export plant so that the Environmental Protection Agency’s approaching asbestos cleanup can coincide with the area’s future use.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Eureka hangs on to beat Lady Trojans
The Troy High School softball team rallied from a four-run deficit only to see Eureka regain its composure and hang on late, 10-8, in a Western B-C game on Monday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Logger boys, girls take first at county meet
It was a pretty good afternoon for the Berget family.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
School board elections fill vacant seats in Troy, Libby
Lee Disney, Ellen Parker Johnston and Bruce Sickler were elected to full terms on the Libby School Board Tuesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Tracksters compete at Whitefish ARM Invite
The Libby High School track and field teams each placed sixth at Saturday’s 11th annual Whitefish ARM Invitational.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Lincoln County ready if swine flu hits home
Though Montana had no confirmed cases of swine flu as of Monday morning, the Lincoln County Health Department has kept busy distributing information and readying for a possible outbreak.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
'Rumple Report' finally goes public
An internal memo criticizing the Environmental Protection Agency’s cleanup of asbestos in Libby was released to the public last week under less stringent Freedom of Information Act guidelines set by President Barack Obama’s administration.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Column: Gehring Field jewel of Legion baseball parks
With the majestic backdrop of the Cabinet Mountains, a cool breeze sweeping in from the Kootenai River and the pronounced color combination of green grass and red dirt, Lee Gehring Field could be called one of the jewels of Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
LHS tennis girls sweep 3 matches
The Libby High School girls tennis team swept three matches last week with victories over Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Eureka.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Libby falls in Legion baseball home opener
Heading into the season with a lot of new faces, Libby American Legion baseball coach Kelly Morford knew pitching would need to develop for the Loggers to reach the same heights as a year ago.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Mine accident injures employee
A Troy Mine employee suffered two broken legs Friday in an accident at the Revett Minerals facility.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Polson slips by Lady Loggers
In a Western A battle on a warm afternoon at Remp Field, first-place Polson came from behind to take an 8-4 victory on Saturday over Class A’s defending state champions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Track: Palmer, Wright win events at Top 10 Meet
Aaron Palmer of Troy and Seth Wright of Libby each repeated as champions this year at the Top 10 Meet Tuesday in Missoula.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Noxon downs Trojans, 12-2
The Troy High School softball team dropped a 12-2 decision at Noxon in Class B action on Thursday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Logger teams take Eureka Invite
The Libby boys and girls track teams each took first place at Tuesday’s Eureka Invitational. Troy’s boys placed third and the Trojan girls were fourth.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
LHS choir members head to State
The Libby High School concert choir received high marks during the District Music Festival on April 17-18 at Columbia Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Troy Mine employee injured in accident
A Libby man was airlifted to Kalispell after a vehicle pinned him against a building Friday morning at Troy Mine.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Local members show support for pro-union bill
A union with nearly 100 local members hosted events in Libby last week to support health-care reform and a federal pro-union bill.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Vandals strike businesses, homes, vehicles around Libby
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is following possible leads as to who may be responsible for breaking windows in more than 50 vehicles, businesses and homes throughout the Libby area in the wee hours of Thursday morning.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Troy Activity Center plans to celebrate its completion
Back when the original timetable was estimated for the opening of the Troy Activity Center, it appeared that this past season’s boys and girls basketball teams would have a chance to break in the new venue.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Nonprofit aims to help disabled youth
A Troy man says that locals will plant the seed money for a nonprofit that he hopes to grow into a multi-million dollar recreational area for the nation’s disabled children.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Wings hopes to fly high during big week
In a community heavily impacted by case after case of cancer, an organization that offers help without red tape shines bright.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Tennis players seek rhythm as May approaches
With snow flying well into the spring, tennis players found the going a bit rough early on this season.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Car club honors 2 in Memory Lane
Although never official members of the Igniters Car Club, George Elletson and George Earle will always be a part of their history.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Health center sees potential with day devoted to diabetes
A physician’s assistant at Lincoln County Community Health Center reserved a day last week to treat and educate his patients about diabetes, an event that he hopes to expand center-wide.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Lady Trojan duo provides plenty of points
Whether you see them running together in the sprints, competing for distance in the jumps or relaxing near the end of a meet on the high jump mat, Ali Maestas and Molly Harpole spend a lot of time together.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Libby Wrestling Club dominates invitational
The Libby Wrestling Club dominated on Saturday at the Northwestern Invitational in Kalispell.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Glass stores try to keep up with chaos
Thursday morning was chaotic, to say the least, for Cherry Creek Glass business owner Loren Dodge.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
LHS boys third in own track invite
Seth Wright finds himself in his own world when it comes to the high jump.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
LHS sweeps 3 at softball tourney
The Libby High School softball team went 3-0 during the Frenchtown Tournament on Friday and Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Wet highway plays role in pair of single-car accidents
Two single-car accidents on Thursday between Libby and Troy disrupted the railroad’s schedule and delayed delivery of The Western News to Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Legion baseball opens season with 3 in Eureka
The Libby American Legion baseball team opened the season this past weekend with three games at an informal tournament at Eureka.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Wright goes 6-8 to break school record in high jump
Libby senior Seth Wright broke his own school record in the high jump on Tuesday during a non-scoring meet at Columbia Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
THS splits with Deer Lodge
The Troy High School softball team split a pair of close games on Friday against Deer Lodge.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Troy picks up steam on massive water project
Troy wasn’t in good standing to receive regular state funding for a massive project to fix its water distribution system, but the city continued to aggressively push the congressional delegation and state legislators for stimulus funds.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Columbia Falls posts rare victory over Libby
Columbia Falls scored four runs in the bottom of the third inning en route to a 5-0 victory over Libby on Tuesday evening. It was the Wildkats’ first victory over LHS in two years.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Lady Trojans off to good start this week with 2 wins
The Troy High School softball team won two of three games early this week. The Lady Trojans whipped Eureka, 16-8, on Tuesday one day after splitting a twinbill against Plains.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Rabies clinic in Libby becomes spring ritual
For pet owners that have been putting off getting those rabies shots for the dog or cat, take note of an event coming up in Libby over the week of May 4-8.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Graham golf tourney coming
The 2009 Ben Graham Memorial Tournament is scheduled for May 16-17 at Cabinet View Country Club in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Middle-school high jump mat removed
The Environmental Protection Agency last week removed and disposed of a Libby Middle School high jump mat, school superintendent Kirby Maki announced.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
LHS track teams finish 4th at Bigfork Invite
Although slowed down by a heel injury, Libby High School senior Seth Wright still found himself among the elite during Saturday’s Bigfork Invitational.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Revett's new chairman of the board hails from Troy
As approximately 180 Troy Mine workers toil underground, board members for the mine’s parent company, Revett Minerals, make all of the mine’s major decisions from an office in Spokane Valley, Wash.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Season preview: Libby baseball set to hit diamond
Losing five of its top six pitchers, the Libby American Legion baseball team knows that developing depth on the mound could play a major role when it comes to success.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Libby downs Troy in tennis
In the first of two meetings this week against Troy, Libby High School posted wins in boys and girls tennis on Tuesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Council grants city water users discount
After months of consideration, the Libby City Council voted this week to grant city water users a discount on their summer water bills.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
School board selects Asa Wood principal
The Libby School Board last week selected a local with more than a decade of teaching experience to become Asa Wood Elementary’s principal this fall.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Libby Schools hopes to continue after-school program at high level
Libby’s after-school program ended for the academic year on Thursday and now the wait begins to see if it will continue in the future.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Column: Yard work with a little help from my friends
Full with Easter dinner, I set out Sunday afternoon to do some overdue yard work.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Stinger catches senator's attention
With the second-highest unemployment rate in the state, Lincoln County workers have certainly experienced the sting of a challenging economic climate. Even those who remain employed, many fear the possibility of layoffs while others try to make ends meet after enduring pay cuts or reduced hours.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Troy tennis teams play to draw against Mission
The Troy High School tennis teams didn’t win on Saturday in a dual against visiting Mission. But the Trojans didn’t lose either with both the boys’ and girls’ competitions ending in ties.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Wright continues winning ways in track
Libby High School senior Seth Wright was a triple-winner on Tuesday at the Class A Invitational in Kalispell.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Ruling allows Kootenai projects to proceed
Based on a ruling that came down Friday from the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, nine projects on the Kootenai National Forest appear to be back in business.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Mission powers by Troy softball girls
Mission erupted for six runs in the bottom of the second and later put up five in the fourth en route to a 16-3 victory over Troy in softball action from Thursday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Residents offer opinions on Montanore
Comments regarding the proposed Montanore Mine followed a loose theme during Thursday’s formal public hearing – locals support the mine, but only if it doesn’t cause unnecessary human disruption or environmental harm.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Future uncertain for Libby television signals
Push aside all the technical talk, the eventual transition to digital television and different types of nonprofit groups. The bottom line is Libby could soon lose the ability to operate and maintain its community TV translators because of a lack of funds.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Lady Loggers score 42 runs in twinbill
Following a doubleheader setback to an exceptional Havre squad on Friday, the Libby High School softball team rebounded in a big way the next day with victories of 21-6 and 21-0 over shell-shocked Browning.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Libby High School Hall of Fame to honor Smith, Hileman
With diploma in hand and a desire to take on the world, Libby High School graduates Tony Smith and Todd Hileman each created their own paths to success. And now all these years later, the two will return to accept induction to the LHS Hall of Fame.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Trojan boys, girls 4th at invitational
Based on early results this track season, Troy High School appears to have a pretty good 1-2 punch going in the sprints and jumps with Allie Maestas and Molly Harpole.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Accident claims life of 21-year-old Troy man
A Troy man died Tuesday from head injuries he received after driving through a school concessions building and hitting a construction trailer Monday afternoon.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Libby 8-year-old accomplishes rare feat on golf course
One of the most challenging of sports, golf requires skill, patience and focus. And a little luck never hurts.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Time trials test Libby, Troy athletes
Libby High School’s Seth Wright opened up his final track season with the Loggers by taking first place in three events at the Libby Time Trials on Thursday afternoon.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Libby wrestlers compete at Butte tourney
Twelve of 15 Libby Wrestling Club athletes finished among the top six at the Smith/McCarthy Memorial Tournament in Butte this past Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Troy School Board considers options on programs
The music, art and physical education classes at Troy’s Morrison Elementary have been fluid over the past two years, and the Troy School Board will be considering different ways to formulate those programs as it conducts interviews to fill five teaching positions.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Hand, Pepiot nab wins in dual against Eureka
Troy’s Cassidy Hand and Jackie Pepiot each recorded victories in the Lady Trojans’ dual on Tuesday afternoon against Eureka.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Florence pulls away late to defeat Trojans
Florence erupted for 13 runs over two innings to post a 14-3 victory over Troy in a makeup softball game on Tuesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
EPA: Activity-based sampling at Libby schools coming
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Libby Superfund Cleanup team announced last week that activity-based sampling will be completed at local schools this summer.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Proposed mine tries to find support
The public comment period for the proposed Montanore Mine will come to a close next month and before that time, the company is looking to gain all the support it can.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Libby boys sweep singles to nab win
A singles sweep helped the Libby High School boys tennis team to a 4-3 victory over Polson on the home courts Thursday afternoon.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Lady Trojans fall in softball opener to Thompson Falls
The wet weather in northwestern Montana continued to wreak havoc on the Troy High School softball program last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Troy boys rout opponent in tennis
The Troy High School boys tennis team romped over Clark’s Fork, Idaho, 6-0, on Wednesday on the home courts.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Libby springs into community cleanup
Putting forth an effort to brighten the community in anticipation of those extra visitors that roll through during the summer months, the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce and Kootenai Disposal have partnered along with other businesses to make cleaning up a little easier.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Libby Tree Board plans project along Highway 2
Fifty new trees will be planted along Highway 2 in Libby as part of a spring tree project, Vicky Lawrence of the Libby Tree Board announced last week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Murder-for-hire case goes to Appeals Court
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Seattle has agreed to consider re-trying a Libby man after he was sentenced in U.S. District Court last year on charges of arranging for his wife’s murder – a scheme that never materialized.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Trio of local wrestlers take 1st at tourney
Garret Chapel, Zach Crace and Eric Thrift of the Libby Wrestling Club each took first place in their respective divisions on Saturday at the Viper Quad State Freestyle Tournament in Spokane, Wash.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Sign vandals strike Libby
Snow mounds have shriveled and disappeared in the past week, along with several road signs.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Trojan tennis girls tie Valley Christian on road
The Troy High School tennis team opened the season Saturday with a trip to Valley Christian.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Easter egg hunts on tap this weekend
Easter arrives this weekend and a certain bunny rabbit and brightly-colored eggs will be among the sights at local events for children.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
A new home, a thankful recipient
Rhoda Richardson raised three children on her own. She moved to the area 20 years ago, bought eight-tenths of an acre off of Bull Lake Road near Troy and paid off a trailer house that rested on the property.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Columbia Falls Invitational cancelled
The Libby High School track and field team will open the season at home on Thursday with its own Libby Time Trials.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Trojan boys take 4th at Frenchtown track meet
Aaron Palmer, Scotty Harper and Cullen Metz all won places to help the Troy High School boys to a fourth-place finish at the 19-school Tolman-Touchette TNT Memorial track meet at Frenchtown on Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Three Libby wrestlers claim state titles
Zach Crace, Mitch Haugen and Eric Thrift each claimed state youth wrestling titles on Saturday at the Western Montana Championships.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
LHS track team gets ready to open season
When falling snow and rain become more common than warm afternoons with chirping birds, coaches find themselves using any technique they can to measure the athletic skills of their runners, jumpers and throwers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Retired housewife takes role of 'madam'
From her flashy feathered hat to her high-heeled boots, Mary Gleim presented herself to the library audience as an entrepreneur – a smart, law-abiding businesswoman who must be the most persecuted woman in the entire world.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Group organizes activities to mark county centennial
The year was 1909 and Lincoln County had just formed. Somehow, Libby became the county seat after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its own decision to grant that designation to Eureka.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Wildlife officials offer tips on bears
With the arrival of spring and an increase in outdoor recreation opportunities, ventures into the backcountry will on many occasions include episodes of interaction between humans and bears.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Lady Loggers open season by winning 2 of 3
The last time Frenchtown High School pitcher Shelby Russ took the mound, she put together an exceptional pitching performance only to see Libby rally over the last two innings for a 6-5 victory in the Class A state title game.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
LHS tennis teams fall to Polson, Hamilton
The Libby High School tennis team dropped matches to Polson and Hamilton on the road Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Vincent legislation designed to help the timber industry
The Senate listened to hearings Monday for a two-bill package aimed to help the state’s struggling timber industry and to make Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks more fiscally responsible.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS AGO
Frenchtown beats Libby in rematch of A finale
The Libby High School softball team played on its home field for the first time on Saturday and took a 9-5 loss to Frenchtown.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Lady Trojans' softball opener pushed back
Troy High School’s season opener has been pushed back six days, coach Russ Thompson reported on Tuesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Trojans hope for good run in B-C tennis
Following a sixth-place finish at state during their sophomore seasons, the Troy High School doubles team of Shado Garrett and Jesse Day came back as juniors to place third in the Class B-C showcase.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Lincoln Theatre's legacy lives on
For a dime per child and a quarter per adult, Troy residents watched silent movies and accompanying Vaudeville acts at the Lincoln Theatre when television was only an idea in the mind of an inventor.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Mistrial: Jury cannot agree on verdict; case may be retried
District court judge Michael Prezeau declared a mistrial Monday evening in the William Dancer embezzlement case after jurors were unable to reach a verdict in 13 hours of deliberation spread over two days.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
KNF's '10-percent projects' to start soon
With initial funding in place and contractors ready to roll, all Kootenai National Forest needs now is a little cooperation from Mother Nature.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Column: 'Googling' to hook up with friend of past
Trying to find a friend from the past can be an interesting and exciting endeavor but also filled with frustration and disappointment. But with all of the online aids these days, the possibility of hooking up with those you lost touch with has become easier than ever.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Prosecution builds its case against Dancer
A bank account that William Dancer’s defense maintains he opened to legitimately conduct business for his former employer revealed that the money that came in was business-related, but the money that went out wasn’t, according to an auditor’s testimony Wednesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
LHS boys open season with wins
The Libby High School tennis team opened the regular season on Saturday with home matchups against Bigfork, Mission and Eureka.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Newspaper experiences reduction in page width
Readers of The Western News probably notice a change with this edition of the newspaper. Like so many other newspapers around the country, we now print on paper 22 inches in width. That is, when you hold the newspaper open with two pages facing out, the total width of that …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby City Council swears in new member
Libby City Council voted and swore in its newest councilmember, Ron Carter, during a brief special meeting Thursday evening.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Top to Red Dog Relay Race scheduled for Saturday
The seventh annual Turner Mountain Top to Red Dog Relay Race will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at the Turner Mountain Ski Resort near Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby's Mee hopes to power her way to success
When sizing up this year’s potential on the Libby High School tennis teams, a logical place to start would be with Jackie Mee.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Defending champs get set to open season
Coming off its fifth state championship, the Libby High School softball team will take the field this season with a big bull’s-eye on its back. Opponents that face a state champion have an extra incentive to play well while striving to beat the best.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
New personal-use firewood permits available April 1
Individuals who wish to gather firewood on U.S. Forest Service land for personal use will need to obtain a new permit beginning April 1, Kootenai National Forest announced this week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Column: Thumbs Up
Good-size crowds show up for good cause
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Palmer wins 3 events at Bonners Ferry
The Troy High School track and field team opened the season on Saturday in northern Idaho at the Bonners Ferry Invitational.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Troy festival hoping for growth
It’s all about getting the word out.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Troy girls look to improve on 2008
Losing four seniors along with two other players that started last year, the Troy High School softball program finds itself with plenty of question marks as its fourth season of varsity competition begins.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Lincoln County Public Libraries to receive ton of materials
The Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association, named Lincoln County Public Libraries in Libby the winner of its annual Great Books Giveaway.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Tourism campaign targets Lincoln County
The Kootenai River, the Rocky Mountains, over 2 million acres of national forest and a variety of wildlife make northwestern Montana a unique region, but that alone doesn’t attract crowds of tourists.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Mistrial declared in Dancer case
District court judge Michael Prezeau declared a mistrial Monday in the William Dancer embezzlement case after jurors were unable to reach a verdict in 13 hours of deliberation spread over two days.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Jurors in Dancer trial not able to reach verdict before weekend
Jurors in the William Dancer embezzlement case were dismissed for the weekend after not being able to reach a verdict in nearly six hours of deliberation Friday, according to court recorder Deb Kambel.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby City Council fills seat with Carter
Libby City Council swore in its newest councilmember, Ron Carter, Thursday evening during a special meeting to name the appointee.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Troy business mall fills vacancy
B-Rocks Basics, Troy’s first clothing store in at least a decade, is scheduled to open sometime in May.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
County, cities had to respond fast for stimulus money
The Montana Association of Counties sent commissioners across the state an urgent e-mail Thursday afternoon entitled “Important! Stimulus funding requests needed!”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Highway 2 accident claims life of woman
A freak accident involving a deer on Highway 2 claimed the life of a 50-year-old Marion woman on Friday morning east of Kootenai Falls between Libby and Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
District 7-B squad includes 4 Troy players
Troy standouts Aaron Palmer and Shado Garrett were honored for their talents on the basketall court with inclusion on the District 7-B all-conference first team.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
LC Credit Union project under way
At the controls of an excavator with the mayor, city council members, a county commissioner, chamber president and other local dignitaries looking on, Chari Lucas scooped up some dirt and flashed a big smile.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby youth wrestlers in stretch run
Libby’s Michael Miller, Josh Bowers, Eric Thrift, Mitch Haugen and Austin Bailey each claimed first-place finishes during last weekend’s Inter-Valley Tournament at Thompson Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Locals compete in all-star hoops event
Troy’s Shado Garrett and Aaron Palmer, and Libby’s Joel Fuller and Conner Benson participated in last week’s 20th annual Crowne Plaza All-Star Classic at Billings Senior High School.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Trojans track team shows potential in Class B
To describe Aaron Palmer’s athletic abilities – well, where would one begin?
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Six Libby cagers make all-conference team
Libby’s Joel Fuller and Conner Benson were named to the Northwestern A Conference basketball team. Fuller was also included on the Class A all-star squad.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Wright signs track letter with Grizzlies
Libby High School senior Seth Wright signed a national letter of intent to join the University of Montana track and field program.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Researchers test trees for answers
Libby Ranger District and Rocky Mountain Research Station officials are hoping to find answers among the trees during an operation that could begin any day now in an area behind Bighorn Terrace near Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Dancer embezzlement trial begins
What the prosecution characterized as greed and breach of trust, a former Libby businessman’s defense called a business dispute.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Troy's Jones seeks help to take athletic skills to Down Under Bowl
Troy High School football standout Steph Jones hopes to take his skills on the gridiron to Australia this coming summer.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Marion woman killed in accident near Kootenai Falls
A freak accident involving a deer on Highway 2 claimed the life of a 50-year-old Marion woman on Friday morning east of Kootenai Falls between Libby and Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby City Council interviews to fill seat
Libby City Council conducted interviews Monday to fill the vacancy created when Charlene Leckrone resigned to move to Washington state.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Police arrest 2 for cat shootings
Two men were arrested early Monday morning after allegedly shooting out a window of Troy’s animal shelter and killing four feral cats outside the building.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
EPA gives update on OU1 process
During a presentation to the Libby City Council on Monday night, the Environmental Protection Agency indicated that the Record of Decision on the old export plant site is tentatively scheduled to be finished within six months.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Animal shelter taking shape
Wandering from room to room, Judy Hyslop’s smile gets wider and wider. She describes to volunteers the importance of each space in what will become Kootenai Pets for Life’s new animal shelter.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Column: Lincoln County reaches ripe old age of 100
Along about 5 o’clock on Tuesday, March 9, 1909, the dispatch office in Libby received a telegraph from Helena.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
At long last, Dancer trial set to get started
After five continuances delayed the criminal trial for over a year, jury selection will begin Monday for a former Libby businessman accused of swindling residents and embezzling more than $400,000.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Jitterbuggin' in Libby: Longtime school tradition continues
From the “basic step” to the “chute through,” 100 Libby middle-schoolers jitterbugged to the likes of The Everly Brothers and Flash Cadillac, showing judges their best moves at Friday’s annual Jitterbug Competition.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Bridges over Lincoln County: Commissioners try for grant
With only until the end of the month to apply, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners quickly pushed through a resolution during its meeting last week in an attempt to qualify for a grant that will create documentation on the current state of 33 bridges.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby's Sutton playing on Final Four team
Libby native Aaron Sutton and Black Hills State University has advanced in the Final Four in the NAIA Division II men’s basketball tournament
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby puts in good showing at Superior
Libby won 13 first-place medals at the Valley Tournament in Superior in Little Guy wrestling action on Saturday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby youth baseball, softball to hold meeting
A mandatory meeting for all coaches involved in the 2009 Libby Youth Baseball and Softball program is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19 at Libby High School in the Timber Room.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Mee, Martin make all-conference 1st team
The dangerous duo of Jackie Mee and Brittany Martin drew plenty of attention on the court for the Libby High School girls basketball team this past season. And now, the Lady Logger players are garnering attention off the court as well.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Baucus talks Libby with nominee
Sen. Max Baucus last week met with the nominee for the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Grants 'stimulate' law-enforcement budgets
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Libby City Police Department will receive more than $58,000 as part of a state law enforcement grant stemming from the federal stimulus package.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Speech students compete in various categories
Kootenai Valley Christian School students participated in a school-wide speech meet on Feb. 20.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
School plans family centers on 3 campuses
The vision is a comfortable room near the main entrance with sofas, a play-area for small children, coffee and cookies, parenting resources and, most importantly, a smiling face with time to visit and listen.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
County offers reminder about no open burning
The Lincoln County Environmental Health Department issued a reminder on Friday to Libby residents that open burning is prohibited until April 1.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby stays with Iowa Tests for now
The Libby School Board on Monday night voted following a lengthy discussion to continue administering the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills to students this year. However, the school will study its use of the standardized test and whether or not to make a change in the future.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Troy School Board renews high school principal's contract
Despite protests from a group of high school staff members, Troy School Board unanimously voted Monday to renew Principal Jeff Ralston’s contract for another year.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Tasty pasty: Irish Fair revives old mining tradition
A mining tradition that can be traced back to 12th century Europe, the pasty satisfied the hunger of many a worker who had to eat their lunch hundreds of feet underground.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Snowmobilers survive long night in the snow
A multiple-agency search-and-rescue mission ended when two men were found unscathed after spending a chilly Saturday night trapped in a remote area outside Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
8 Seconds: Libby 18-year-old chases dream of one day conquering bull riding
His face met the bull’s horn, hammering his nose and cheekbone. He took two steps and passed out.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Angus breeder receives recognition
The American Angus Association recently recognized Libby’s Arthur R. Schauer for having two registered Angus cows included in the organization’s Pathfinder Report.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Smile you're on 'Eagle Cam'
In a much-welcomed sign of spring, a pair of bald eagles has moved back into the Souse Gulch nest at Libby Dam – and the Eagle Cam is once again catching rare glimpses of them.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Rotary depends on wine event to raise money
Providing the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing evening while raising money for a variety of good causes, the Libby Rotary Club poured, educated and entertained Friday night during its annual wine tasting event.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Stimulus funds lead to jobs on Kootenai NF
The U.S. Forest Service announced on Monday that $1.15 billion has been allocated to the agency as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – commonly referred to as the stimulus package.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Libby 4th in wrestling extravaganza
In an impressive display that puts youth wrestling in the spotlight and brings in bucks to the community, 621 grapplers took to the mats on Saturday in Libby for the annual Kootenai Klassic.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Effort to bring in employer progresses
A bridge part building company that is estimated to employ 150-200 people at Libby’s Industrial District is closer to becoming a reality.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
MSU student from Libby earns honor
Lea Castor, a Montana State University senior from Libby, was among those recognized on Feb. 17 during the 27th annual Awards for Excellence banquet.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Groups push forth support of Scotchman Peaks protection
A proposal to protect the high country of the Kootenai and Idaho Panhandle national forests has garnered support from Montana hunting and angling groups, a good sign for those who have pushed wilderness designation for the area in recent years.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Sullivan to bring complaints to EPA
A former longtime Community Advisory Group member plans to file a complaint later this month with the Environmental Protection Agency’s general accounting office division of fraud, waste and abuse, accusing the agency of six acts of misconduct.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
County approves annexation of 2 subdivisions into VFDs
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners approved the annexation of two subdivisions into a pair of volunteer fire departments during its meeting in Libby on Wednesday morning.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Baseball practice begins
Sure, the snow is still falling and winter coats haven’t been stored away just yet, but that didn’t stop the Libby Loggers American Legion baseball team from breaking out the mits.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Ski lift breaks down at Turner
The Turner Mountain Ski Area near Libby is closed Friday through Sunday because of a mechanical problem with its ski lift.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Council moves forward on water plans
The Libby City Council moved forward Monday with its discussions on how to spend $400,000 the city received for its water budget in a December settlement with International Paper Co.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Union, county discuss pay raises
Union members and county commissioners agreed on one thing at Wednesday’s meeting – they would rather negotiate directly than through representation.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Column: Enough snow has fallen let's get into spring warmth
OK, the cabin fever is starting to get to me a little bit.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Logging truck accident blocks Highway 2 early Wednesday
A truck scattered logs hundreds of feet across Highway 2, blocking the road for over three hours Wednesday morning.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Fire destroys unoccupied home in Libby
An unoccupied Libby house went up in flames Thursday morning, destroyed by a fire that took 2 1/2 hours and more than two dozen firefighters to quell.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
LHS girls drop 2 straight in tourney
The Western News
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Libby boys fall 1 win short of state playoffs
The Western News
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Asbestos test results in forest prompts Kootenai to publish brochure
In the Kootenai National Forest area that surrounds the former W.R. Grace mine, studies have proven the existence of asbestos fibers in tree bark and ground duff.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Tester believes job help is on way
While a heavy cloud of unemployment continues to hover over Lincoln County, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester believes help is on the way.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Troy Activity Center nears completion; could be open in April
With the smell of fresh paint in the air combined with the distant sounds of hard work, the Troy Activity Center’s construction phase has entered the stretch run.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Cell phone texting operation targeted credit union's customers
Multiple Lincoln County residents received a cell phone text message last Wednesday and Sunday that is part of a scam to obtain personal banking information, law-enforcement officials confirmed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Trojan boys' season ends at divisionals
The Western News
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
New class helps special students make transition
They march into the building, sign in and report to their stations.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Stimulus package could create jobs on Kootenai National Forest
The federal economic stimulus package could have a positive impact on creating work on the Kootenai National Forest.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
National Guard recruitment on the rise
Jay Walters was laid off from Moyie Springs Mill in Idaho three years ago. The current economic crisis had not yet struck but finding a job in Libby was already difficult.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Fortine student takes top honor at spelling bee
“Fennel,” a plant in the parsley family, put sixth-grader Tristian Thomas of Fortine Elementary into the 10th and final round of the Lincoln County Spelling Bee Thursday in Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
W.R. Grace trial: Libby residents ready to put it all behind them
The national media has descended upon Libby once again, highlighting the town full of residents who have died or been sickened by W.R. Grace and Co.’s asbestos-contaminated vermiculite mine.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Leckrone resigns from city council
It’s been two months since Libby City Council made its last member appointment, and next week the council will start advertising to fill another vacancy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Rehberg stops in Libby to visit CARD
Painting a picture of financial struggle to help victims of asbestos poisoning, the Center for Asbestos Related Disease met with Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) Thursday afternoon in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Troy settles for 4th at district tourney
Climbing aboard the team bus on Saturday afternoon after a pair of double-digit losses in the District 7-B boys basketball tournament, Troy had to be wondering if it could regain the successful rhythm that dominated most of the time during a 13-5 regular season.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Mine safety questions lead to 4-day shutdown
Troy Mine resumed underground operations Tuesday after a four-day interruption that stemmed from questions about the mine’s safety.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Column: After 4 years, Grace trial begins
At last, the W.R. Grace trial has arrived.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
EPA opts to pull out of CAG meetings
The Environmental Protection Agency’s direct involvement in the Community Advisory Group meetings has drawn to a close after nine years.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Eureka holds off Lady Trojans in 7-B action
Settling down into its half-court offense, Troy patiently passed the ball into each corner and then back up to the key in an effort to break down the opponent and find lanes to the hoop.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Door to ethanol plant appears open for Libby
A 2007 federal mandate requires the annual production of 16 billion gallons of ethanol from wood by 2022.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
New dentists find Libby to be good fit
They share an office and a love for good dental hygiene.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
CAG facilitator quits post
After nine years of facilitating the Community Advisory Group meetings, Gerald Mueller resigned his post on Tuesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
EPA, developer talk about business opportunities
When given a Superfund designation, one of the Environmental Protection Agency’s directives beyond cleanup is economic rejuvenation.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Elementary school principal submits letter of resignation
Asa Wood Elementary Principal Margie O’Brien-Johnson submitted her resignation.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Detective starts new chapter with position at local church
Dean Byrns quietly observed pre-sentencing testimony for a pedophile that he helped put behind bars.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Troy boys survive scare vs. Bulldogs
It was not the same team.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Fine Day at the line: Troy senior sinks 10 FTs in fourth quarter
Calm, cool and collected.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Graham wins state wrestling title
Mission complete.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Loggers outlast Trojans with strong second half
Coming out of the halftime break, the gate was wide open for either Libby or Troy to take control with a strong start. The neighboring schools had battled to a 20-20 tie over the first half in a nonconference tilt on Friday night.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Contract issues lead to absence of pay raises
Seventeen frustrated Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office employees will meet with county commissioners next month to demand a raise that they believe was promised to them more than seven months ago.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Libby boys hang on late to beat Columbia Falls by 3
Leading by a dozen points in the home gymnasium with only 8 minutes left to play on Thursday night, Libby High School seemingly had a safe lead in its conference meeting against Columbia Falls.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Changeover to digital signal on hold
The move from analog to digital television will have to wait.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
EPA study shows safe air in Libby
Asbestos levels in Libby’s air are low enough that they don’t pose a significant cancer risk, according to a two-year study presented at Monday’s town hall meeting by the Environmental Protection Agency.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
'Ugly' and family relocate outside city limits
Ugly the pit bull – or American bulldog, depending on who you ask – is living a quiet life now after gaining local fame last fall from his owner’s dispute with the City of Libby over a pit bull ordinance.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Feds renew children's insurance program
Through the leadership of Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), President Barack Obama signed legislation renewing the Children’s Health Insurance Program for another four-and-a-half years.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Troy Mine sued for millions over death in 2007
Revett Minerals – the parent company of Troy Mine – was served with a multi-million dollar lawsuit last week stemming from the death of a worker during the summer of 2007.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Greenchain sends 12 to state tourney
The Libby High School wrestling squad might be a little banged up but the Greenchain came through at the Northwestern A Divisional tournament on Saturday to qualify a dozen athletes for state.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Mission holds off Lady Trojans
Looking up at the scoreboard during halftime, the Lady Trojans trailed St. Ignatius by only 11 points.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Living, working the rural life while learning on the job
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains in the heart of Kootenai Valley, Libby’s beauty and remoteness are known more for attracting outdoorsmen than providing a resource for medical training.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Thrill-seekers hit slopes for Sno-Kat event near Libby
Putting thumb to throttle, the cat cackles forward. Torque digging in, an arcing roost and grips tighten to offset the g-forces of trail riding and summit climbing.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Woman faces felony elder exploitation charge
The Lincoln County Attorney’s Office filed an elder exploitation charge against a Libby woman for allegedly taking advantage of an 84-year-old Alzheimer’s patient who was under her care.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
In a hurry to arrive: Troy woman gives birth to son in ambulance
A newborn flew into Libby’s hospital on Thursday evening of last week but it wasn’t by stork – it was via Troy Volunteer Ambulance.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
LHS drama team 7th at state
Libby High School sophomore Jason Schikora placed third statewide during last weekend’s Class A Speech and Drama State Tournament in Butte.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Legislators consider mail-in ballots pilot project
Montana legislators are considering a bill to implement a mail ballot election pilot project within 17 of the state’s 56 counties over the next two years. If passed, residents in those counties could be voting from home in the next federal election.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Column: Libby-Troy area is great place for watching eagles
My interest in birds dates back to a zoology class I took during my sophomore year of college. Over the course of the semester, we carried around our bird books to help with identification and compiled a list of each species we spotted.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
City ponders how to best spend water budget funds
Libby City Council members are torn on how to spend water budget money received from International Paper Co. – repair major water leaks, provide financial relief to city water users, reduce debt owed on the water system or a combination of the three.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
County hires former cop to fill justice of peace job
In a whirlwind last week, Lincoln County commissioners sifted through 26 resumes and interviewed five candidates, announcing Friday afternoon that a Lincoln County deputy would become the next justice of the peace.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Greenchain pummels Whitefish on Senior Night
Taking to the mat on Senior Night in the final home dual of the season on Saturday, Libby took less than a half-hour to dispose of Whitefish.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Hunting numbers concern sportsmen
Hard winters, predator numbers and lower harvest quotas for the 2009 hunting season sparked Lincoln County commissioners to request a special hearing with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Officials collect data on grizzlies
In the wilds of western Montana, the grizzly bear provides a mystique that instills caution and even fear into those who venture out. Learning more about the majestic animals is on the minds of wildlife officials.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Noxon nips Lady Trojans by 4
In a 12-point road victory the previous weekend, the Troy High School girls basketball team shot a respectable 47 percent from the field.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
EPA collects information for report
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Ted Linnert is asking questions. And this past Wednesday morning during the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting, Linnert received similar responses from Marianne Roose, Tony Berget and John Konzen on a range of EPA-related issues.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy shuts down Red Devils, 56-29
A 6-foot senior who leads District 14-C in scoring at 20 points per game, Noxon’s Cody Linderman obviously draws a lot of attention on the basketball court.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Glow in his soul: Turner Mountain becomes 2nd home for 79-year-old
He carves the familiar slopes as he has for nearly 30 years, gracefully meandering the mountain’s features and maintaining a youthful glow in his soul.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Frontier celebrates fiber optic line
During a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Frontier Communications had a clear message – proactive telecommunications infrastructure lays the foundation for economic development.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Graham finds way to beat Columbia Falls nemesis
Finally, Justin Graham could raise his arm in victory with a defeat of Columbia Falls’ Kelly Houle.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Henson sentenced to 5 years in jail
A 19-year-old Kalispell woman was sentenced Wednesday for fatally shooting a 67-year-old man last July in Lincoln County with the alleged help of her boyfriend.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Police nab prison ecapees in Troy
Two federal fugitives who were caught Monday afternoon in Troy made an initial appearance Tuesday before U.S. District Court Judge Jeremiah Lynch in Missoula.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
New administration impacts wolf status
Just 48 hours into his new administration, President Barack Obama placed a moratorium on former President George W. Bush’s 11th-hour measures.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Taking Aim: Passion drives Scatterguns to range
The snow drifted lightly on a crisp afternoon – silent and peaceful. An exhale of human exhaust steadies the nerves as the shotgun is brought taut into the shoulder.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Mee hits five 3-pointers in win over Troy
Once Jackie Mee gets into a rhythm, she can be tough to stop.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Fugitives on run after jail break caught in Troy
Two federal fugitives who escaped from Mineral County Jail made it about 150 miles away before they were caught Monday afternoon in Troy. As of Tuesday, they were sitting in Missoula County jail.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Officials, residents discuss air quality
The cleanliness of the air in the Libby area has been a longstanding, delicate issue for residents. Throw in woodstoves and the inability to use them during air alerts and those issues intensify.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy treading water on project
Troy Mayor Jim Hammons took a discouraging trip to Helena two weeks ago to compete for grants to replace his community’s aging water system.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby girls win battle at foul line vs. Polson
The final stats from the free-throw line tell the story.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy takes 3-OT thriller over Hawks
Nine-tenths of a second showed on the clock when Thompson Falls junior Will Dalby had a chance to ice a key District 7-B victory on Thursday night over Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Loggers all alone atop conference
It might not have been pretty but the Libby High School boys basketball team stayed atop the Northwestern A on Saturday night with a 49-40 victory over a down Bigfork program.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
St. John's hospital site revealed
St. John’s Lutheran Hospital finally made public at Tuesday’s Libby City Council meeting what many suspected all along – the new hospital will be built adjacent to the current facility.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
National publication recognizes Libby HS with high honor
Libby Public Schools has another feather in its hat.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Presidential memories while Obama takes oath
We don’t know what lies in our future. But while watching the inauguration Tuesday of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States, it’s easy to see that Americans have great hope that positive change is upon us.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Maki's contract officially approved on 5-2 vote
In a 5-2 decision, the Libby School Board on Tuesday approved Superintendent Kirby Maki to a contract extension with the district.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
County trying to hire justice of the peace quickly
Lincoln County commissioners hope to have a new justice of the peace by the end of next week, an ambitious goal as applications are being accepted until Tuesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby School Board ponders about what to do with Asa Wood
Certain issues arise for the Libby School District when consensus is easily achieved. One of those discussions involves building a new elementary school to replace the 56-year-old Asa Wood building.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Lincoln County legislator busy with forest management
With the 61st Montana state legislative session under way, Lincoln County’s second-term representative Chas Vincent (R-HD2) has several proposed bills aimed at forest and fire management.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Improving market gives hope to Troy Mine
Troy Mine workers found out this week that they will keep their jobs at least through February, a momentary relief after receiving a 60-day notice last December that the mine could temporarily close due to low metal prices.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby Care Center hires local administrator
After going through three administrators in the past two years, the Libby Care Center opted to choose a local to take on the job.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Loggers downs Polson; tied for league lead
To veteran Loggers boys basketball coach Wally Winslow, it’s typical to be involved in a tight Northwestern A race.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Visit to Libby could be on EPA's agenda
The new Barack Obama presidential administration will bring a changing of the guard for federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency where nominee Lisa Jackson awaits legislative confirmation.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Wolves delisted but challenges lie ahead
The recent federal decision to delist the northern Rockies gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act and turn management over to the state has many affiliated organizations feeling déjà vu.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Logger defense shines in win at Troy
Heading into the second quarter and trailing by a bucket, the Libby High School boys basketball team seemed to flip its defensive “on switch” in a nonconference battle at Troy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Panel to discuss Libby's air quality
When an air quality alert banned Libby-area residents from using wood-burning stoves for three days last October, upset residents rallied at the courthouse.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
County lays groundwork for job education program
Historically dependent on natural resources for its economic vitality, Lincoln County has not been an easy place to obtain a steady job for years now.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby's Industrial District, Troy Mine partner to move ore to plant via rail
The Big Cam III Cummings diesel and 32-volt electrical system roar into motion, creating enough torque to move the eight ore-loaded rail cars from the Industrial District to a line adjacent the main Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway track that runs through Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby man gets prison time for molesting young son
Christopher Haines, 26, of Libby was given a maximum 20-year sentence, with 15 years suspended, on Tuesday after being charged for sexually molesting his young son.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Feds delist gray wolf
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Wednesday that the gray wolf will be delisted and states will assume management duties.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Roll delivers first 'State of the City' address
Though revenues have been sluggish for years, Libby’s city budget is keeping up with expenses, Mayor Doug Roll said during his first “State of the City” address on Wednesday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Boards give school superintendents passing grades
Whatever the position in a school district – students, teachers or superintendents – there are always tests.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Semitool cuts 13 Libby employees
Semitool permanently cut 13 employees from its Libby plant on Thursday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby High hosts speech, drama invitational
Be it theatrical performances or linguistical onslaughts, the Libby High School speech and drama team has expressed diverse talents and rare forte.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
New technical adviser appointed to Libby
Filling a position that had been vacant for more than a year, the Technical Advisory Group recently appointed Terry Spear to the post of technical adviser.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Snow, ice disrupts cell phone, Internet service in region
Snow and ice severed a fiber-optic cable southeast of Libby last Wednesday night to create over two days of sporadic cell phone and Internet service for customers in northwestern Montana.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy girls down Arlee by 17 points
With only two seniors on each roster, the Troy and Arlee girls basketball teams definitely have a youthful feel to their respective lineups this season. As such, each school is working its way forward in search of experience and seasoning to take their programs to the next level.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Rock Creek Mine gets DEQ approval
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality approved changes to the Rock Creek Mine’s draft Environmental Assessment last month, granting conditional approval to begin digging an adit, part of the project’s first phase.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Experiences & experiments: Circus of Science wows local students
From the big top to school gymnasiums, the Circus of Science rolled into Libby on Thursday, wowing children and adults with experiences and experiments.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Troy erupts for back-to-back victories
Playing one of the strongest teams out of Class C, the Troy High School boys basketball team knew they would be in for a challenge Saturday night with a visit from Arlee.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Lady Loggers split pair in Northwestern A play
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Libby High School girls basketball team had struggled offensively with a 19.4 shooting percentage. But somehow, the Lady Loggers stayed in the game and nearly came up big to steal a Northwestern A victory.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Semitool cuts Libby jobs by 40 percent
Semitool permanently cut 13 employees from its Libby plant on Thursday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Severed fiber-optic cable interrupts cell, Internet service
Snow and ice severed a fiber-optic cable southeast of Libby Wednesday night to create sporadic cell phone and Internet service for customers in northwestern Montana.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Trapping continues its regional presence
More than 200 years ago, map maker and trapper David Thompson arrived in the valley while following the Kootenai River. With him came the Northwest Fur Co.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Forest Service office deals with leaky building
In one office, water pours through the ceiling near a window and pools on the floor. Next door in the supervisor’s office, furnishings are pushed to one side so a cleaning crew can extract water from the carpeting. Out front, the receptionist unlocks a cabinet where maps are kept in …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Bobcat season reaches quota on Dec. 28
Bobcat season closed on Dec. 28 for trappers and houndsmen.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Column: Retreat to cabin provides great family moments
For a few seconds, I felt a little silly.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Council amends snow ordinance
The Libby City Council at Monday’s meeting unanimously passed an emergency ordinance amendment that outlaws pushing snow into city streets.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby police up to full staff
The Libby Police Department has a full staff – for now.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Loggers knock off Whitefish, 46-45
So much for flying under the radar.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Year in Review: September-December 2008
(Editor’s note: This is the final of three stories reviewing Libby and Troy news of the past year. In this issue, read about events from September through December 2008. In the Dec. 31 edition, January through April was reviewed followed by May through August in the Jan. 2 issue. Also, …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby repeats hot start in home gym
For the second straight home game, the Libby High School girls basketball team burst out of the gate to force opponents into an immediate search for answers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Libby's tennis legend: Herb Neils dies at age 82
A man of many passions, Herb Neils will be remembered in his own way by the people whose lives he touched in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Heavy snowfall provides challenges for residents
Preventative measures and relatively low snow density has helped Lincoln County residents stay safe during what has seemed like non-stop snow.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
State funding could help asbestos-related agencies stay afloat
Without continued state funding, local officials believe several asbestos-related agencies in Lincoln County will not survive 2009.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Shooting leaves brother hospitalized
A Libby man allegedly shot his brother early Christmas morning in an altercation over a bottle of rum.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Cross-country ski club optimistic about future
Though widely perceived as a contemporary sport, cross-country skiing originated as human ingenuity to endure winter treks in Scandinavian countries as well as being used by several indigenous cultures in North America.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners tour ethanol plant in Wyoming
A recent excursion to Upton, Wyo., by county commissioners and an economic developer provided insight into potential future markets in Lincoln County.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Year in Review: May through August
(Editor’s note: This is the second of three stories reviewing Libby and Troy news of the past year. In this issue, read about events from May through August 2008. In the Dec. 31 edition, January through April was reviewed. A review of September through December will be published in Jan. …
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Turner Mountain Ski Area opens
With winter’s arrival and the snow’s incessant accumulations, the alpine playground of Turner Mountain Ski Area opened Monday. The mountain received 10 inches of new snow within the last 24 hours and as of Monday night, snow continued to fall.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Excessive snow creates difficulties in Libby
Mail carriers can’t get to mailboxes, firefighters can’t get to fire hydrants and residents can’t get their cars out of the driveway – it must be winter.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Surprise donation brings cheer to local libraries
A surprise donation brought extra Christmas cheer to area libraries this holiday season.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Coker goes through FBI training
After taking a 10-week law-enforcement program, Libby Chief of Police Clay Coker has a Rolodex full of law-enforcement professionals to call if ever needs advice.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Students create joy for Christmas
As the snow settled, five rocking horses appeared at the Libby Community Christmas Tree – awaiting new homes on Dec. 25.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
School gives Libby teacher special sendoff
Present and past students swarmed around Tom Gallagher – laughing, hugging, crying – all bidding him “Good-bye,” “Keep safe” and “Come home soon.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Libby boys beat AA Braves by 14
Leading Flathead by four points at the break on Saturday, Libby coaches found that its man-to-man defense seemed to be producing the most favorable results.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
EPA, city get started on improving communication
A changing of the guard has reopened the lines of communication between the City of Libby and the Environmental Protection Agency.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Column: Snow tires? Yeah, they come in handy
Driving to Troy for a visit with Santa Claus this past Saturday, I must admit it was a white-knuckled journey.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
EPA finishes year with 149 cleanups
The Environmental Protection Agency oversaw the cleanup of 149 properties this year in Libby, project manager Mike Cirian reported Wednesday morning.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Greenchain takes down Polson
With Polson not able to put a 215-pounder on the mat Tuesday night at Libby, it appeared as though Greenchain fans may again miss out on the chance to see Justin Graham wrestle.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Work continues on activity center
While the new Troy Activity Center awaits primary power, propane heaters are in operation to raise the interior’s ambient temperature in preparation for the gymnasium floor’s installation.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Online Exclusive: Libby vs. Ronan wrestling
Dec. 6 at Libby High School
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Henson trial: Brother testifies for prosecution
Heather Henson’s 14-year-old brother testified Thursday that his sister spoke of killing Larry Kingsley just hours before the fatal shooting on July 12.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Communities prepare for TV signal changes
More than a half-century ago, color television slowly made its way into American homes to pull in viewers from what had been a black-and-white world. Now, the next leap in TV viewing arrives Feb. 17 when the old analog signals change over to digital.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Streetscape lights to go in next spring
A shipment of the first 14 lights that will go up on Mineral Avenue as part of Libby’s Streetscape Plan recently arrived and city officials are glad to see some results from what has turned out to be a lengthy process.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Henson trial under way in Libby courtroom
The prosecution called Heather Henson’s shooting of 67-year-old Larry Kingsley premeditated deliberate homicide. The defense characterized the victim as unstable and dangerous with extreme mood swings.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Hoops preview: 'Small ball' comes to LHS
When the season starts this weekend at the Tip-Off Tournament in Hamilton, Logger fans may notice a new style of play.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Online exclusive: Thomas takes stand in Henson trial
Drugs, sex and shopping sprees.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Hoops Preview: Trojans return plenty in attempt to move up
Through 33 years of basketball in various positions and levels at Troy, Tony Smith has experienced just about everything on the hardwood.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Hoops preview: New coach takes over Troy girls
Calling the Troy High School girls basketball team “young” is not an understatement.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Hunting enforcement issues 'on par'
Even though general big-game hunting season wrapped up, wildlife officials are still conducting follow-ups.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Troy mayor believes new path would solve safety issue
When finished, a greenbelt path proposed for Troy will hook up with existing trails and create a network surely welcomed by recreationists, dog walkers, joggers and bicyclists.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Ronan puts damper on Libby wrestling opener
Libby High School’s wrestling squad entered the gymnasium Saturday night through special effects smoke while hard rock music played in the background. Fans cheered wildly as the lights went down and the spotlight hit the mat.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Potential hazards concern Legacy project
Potential environmental hazards have forced the Montana Legacy Project to put its plans for Kootenai National Forest on the back burner.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Hoops preview: Mee, Martin back for Loggers
Although the Libby High School girls basketball team really shouldn’t be characterized as a tall team, the Lady Loggers just might be looking down on some opponents this season. The Northwestern A features some tall girls here and there, but overall, it has the appearance of a short league.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Hospital continues negotiations on new site
Design plans for a new hospital in Libby are moving forward this week while negotiations on its location are ongoing.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
City sees no rush of council candidates
The Libby City Council has until Dec. 24 to fill former councilmember Doug Roll’s vacancy, and as of presstime on Wednesday, there had been no applicants.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Strategic planning under way for Libby Schools
With the first round of strategic planning complete, the Libby School District can now focus on its future vision.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
DEQ to talk air quality in Libby
The Lincoln County commissioners on Wednesday morning discussed possible formats for a Dec. 18 public meeting on the controversial issue of air quality.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
School officials discuss pros, cons of LEEP program
A declining student population, a decrease in state funding and an increase in staff cutbacks are among the challenges standing before the Libby Educational Enrichment Program – commonly known as LEEP.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Homicide case goes to trial next week
A jury trial in the case of a 67-year-old man killed at a Libby-area campground is scheduled to begin this coming Monday.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby wrestlers prepare to open season
When the Libby High School wrestling squad takes the mat on Saturday at home against Ronan, the Logger lineup will feature a lot of young faces among the lighter weights and returning state qualifiers at three of the four heaviest weights.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Troy Mine battles economic woes
When Troy Mine employees arrived at work Monday morning, they punched the clock knowing that they would be earning less on their paychecks. Now, they hope copper and silver prices will stop falling in the coming weeks so they can keep those jobs.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Waldron brothers receive time in prison
Brothers Wayne and Guy Waldron of Libby each received prison sentences on Nov. 21 as the result of guilty pleas they entered for their part in a stolen firearms operation in 2007.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby spikers take third place at state tourney
At courtside during a winner’s bracket match against Billings Central on Thursday night, Cindy Ostrem-Johnston experienced a wave of emotions while her Lady Loggers battled in an attempt to reach the Class A tournament’s semifinals.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Stakeholders striving to improve forest health
In the realm of forest management, people from all walks of life are in stride to improve forest health.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Steep, deep, cheap: Turner gears up for season
Valley viewers keep a watchful eye as snow descends the alpine elevations, anticipating winter’s approach. For some, the snow brings visions of floating on fresh powder, flowing through first tracks then stopping to admire the beautiful s-curves.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Lady Loggers just one win from championship match
The Libby High School volleyball team opened the Class A state tournament in Bozeman on a high note with thrilling victories over Belgrade and Billings Central.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
State auditor enlightens seniors on fraud
Trust – it is given and received – often an assumption without much thought. Trust can carry over into personal finances and relationships between investors and advisers.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
City council appoints Roll to mayor's post
When Libby City Council member Bill Bischoff asked mayoral candidate Doug Roll what decision he would change during his public service to the community, the 53-year-old automotive shop owner quipped, “Probably running for mayor.”
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Public agencies combine efforts to oversee tennis courts
From the “City of Eagles” to the “City of Courts,” a cooperative effort between three public agencies and a nonprofit is set to serve up tennis to the Kootenai community.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby's next mayor to come from city council
Based on discussion during Tuesday night’s Libby City Council meeting, either Charlene Leckrone or Doug Roll will take over as the community’s next mayor.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Berget's 11-year run as mayor over
With a letter of resignation submitted on the morning of Nov. 12 and his swearing-in that same Wednesday afternoon, Tony Berget’s transition into a seat on the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners is now complete.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Upper Yaak firefighters to get much-needed training
It was a Valentine’s Day to forget.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
EPA uses new procedure for cleanup at park
The Environmental Protection Agency has implemented a procedural change to clean up Riverfront Park and the former export plant in what the agency identifies as Operable Unit 1.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Hunter success rates down this season
The big-game hunting season is winding down for 2008 and numbers for Region 1 in northwest Montana have declined.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
New fueling system in store for Libby Airport
A new two-tank fueling system is in the works for Libby Airport.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Belgrade awaits LHS in first round at state
When Libby faces Belgrade in the opening round of the Class A State Volleyball Tournament on Thursday, longtime coach Cindy Ostrem-Johnston hopes her athletes will have the ability to stay focused and just play their game.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby sweeps through divisionals
After knocking off the No. 2 seed and playing in front of its home crowd, the Polson High School volleyball team was on a mission to upend defending champion Libby for a shot at the Northwestern A divisional title.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Election revealed political hunger among youth
While election numbers are digested, one thing is certain – Montana youth were hungry for a vote.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby volleyball squad playing for 'all the marbles'
Even though the Libby High School volleyball squad is still a step away from the Class A state tournament, the girls will be playing for all the marbles on Friday and Saturday at divisionals.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Libby police force battles staff shortage
With Libby chief of police Clay Coker gone for several weeks to the FBI Academy and officer Brent Teske taking a leave of absence to work in security in Afghanistan, the local police department found itself facing a staff shortage.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Budgetary sigh of relief
Falling fuel prices have area schools breathing a budgetary sigh of relief.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
EPA fills Libby team leader vacancy
Although his official start date does not arrive until Nov. 23, Victor Ketellapper is already making phone calls and getting into the loop on upcoming meetings related to the Environmental Protection Agency Superfund cleanup in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Column: Steering wheel hand wave survives
The steering wheel hand wave is not dead.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Loggers slam door shut on rest of conference
At times, the Libby High School volleyball team seems unstoppable.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Hunting success picks up in week 2
While the 2008 hunting season has been slow out of the gates, weekend numbers showed an increase in hunter success.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Council now must appoint mayor
Now that Tony Berget is definitively going to become a Lincoln County commissioner, the Libby City Council must decide who will fill the mayor’s seat.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Stewardship contracts benefit local forest
Contracting opportunities for the U.S. Forest Service and smaller logging operations are bursting onto the local scene through the Healthy Forest Restoration Act.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Ranchers, wolves clash in rural Montana
A wolf pack’s search for a meal is creating problems in rural Montana.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 16 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Candles cause fire at Vicks Lane
There were no injuries reported in a structure fire at 240 Vicks Lane on Friday afternoon in Libby.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Accident tests disaster mode of emergency crews
Two serious injury motor vehicle crashes occurred near Libby over the past week.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Positive ruling for W.R. Grace victims
On Thursday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Seattle reversed several decisions made by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Donald Molloy.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Water, sewer rates to increase
City and county residents' sewer rates will increase by $4 next month to meet rising costs of maintenance and operation.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Murder-for-hire scheme sends one to jail
The owner of American Muscle Autoworks in Libby was arrested Friday after an FBI investigation found that he paid $50,000 to have his estranged wife killed.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 17 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Prev
Next