Ellington

Administrators pledge to celebrate graduation someway, somehow

Although restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of novel coronavirus are relaxing, local school administrators are still deciding how high school graduation festivities will look this year.

Debra Jean Rebo, 60

Debra Jean Rebo, 60, died April 13, 2020, at her home in Libby of natural causes. She was born April 17, 1959, in Libby to Wilbert and Barbara Pariseau. She attended schools in Libby and graduated from Libby High School.

Let those chickens come on home to roost

Drilda Jane O’Brien

Drilda Jane O’Brien, known as Del to her friends, died April 11, 2020, surrounded by loved ones.

Michael D. Leach, 58

Michael D. Leach, 58, died April 16, 2020, at Libby Care Center. He was born April 1, 1962, in Wichita, Kan., to Gary and Anna (Talkington) Leach.

James Allen Sprecher, 79

James “Jim” Allen Sprecher, 79, passed away April 10, 2020, in Kalispell. He was born in Everett, Wash., on Feb. 19, 1941. He graduated from Everett High School in 1958.

County targets western pine beetle infestations in J. Neils Memorial Park

A western pine beetle infestation in J. Neils Park has affected as many as 100 trees, ranging from five inches in diameter to about 32.

Remember to shop local in the days ahead

Testing is critical as we move toward normalcy

All aspects of our lives have undergone upheaval this past month, leaving most confused about what our future holds as we continue to adjust to life with coronavirus.

Without newspapers, we all struggle on in darkness

We need to get through this time and tighten our belts, just as we have through two World Wars, terrorist attacks and other epidemics.

William Alexander Troyer

David and Anna Schrock Troyer welcomed a baby boy at 1:50 p.m. on April 15. William Alexander Troyer weighed six pounds, six ounces and was 21 inches long. He was born at home.

Ballots in the mail for Libby school election

Pandemic or no, voters in Libby School District No. 4 must decide whether to let administrators and police officials bring a fulltime resource officer on board.

Sheriff’s Office Blotter

The law roundup is compiled from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office incident log. It is not meant to serve as an exhaustive account.

Troy man arrested after allegedly assaulting two minors at home

A Troy man faces multiple assault charges in Lincoln County District Court after allegedly injuring and then rubbing his crotch on two boys he was wrestling with last month.

MHSA cancels spring high school athletics

The Montana High School Association’s April 22 notice cancelling spring sports included a statement that will likely yield little consolation for senior athletes at Libby High School and Troy High School.

Back in business

Allie Swan opened her own barbershop in August in large part because she yearned to be free from having to wear a face mask.

Legals for April, 28 2020

Libby High School honors top winter athletes

Diminutive Syd Gier dribbled deftly through defenders who towered above her and then dished the ball to an open teammate.

‘We’re beyond living on the edge’

Chris George’s Chevy hatchback stalled twice as the car attempted to climb the modest incline near the entrance of the Libby Food Pantry. Three brown dogs sat perched behind her in the car.

No joy in mudville after Little League season cancelled

A spring without Little League seems as unthinkable to many in Libby as a spring without high school sports. Youth baseball and softball are woven into the fabric of America’s small cities and towns and Libby’s no exception.

Woman arrested after alleged child abduction

A Libby woman who sparked a multistate search after allegedly abducting her grandson last week was arrested in Missoula over the weekend.

County officials prepare plan for life after pandemic restrictions

Lincoln County’s top elected officials were ready and waiting for Gov. Steve Bullock to give the word that restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic were lifting.

Bits ‘n pieces from east, west and beyond

East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact, which COVID-19 has illustrated so well. A recent sampling, with Earth Day and climate change, in mind:

Ceanna Jeanne Diller, 20

On April 10, Ceanna Jeanne Diller, 20, passed away from injuries sustained during a car accident. She was born Aug. 21, 1999, in Libby to Brandon Diller and Tonya Bryant Diller. She attended school in Troy, graduating in 2017.

Shelly Wittwer, 57

Shelly Wittwer (Long, Rode) passed away at home to be with her Heavenly Father on March 29, 2020. She was 57.

Sheriff’s Office Blotter

The law roundup is compiled from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office incident log. It is not meant to serve as an exhaustive account.

Troy officials report success in keeping students engaged

Prior experience with online tools gave teachers and students at Troy Public Schools a leg up with remote teaching, but the move out of the classroom has presented challenges, said Superintendent Jacob Francom.

Legals April 24, 2020

INVITATION TO BID Notice is hereby given that electronic bids for construction of Yaak School Upgrades will be received by the Yaak School District #24 until 3:00 P.M. local time on Friday, May 8, 2020. The electronic bids will then be opened and read aloud. Bidders can listen to the bid opening results via phone by calling (646) 749-3122 and entering conference ID 318-918-413. The site of the work is located at the School District #24 facilities at 29893 Yaak River Road, in Lincoln County, MT. The work generally includes stabilizing the School and Teacherage, installing footings and foundations to support exterior walls, installing beams and columns to support floors, replacing all exterior windows and doors with new energy efficient windows and doors, replacing interior door window and trim, painting or staining the exterior of the building or interior walls damaged by construction, exterior grading and drainage improvements, and related work in accordance with the Plans and Specifications. The Architect for this project is Anacker Architects, 1649 US Highway 2 W, Kalispell, Montana, 59901. There will be a Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference for interested bidders at 2:00 P.M. local time on May 1, 2020. This meeting will be held remotely with video and audio options available. Bidders can attend the meeting visually by logging into: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/270268613 and via audio by calling 1 (872) 240-3212 with access code 270-268-613. For questions regarding gotomeeting access contact Glen Anacker, AIA, at (406) 257-7125 or glen.aia@anackerarchitects.com. Notice to Proceed is anticipated for May 21, 2020. The School District will be only accepting online electronic bids through QuestCDN (www.questcdn.com). Prospective Bidders must purchase contract documents through QuestCDN. Electronic plan download and electronic bidding can be completed through QuestCDN for a fee of $15.00 to download documents as a plan holder and an additional $30.00 for plan holders who wish to bid the project. Prospective bidders will need the seven-digit QuestCDN project number (#6985074) to locate the job on the QuestCDN website search page. To access the electronic bid form, download the project documents and click the online bidding button at the top of the advertisement. Bids will not be accepted from any prospective bidder who has not purchased contract documents through QuestCDN. Further information for electronic bidding is included within the Instructions to Bidders within the contract manual. Plans and specifications may be examined beginning April 24, 2020, through QuestCDN. Contract Documents may also be reviewed via the Montana state-wide plans exchanges, and the Spokane Regional Plan Center. Bids shall be submitted on the forms provided in the Contract Documents. Bids shall include a bid bond made payable to Owner in an amount of 10% of the total bid and be addressed to the Yaak School District #24 at the address indicated above. After award, successful bidder must furnish an approved Performance and Payment bond of 100% of the contract, along with required insurance coverage. Montana law requires all contractors to register with the Department of Labor prior to execution of the contract agreement. Yaak School District #24 reserves the right to reject all Bids, to waive informalities, and to reject nonconforming, irregular, non-responsive or conditional Bids. Without limiting the foregoing, it is expressly stated that final award of the Contract is contingent upon securing appropriate financing. Yaak School District #24 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diane Downey District Clerk Published In The Western News April 24 & May 1, 2020. MNAXLP

Legals for April, 24 2020

Kootenai Falls to remain open for recreation, commissioner says

Access to the Kootenai Falls will remain open during the pandemic, but local officials have closed bathrooms and plan to post signs with safety guidelines in the near future.

Troy mayor outlines approach to COVID-19 recovery, thanks essential workers

Troy Mayor Dallas Carr last week lauded convenience store clerks and supermarket and food service workers for carrying on during the COVID-19 pandemic in the same breath as medical professionals and first responders.

Libby teachers adapting to rigors of remote learning

When fifth grade teacher Jessica Theony hosted her first ever Zoom-based check-in with students this week a little less than half of her class logged on to the conferencing software.

Local educator lauded as ‘Outstanding Teacher’ by UMW

Relief from above

Barb Benson Neumann beamed behind the face shield delivered by the men who had just piled out of a sleek and shiny Quest Kodiak turboprop.

Nonresident bear hunting suspended during pandemic

Linehan Outfitting Company booked four black bear hunts in May with nonresidents.

Connie Sue McFalls

Our sister, Connie Sue McFalls, born June 4, 1955, in Arlington, Wash., went home to Heaven in the late afternoon of April 11, 2020, in Hot Springs. Connie would have been 65 this year.

Georgia landbuyer reaches out to local officials

Lincoln County Commissioner Mark Peck said he has received assurances from the new owners of a massive stretch of northwest Montana that the public will retain access to the timberland.

Evelyn Marie Carr

After fighting a courageous battle with cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Evelyn Marie (Sundt) Carr went to stay with her Lord on March 27, 2020. Evelyn was born to Melvin and Dorothy (Singleton) Sundt on Sept. 4, 1944, in Kalispell.

Legals April 21, 2020

NEPOTISM NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the requirements of § 2-2-302, MCA, the Board of Trustees of Libby School District No. 4 intends to take action on the following matter at a Board Meeting to be held on the 11th day of May, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. in the KW Maki Theater, 724 Louisiana Avenue. The possible employment of Beverly Perez (prekindergarten teacher) who is related to Ellen Johnston by consanguinity (blood) within the second degree (sister). If you have any questions, comments or objections prior to said Board Meeting, please direct all such inquiries to: Craig Barringer, Superintendent Libby School District No. 4 Phone Number: (406) 293-8811 Fax Number: (406) 293-8813

Legals for April, 21 2020

Businesses, workers alike suffer during pandemic

A man driving by in a battered compact pickup noticed that the door to the Home Bar was open. He saw that the owner and a bartender were standing on the sidewalk. It was a warm spring morning in Troy and people who might have been working during more normal times were out on stoops or splitting wood or walking the dog.

County revamps testing guidelines

Two more potential barriers to coronavirus testing in Lincoln County bit the dust Monday.

Missing Eureka woman found dead on Foothills Road

A Eureka woman missing for five days turned up dead April 11, say officials with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s Office Blotter

The law roundup is compiled from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office incident log. It is not meant to serve as an exhaustive account.

Bits ‘n pieces from east, west and beyond

East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact, which COVID-19 has illustrated so well. A recent sampling:

Savage sentenced to five years behind bars for biting sheriff’s deputy after arrest

Alvin McKenzie Savage III will serve five years of a partially suspended 10-year sentence after pleading no contest of a single count of assault on a peace officer.

LeRoy Billadeau, 84

LeRoy Billadeau, 84, passed away April 7 at the Libby Care Center. He had been in declining health for some time.

530 burn permits issued thus far by county staff

Burn season is underway in the Libby Air Pollution Control District, though weather conditions have not been particularly cooperative.

Legals April 17, 2020

NATIONAL FOREST TIMBER FOR SALE KOOTENAI NATIONAL FOREST The 93 Salvage Sale is located within Portions of Sections 8, 9, T34N, R25W, PMM. The Forest Service will receive sealed bids in public sealed bids by mail only, with the accompanying bid guarantee, on or prior to; at Flathead Supervisor's Office at 10:00 AM local time on 05/19/2020 for an estimated volume of 37 CCF of Combined Softwood non-saw marked or otherwise designated for cutting. The Forest Service reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Interested parties may obtain a prospectus from the office listed below. A prospectus, bid form, and complete information concerning the timber, the conditions of sale, and submission of bids is available to the public from the 650 Wolfpack Way, Kalispell, MT 59901. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Published In The Western News April 17, 2020. MNAXLP

Legals for April, 17 2020

Bits ‘n pieces from east, west and beyond

East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact, which COVID-19 has illustrated so well. A recent sampling:

Twisting a pandemic for partisan ends is unnecessary and divisive

Work on dam halts during pandemic

Work on the Kootenai Development Impoundment Dam has paused as project officials grapple with travel restrictions and equipment shortfalls related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vermiculite find highlights dispute over cleanup costs

The renovation work uncovered vermiculite in March.

Eliminating bureaucratic red tape at the state level will help put Montanans back to work

Lincoln County health center to receive federal funding for COVID-19 pandemic

The Northwest Community Health Center stands to receive as much as $659,900 in federal funding for the struggle against the novel coronavirus spreading across the country.

Settlement reached with Helena law firm

Beginning roughly seven years ago, a lawyer for a Helena-based firm who served as administrator of an EPA grant took for the firm’s fee a percentage of the grant to Lincoln County.

Medical providers: We cannot afford to let our guard down in Lincoln County

Seniors at Libby High School lament the prospect of no spring sports

John Cheroske believed the school record for the 800 meters was within reach.

Man who led authorities on high speed chase along U.S. Highway 2 arraigned

A man who led multiple law enforcement agencies on a high speed chase down U.S. Highway 2 last month pleaded not guilty to 10 felony charges in Lincoln District Court on April 6.

So many deserve so much thanks during the ongoing national health emergency

Sheriff’s Office Blotter

The law roundup is compiled from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office incident log. It is not meant to serve as an exhaustive account.

Bullock declares 'magical entities' essential workers

Gov. Steve Bullock issued a directive on April 9 that gives the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy and other magical creatures the leeway to continue working despite travel restrictions imposed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Upcoming elections to be conducted by mail

Following the recommendation of Gov. Steve Bullock, officials in Lincoln County have opted to conduct the May school election and the June primary via mail.

Finding, isolating COVID-19 cases helps protect high-risk residents

Infectious disease experts say people can have COVID-19 and not know it.

Libby district adopts new meal delivery schedule

In an effort to mitigate the possible spread of COVID-19, Libby Public Schools officials condensed meal distribution trips to three days a week.

Kalispell hospital has anti-malarial drug for potential use for severe COVID-19 cases

The Kalispell Regional Medical Center cited patient confidentiality when it recently declined to comment about whether its efforts to save the life of a critically ill COVID-19 patient in late March included the use of the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine.

Marciniak pleads not guilty to felony theft charges

Jackson Anthony Marciniak pleaded not guilty to a pair of felony charges in Lincoln County District Court on March 30 stemming from the theft of more than $60,000 in property, including handguns, from a Sunday Creek home last year.

Marc William Grubham, 29

Marc William Grubham, 29, of St. Maries, Idaho, passed away March 28, 2020. He was born to Rob and Tracie (Totten) Grubham on Sept. 9, 1990, in St. Maries, Idaho.

Shane Michael Remp, 32

Shane Michael Remp, 32, son of Rusty and Kathy Remp, went home to his Lord and Savior on March 28, 2020, in an automobile accident.

Brady Joe Stamps, 40

Brady Joe Stamps, 40, died March 24, 2020, at his home in Libby. He was born Dec. 26, 1979, in Oregon City, Ore., to James and Sabrina McEahern.

Legals April 10, 2020

08-20 / 886562 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE TO BE SOLD FOR CASH AT TRUSTEE'S SALE on July 30, 2020, at 10:00 o'clock A.M. (recognized local time) at the Main Door of the Lincoln County Courthouse, located at, 512 California Ave, Libby MT , the following described real property, situated in Lincoln County, Montana: Lot 5A of the Amended Plat of Cielo Lindo Estates #2, according to the map or plat thereof on file in the office of the Clerk and Recorder, Lincoln County, Montana. CS #4226RB Commonly known as: NHN Highway 93 South, Lot 5A Cielo Lindo Road, Eureka, MT 59930 Joshua Ernest Johnson and Sky Christine Johnson, as Grantor(s), conveyed said real property to First American Title Company, as Trustee, to secure an obligation owed to Leticia Santiago Frey, as Beneficiary, by Deed of Trust dated November 09, 2016, and recorded November 10, 2016, as Book 365 Page 299 Document No. 266112. The Beneficial interest is currently held by Leticia Santiago Frey. First American Title Company of Montana, Inc., is the Successor Trustee pursuant to a Substitution of Trustee recorded in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Lincoln County, Montana. Joshua Ernest Johnson and Sky Christine Johnson has defaulted in the performance of said Deed of Trust by failing to make the monthly payment of $429.86 plus an escrow fee of $8.00 for a total monthly payment of $437.86 due for the 9th day of May, 2018 and a like sum of $437.86 due for the 9th day of each and every month thereafter, which monthly installments would have been applied on the principal and interest due on said obligation, and other charges against the property or loan. As of March 18, 2020 there is due and owing on the loan an unpaid principal balance of $59,557.89, accrued interest in the amount of $8,421.80 plus late fees in the amount of $494.27, for a total amount due of $68,473.96. Interest accrues on the Note at the rate of 10% per annum with a per diem rate of $16.32 after March 18, 2020. Interest continues to accrue. All delinquencies are now due together with any late charges, advances to protect the security, and fees and costs associated with this foreclosure. The Beneficiary anticipates and may disperse such amounts as may be required to preserve and protect the property and for real property taxes that may become due or delinquent, unless such amounts of taxes are paid by the Grantors. If such amounts are paid by the Beneficiary, the amounts or taxes will be added to the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust. Other expenses to be charged against the proceeds of this sale include the Trustee's fees and attorney's fees, costs and expenses of the sale, and late charges, if any. Beneficiary has elected and has directed the Trustee to sell the above described property to satisfy the obligation. The sale is a public sale and any person, including the Beneficiary, excepting only the Trustee, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid in cash at the time of sale. The conveyance will be made by Trustee's Deed. The sale purchaser shall be entitled to possession of the property on the 10th day following the sale. The Grantor, successor in interest to the Grantor, or any other person having an interest in the property, at any time prior to the Trustee's Sale, may pay to the Beneficiary to the successor in interest to the Beneficiary the entire amount then due under the Deed of Trust and the obligation secured thereby (including costs and expenses actually incurred and attorney's fees) other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred and thereby cure the default. The scheduled Trustee's sale may be postponed by public proclamation up to fifteen (15) days for any reason, and in the event of a bankruptcy filing, the sale may be postponed by the Trustee for up to one-hundred twenty (120) days by public proclamation at least every thirty (30) days. DATED: March 17, 2020 By: /s/Rae Albert, Assistant Secretary for First American Title Company of Montana, Inc. c/o Title Financial Specialty Services PO Box 339 Blackfoot, ID 83221 STATE OF Idaho SS. COUNTY OF Bingham On this March 17, 2020, before me, a Notary Public in and for said State, personally appeared Rae Albert, known or identified to me, to be the Assistant Secretary of First American Title Company of Montana, Inc, who is named as the Successor Trustee in the above described Deed of Trust and executed the instrument on behalf of said Successor Trustee, and acknowledged to me that said Successor Trustee executed the same. Shannon Gavin Notary Public of Idaho Residing at: Blackfoot, Idaho CommissionExpires 01/19/2024 Published In The Western News April 3, 10, & 17, 2020. MNAXLP

Legals for April, 10 2020

Bailouts are not the solution to an economic crisis

Aquatics center funds better spent elsewhere in city

Honor sacrifice, but do not demand it

Court: W.R. Grace insurer is fair game for asbestos-related lawsuits

A March 25 ruling by the Montana Supreme Court allows more than 800 former employees of W.R. Grace’s Zonolite Division in Libby to continue asbestos-related personal injury claims against Maryland Casualty Company.

ALERT helicopter won’t transport coronavirus patients

An ambulance transported Jim Tomlin from Libby to the Kalispell Regional Medical Center on March 25 after his condition deteriorated in response to respiratory distress caused by COVID-19.

One injured during afternoon camper fire

The Libby Volunteer Fire Department quickly extinguished an afternoon fire Thursday in a small camper behind a residence on Billedeau Road in Lincoln County.

James W. Cohenour, 81

James W. Cohenour, 81, passed away at his home in Frenchtown on March 27, 2020. Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home.

Emergency proclamation made in Troy

After the death of a Bull Lake man to COVID-19 underscored the danger of the coronavirus pandemic, Troy Mayor Dallas Carr has opted to declare a local emergency.

Carver to serve three years of a suspended sentence behind bars for drug possession

Lincoln County District Court Judge Matthew Cuffe handed down a partially suspended five-year sentence to a woman arrested in a stolen car behind an Avenue B home in December.

Charles Odell Perry

Charles Odell Perry was born in Wagoner, Okla., on Feb. 8, 1933. His parents, Carson and Lula Perry, were part of America’s Greatest Generation, and passed the qualities of that legacy on to Charles.

Sheriff’s Office Blotter

The law roundup is compiled from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office incident log. It is not meant to serve as an exhaustive account.

Legals April 7, 2020

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE ELECTION CANCELLATION WHEREAS, the number of candidates filing a Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy for the open trustee position on the Yaak School Board of Trustees, District No. 24, Lincoln County, State of Montana is equal to or less than the number of positions to be elected, the trustee election is not necessary. THEREFORE, the necessary 30 day notice is hereby given that the Yaak School District No. 24, Lincoln County, State of Montana, Trustee Election is cancelled. BE IT RESOLVED that the following Trustee Candidate has been duly elected by Acclamation. Sandra Beder-Miller 3-year term DATED this 3rd day of April, 2020 District Clerk: Diane Downey Published In The Western News April 7, 2020. MNAXLP

Legals for April, 7 2020

Kenneth R. Horner, 75

Kenneth R. Horner, 75, passed away at home March 19, 2020. He was born April 13, 1944, in Conrad to James and Mildred Horner, both deceased.

Past emergency declaration seen as way to secure resources

A regional public health emergency declared in 2009 by EPA could yield tangible support for Lincoln County residents and healthcare workers as they respond now to the potential for disease tied to the novel coronavirus.

Six confirmed cases of COVID-19 in county

Regional health officials received word April 1 of a sixth positive test for novel coronavirus for an individual in Lincoln County.

EPA delays handoff of Superfund site oversight to DEQ

A time beset by worry for local officials claimed a moment of respite on March 30.

James Phillip Tomlin, 77

James “Jim” Phillip Tomlin, son of Sam and Ione Tomlin was born Jan. 28, 1943, in Spokane, Wash. Jim passed away March 26, 2020, in Kalispell, after the sudden onset of the COVID-19 virus. He was Montana’s first fatality of the pandemic.

Southern Pines Plantations to continue block management of former Plum Creek land after sale

The company that purchased 630,000 acres of Weyerhaeuser timberlands in Montana said it fully intends to keep the property in the state’s block management program, which allows hunting and other access to the public.

Idaho earthquake felt by residents in Flathead, Lincoln counties

Fleeting impressions of a 6.5 magnitude earthquake in Idaho on March 31 captured the attention of residents in Lincoln, Flathead, Missoula and Gallatin counties, according to news reports.

Bid for snow removal vehicle comes in lower than expected

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners got a welcome surprise March 18 when they learned the bid for a new snow removal vehicle came in well under the expected asking price.