Friday, May 31
Vote "yes" on city, council government study commissions
To protect our future in “this last best place,” we need to say “YES” to both resolutions.
Voters will make their choice on library district
Voters may drop off their ballot at a secure drop location on Election Day, including at Troy Dispatch, Eureka Dispatch, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Lobby or at the Election Center in Libby.
Libby Loggers have three medalists at state track and field
Sophomore Tristan Andersen was a double medalist. He was second in the high jump with a top leap of six feet and fifth in the javelin with a personal-best throw of 167 feet.
House District 2 candidate's brother supports Millett
I could bring up his GOP opponent’s qualifications, but he has none.
Commissioner Letcher says leniency never discussed in Miller case
I find it shameful that one of my opponents would exploit Trooper Lewis' tragedy to advance their political gain.
Libby band instructor Boone headed home to Kentucky
Boone has led the music program since 2020. Only a new opportunity in his hometown in Kentucky is luring he and his young family back to the East Coast.
Birth announcement: Derek Allen Miller
Family Birth Services as well as Allen and Sarah Miller are pleased to announce the birth of...
Montana is facing a statewide land management crisis
Your community would rally to keep a local rancher in business. Won’t you do the same to keep a local sawmill in business?
Libby remembers its fallen vets at Memorial Day ceremony
It was the 10th anniversary of the dedication of the Veterans Memorial.
Former election head sues Lincoln County
Paula Buff, through her attorney Ann C. German, filed the suit in March 2024. The suit was served on Wednesday, May 29.
A case for banning book bans
As naive as some of these Moms for Liberty groups are, I had been exposed to plenty of porn and cussing long before I entered a literature class as a junior in high school.
Matthew Aaron Edwards
Matthew Aaron Edwards
Gela Rae Holland Koehler
Gela Rae Holland Koehler
Lincoln Co. Democrats will host convention for delegate selection
Local Democrats prepare to take part in Democratic National Convention.
Legals for May, 31 2024
Tuesday, May 28
Meet Lincoln Co. Commissioner candidate Noel Duram
The glaring thing for Lincoln County is the need to address the coming financial hardships that are plaguing the budget as well as businesses in this county.
Yaak resident doesn't support new library district
Maybe residents using the library should pay for the service instead of always expecting the property owners to pay for it!
Meet Montana House District 2 candidate Tom Millett
Reducing burdensome rules and regulations, fast-tracking the permitting of mines and a long-term goal of Montana gaining ownership of the National Forests is where we begin. The latter can be accomplished by partnering with other western states, through the American Lands Council, to sue the federal government into relinquishing ownership of the forests to the respective states. Montana can manage the forests better.
Meet Lincoln Co. Commissioner candidate Brian Phillips
I think one of the first things Lincoln County should invest in is a dedicated grant writer.
Meet Lincoln Co. Commissioner candidate Josh Letcher
I was involved before I was a county commissioner because I care about the future of Lincoln County. I don’t want my children to have to move away.
Libby's Ryan Beagle is as good as gold
Beagle placed third at state in his freshman and sophomore years, but he was determined to reach the top this season.
Sheriff's Office blotter
An officer investigated a report of a dog at large killing chickens in the 1200 block of Champion Haul Road, Libby.
Meet Lincoln Co. Commissioner candidate Doug Davies
Except for a dedicated grant writer an immediate freeze needs to be placed on all hiring.
Meet Montana House District 2 candidate Tom Jenkins
I am a retired business owner. I operated and owned Jenkins Motors GMC and Buick dealership for many years in Libby.
Legals for May, 28 2024
Friday, May 24
Knudsen calls laws ‘ridiculous’ and says he got opponent to run so he could raise more $
But those remarks may have given audience members more than information about the race for the top law enforcement officer in the state. They may have provided the basis for several campaign violations.
Ida May Pemberton
Ida May Pemberton
Libby Loggers softball 2-2 at Western A divisional
Against Corvallis, the Loggers trailed 20-14 in the bottom of the seventh inning before rallying for seven runs.
Spring river safety workshop in Kalispell May 29
The workshop with industry experts will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sacred Waters Brewing Company - The Wild Side and back lawn, 3250 U.S. 2 East, Kalispell.
Trooper's sister alleges impropriety against county commissioner
At no point did Letcher contact our family or visit my brother during his 12 days in the ICU fighting for his life. Letcher never asked my brother if he thought the charges were appropriate.
Trooper's family accuses of county commissioner of improper actions
Tpr. Lewis Johnson was struck by a pickup truck driven by 42-year-old Jason Allen Miller on Feb. 16, 2023, on a forest road in north Lincoln County near Koocanusa Dam.
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
One day after posting an ad on Trump’s Truth Social referring to “creation of a unified Reich” if he’s elected, there were second thoughts about the campaign’s Hitler-tainted statement. It was removed.
Birth announcement-Sophey Kay Michelle Miniear
Sophey Kay Michelle Miniear
Feds will move grizzly bears into North Cascades
The plan is to move three to seven grizzly bears from the Rocky Mountains or British Columbia every summer for five to 10 years until reaching a population of 25 bears. The goal is a population of 200 bears in 60 to 100 years.
Missoula Impact takes two from Loggers in Legion play
Libby played at Kalispell A Thursday evening before taking a break.
County library officials make last pitch for new district
If voters approve an independent district, the previously voter-approved 3.49 mills would cease to exist.
Max P. Smith
Max P. Smith
Sheriff's Office blotter
A woman was arrested for partner or family member assault by two county deputies at a location on Lake Creek Road, Troy.
Conservation easement good for Northwest Montana
If we lose the land to subdivision and development, we’ll never get back the magic of Northwest Montana. The Phase 1 easement will protect nearly 33,000 acres from such a generational loss.
Fishing regulation changes taking effect on Swan River
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds anglers of new fishing regulations that are taking effect for the Swan River this month.
Study shows impact of pollution on water quality of Clark Fork River
In 2023 biologists with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks sampled for toxins on the Clark Fork River from Silver Bow Creek, near Butte, to Cabinet Gorge Reservoir on the Idaho border, including samples from the Clark Fork’s major tributaries – the Flathead, Bitterroot and Blackfoot rivers.
Jenkins backed by Gianforte, Cuffe for new House seat
Jenkins is a candidate for newly created Montana House District 2, which stretches from Libby to Marion and Ashley Lake in Flathead County.
Libby educator’s welding students a memorable group
Working with the welding professionals at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell for the last decade has been a major boon.
Julie Marie Huisentruit
Julie Marie Huisentruit
Legals for May, 24 2024
Thursday, May 23
Libby's Beagle reaches state tennis semifinals
Beagle will face Hamilton's Andy Purcell in the semifinals at 8 a.m. Friday at Flathead Valley Community College.
Tuesday, May 21
Community briefs
The International Joint Commission (IJC) will host a one-hour virtual information session on transboundary water pollution in the Elk-Kootenai watershed...
Libby, Troy have 17 state track and field qualifiers
Both will be held in Laurel with competition beginning Friday and ending Saturday.
Gunderson backs Millet for new House District 2 seat
The new District 2 is gaining new voters from the Thompson Chain of Lakes and the Flathead County Marion areas.
Memorial Day weekend events in Libby
At 1 p.m. Saturday, May 25, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 97 will hold a celebration for the statue known as Libby’s cemetery angel known as “Remembrance.”
Hans Jurgen Schultz
Hans Jurgen Schultz
Plea deal for author accused of stealing historical items
Brian Anthony D’Ambrosio of Santa Fe, New Mexico, has agreed to plead guilty to one felony count of theft of major artwork.
Libby's Heritage Museum celebrates opening day 2024
The museum is open for the season through Sept. 30 on Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Admission is by donation.
Life-long Libby resident supports Jenkins for new House seat
Vote for Tom Jenkins for state representative District 2 on the Republican primary ballot.
Highway 37 work to begin soon
The first resurfacing of Montana 37 between Libby and Eureka will begin soon with Schellenger Construction of Columbia Falls as the primary contractor.
Beagle wins divisional tennis title; seeks state gold
Beagle, a junior, will get another crack at the gold beginning Thursday in Kalispell at Flathead Valley Community College where the state tournament is being held this year.
Ronan man sentenced after arson conviction for starting Boulder 2700 Fire in 2021
Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s office said McCrea was also responsible for starting the Finley Fire north of Evaro Hill...
Donna Pattie Burrell Asbridge
Donna Pattie Burrell Asbridge
Troy woman accused of running over man with kids present
Dispatch said a female driver allegedly hit the man and was standing over him.
Show Ponies Must Own Their Votes!
Show ponies are legislators who espouse conservative values to their respective central committees and local electorate but vote for their own self-interests while they are in Helena.
Legals for May, 21 2024
Friday, May 17
Libby students demonstrate science literacy skills
Eighth-grade teacher Shannon Ostrowski and seventh-grade teacher Bill Moe shared...
Survey: Montanans say quality of life getting worse, but support for public lands still strong
Public Lands Survey also finds broad support for proposals to create more protected public lands.
Biden electric vehicle mandates not practical for Montana
Fundamentally – Montanans, and the rest of the United States, will eventually be forced to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) for their family car – no matter how expensive it is.
Eureka man admits guilt in shooting death of father
According to court documents and testimony in Monday’s hearing, the argument began when the younger Sauls confronted John over rumors he heard about his dad being “sexually inappropriate with my sister.”
Former Libby man faces hefty restitution bill in theft cases
The first alleged incident occurred on March 4, 2023, when a woman called to report a theft from...
Kalispell's Turner wins 2024 Spring Mack Days tourney
Ken Varga of Kalispell was seventh...
Julie Myers Shadle
Julie Myers Shadle
Power outage no match for Troy softball, baseball teams
When the first inning was over, Troy led 12-7 and never looked back...
WILD ART-Happy Birthday, Coach!
Troy softball head coach Keith Haggerty...
Harvey H. Fredericksen
Harvey H. Fredericksen
Heritage Museum holds opening day festivities Saturday
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes presentations and demonstrations throughout the day.
Libby Loggers softball begins divisional play today in Polson
The top six teams advance to the state tournament in Billings on May 23-25.
Republicans are betraying rural Montana
This is everything people hate about politics – politicians throwing away good legislation that makes a real impact in local communities.
Legals for May, 17 2024
Tuesday, May 14
Libby tennis ends regular season with Ronan sweep
Divisional play began at Flathead Valley Community College on Monday and wraps up Wednesday.
Troy's Nolan Morris wins twice at 7B District Meet
Morris had wins of more than three seconds in each of the...
House Speaker calls for a special session on immigration, pot tax distribution
The request follows rhetoric from Montana politicians claiming, without evidence, a Flathead nonprofit used “dark money” and connections...
Three special session calls in one week: Political grandstanding at its worst
That’s what repeated calls for a special session come down to – too many political show ponies.
Community briefs
Lee Kessler, author and speaker, will be addressing the urgent challenges and enormous conflicts facing our...
Gov: State will again aggressively fight wildfires
Gianforte also called on residents to take steps to prevent fires.
Lori Lyn Farmer
Lori Lyn Farmer
Corps will increase Kootenai River flows for endangered sturgeon
Outflows will increase May 14-21, as local Kootenai River tributaries downstream of the dam are forecasted to peak.
Congress must act on Montana’s housing crisis
Some of our neighbors and their kids are living on the streets.
Libby man headed to Deer Lodge on sex assault conviction
Robert William Emerick, 34, formerly of Anaconda...
Truman Roy Langton
Truman Roy Langton
Libby approves water, sewer rate increases
City officials have argued for the increases to maintain and replace old and aging infrastructure, including water lines and at the sewage treatment plant.
Tom Jenkins for House District 2
Tom Jenkins has paid his taxes on time forever and he is anxious to look into how those tax dollars are spent.
Legals for May, 14 2024
Friday, May 10
Brandon Murer
Brandon Murer
Loggers Legion baseball wins twice at Wood Bat Tournament
The Loggers opened with a 6-1 win over the Kalispell Sluggers on Friday, May 3...
LOR hosting volunteer drive Saturday at Memorial Center
Prospective volunteers will be able to meet with local non-profit and community groups in an effort to match their skills with similar opportunities.
Zimmerman, Delmas and Benjamin claim Libby School trustee seats
In Troy, incumbent Carol Parsons grabbed one of two seats with 490 votes. Mark Radzwion won the other seat with 358 votes.
Montana reps address illegal immigration
Illegal migration has brought drugs, human trafficking, mules, cartels, terrorists on watch lists, and much more negative fallout.
Cut n Paste Journalism
A recent article in a local newspaper is a case in point.
Two Flathead residents accused of fentanyl trafficking
Cheryl Esther Eslami, 44, of Kalispell, and Daniel Scott Broesel, 42, of Kalispell, each face felony charges following...
Johnston leads Sun Devils to PAC-12 golf team title
Johnston had a slow start with a plus-5 in the first five holes, but...
Libby Care Center hosts 102nd birthday party for Montana WW II veteran
Engel was a career military man who rose to the rank of Major before retiring from the U.S. Air Force.
Montana courts are in great hands
The courts allow ordinary people to challenge abuses of power, to make sure that the Constitution isn’t just a forgotten piece of paper.
Libby man accused of burglary
According to the charging document, Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputy...
Legals for May, 10 2024
Tuesday, May 7
In support of Zinn for Montana U.S. House seat
One who has fought the fight against evil on foreign soil while in the Drug Enforcement Agency, also Montana DEA head for five years.
Tackling the rising cost of housing in Montana together
Across the state home prices are more than 70 percent higher today than they were just five years ago.
James “Jim” Fifield
James “Jim” Fifield
Library officials hosting informational meetings on district formation
Library officials are encouraging the public to attend and learn more about library districts, standards and other essential things that allow the library to operate.
Libby man gets prison time for assaulting woman
After first pleading not guilty to the offenses on Jan. 29, Eroh pleaded guilty to...
Dorothy Mae Rantala-Bales
Dorothy Mae Rantala-Bales
Debbie Ann Lynch
Debbie Ann Lynch
Latest count finds Washington’s wolf population is increasing
As of the end of 2023, Washington had 260 wolves in 42 packs. That’s up from 216 wolves in 37 packs the previous year.
Libby Logger softball celebrates Senior Night
The group included Paislee MacDonald, Lyndee McElmurry, Mylie Rayome, Jossalyn White, Aleesha Bradeen and Jaycee Wilson.
Deferred sentence for Libby man accused of drug offense
Sheasby pleaded guilty on March 18 to possession of methamphetamine. The other charges were dropped.
Troy man gets suspended sentence for drug possession
Rebo, who received credit for spending 119 days in the Lincoln County Detention Center...
Libby Loggers tennis stays busy in Western A action
Most recently, Libby hosted Columbia Falls at home. The girls won 5-2 while the boys tied 3-3.
Antler hunter kills griz near Wolf Creek; officials preach bear awareness
After seeing a fresh grizzly bear track in a snow patch, he continued along his path and a few minutes later he first saw the bear standing near the top of the ridge about 20 yards away.
Legals for May, 7 2024
Friday, May 3
FWP announces Mule Deer Citizen Advisory Committee
The advisory committee is comprised of 16 members, which were selected from a pool of 100 applicants.
Yaak WINGS cancer fundraiser set for May 11
The “Swing into Spring” event will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Yaak River Tavern and Mercantile at 29238 Yaak River Road.
Libby remembers former police chief who gave his life in line of duty
Bockman was the Chief of Police in Libby at the time and he was called out after a worker with the Great Northern Railway...
Libby boys track and field team wins county meet
In the boys meet, Libby’s Tristan Andersen had another dominant day...
WILD ART-Libby Elementary School track and field
Libby Elementary School track and field athletes...
Gerald “Jerry” Arthur Wiederhold
Gerald “Jerry” Arthur Wiederhold
Michael John Vinion
Michael John Vinion
U.S. Senate hopeful’s company reported losses of more than $77 million in 2023
SEC filing shows Tim Sheehy’s Bridger Aerospace is deeply in the red.
Kenneth Lee Janicke, 83
Kenneth Lee Janicke
Below normal water supply forecasted for Montana after low-snow winter
Current outlooks predict above-average temps, below-normal precipitation this summer.
