Stories for October 2007

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Monday, October 29

October 29, 2007 midnight

What are citizens really dying from?

To the Editor:

October 29, 2007 midnight

Supporters of drug importation are TRIPping

Congress is soon expected to consider whether U.S. consumers should be able to purchase medicines from abroad. The legislation to allow drug re-importation is expected to include a provision that represents one of the most destructive government interventions into free markets since the New Deal.

October 29, 2007 midnight

Consensus approach is best for Montana

Montana's Congressman

GREAT kids making positive changes in their environment
October 29, 2007 midnight

GREAT kids making positive changes in their environment

It doesn't take a conference to realize there are great kids in the Lincoln County community, but a conference recently recognized a few GREAT members for their accomplishments.

October 29, 2007 midnight

Keeping up with the Joneses

Letter to the Editor:

Man racks up laundry list of additional charges
October 29, 2007 midnight

Man racks up laundry list of additional charges

A traffic stop ended in a car chase Saturday evening in Libby, sending one man to jail on a felony arrest.

Elijah Rankin
October 29, 2007 midnight

Elijah Rankin

Elijah Rankin was born on Nov. 23 1982 in Libby to Casey Rankin and Kim Kelso. He passed away on Oct. 12, 2007. He was preceded in death by both his grandmothers.

October 29, 2007 midnight

Happy with the medical service and staff

To the Editor:

October 29, 2007 midnight

Garnering more support for a citizen's right

To the Editor:

The Loggers get psyched for State
October 29, 2007 midnight

The Loggers get psyched for State

As the Libby Loggers head to Whitefish for the Class A Soccer State championship against the Bulldogs this Saturday at 2 p.m., coach Mike Wickstrom and his team are optimistic.

Wednesday, October 24

Lorraine A. Brown
October 24, 2007 midnight

Lorraine A. Brown

Lorraine A. Brown died Saturday, Oct. 20 at Libby Care Center. She was born in Troy at the family home to Edward J. and Leona Weidner on Aug. 30, 1921. After graduating from Troy High School in 1939, Lorraine attended Montana State University (now the University of Montana) in Missoula. She returned home to marry Jackson L. Brown. They were married on Aug. 31, 1941.

Lady Loggers make history at Saturday soccer playoff game
October 24, 2007 midnight

Lady Loggers make history at Saturday soccer playoff game

The Lady Logger soccer team's season ended with a 3-1 shootout loss in Belgrade on Saturday, going further into the playoffs than any other Lady Logger soccer team.

October 24, 2007 midnight

Community rallies to support heart transplant patient

Alice Roberts has a lot of heart.

Troy getting stronger and ready for Districts
October 24, 2007 midnight

Troy getting stronger and ready for Districts

The Lady Trojans are tied for third going into Districts this Friday in Eureka when they beat the Plains Trotters at home last Thursday night. Beating them in three games, 25-10, 25-18 and 25-20, Troy volleyball coach Sandra Jansma was delighted with the outcome.

Elizabeth J. Baker
October 24, 2007 midnight

Elizabeth J. Baker

Elizabeth J. Baker, 75, a long time Libby resident, died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007 at St. John's Lutheran Hospital from natural causes.

Trojans take down Mission
October 24, 2007 midnight

Trojans take down Mission

Aaron Palmer takes out the Bulldog's quarterback Justin Evans in the Troy Trojans' 16-13 win over Mission Wednesday.

October 24, 2007 midnight

Hunting opener average in Northwest Montana

Hunters took to the field on Sunday across northwest Montana for the opener of the general deer and elk season. At the six northwest Montana check stations, a total of 2,958 hunters checked 185 white-tailed deer, 21 mule deer, and 30 elk for an 8 percent rate of hunters with game. This compares to a nearly identical 8.1 percent rate of hunters with game last year.

Loggers host playoff game
October 24, 2007 midnight

Loggers host playoff game

In what can only be called a blowout, the Loggers defeated the Bigfork Vikings 56-0 in Libby's last home game of the year at Logger Stadium.

Lois G. Smith
October 24, 2007 midnight

Lois G. Smith

Lois G. Smith, 64, of Libby died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007 at St. John's Lutheran Hospital from natural causes.

October 24, 2007 midnight

Libby volleyball impresses on and off the court

The Lady Loggers beat the Broncs in Frenchtown in three games last Thursday night in 25-18, 25-15 and 25-13.

The Victory Slide into State
October 24, 2007 midnight

The Victory Slide into State

The Libby Logger Boys soccer team defeated Colombia Falls last Saturday in the second round of the State finals in Libby, advancing the Loggers to their first-ever state championship berth.

October 24, 2007 midnight

Cross Country State results

Boys and Girls State Cross Country was held in Helena last Saturday.

October 24, 2007 midnight

Agencies seeking public comments on Troy Mine Reclamation Plan

The Kootenai National Forest (KNF) and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are seeking public comments prior to preparing an environmental assessment (EA) for the Revised Reclamation Plan for the Troy Mine. An open house informational and scoping meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at the Senior Citizens Center in Troy from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Public input is important to identify any concerns with the proposed plan.

Friday, October 19

Troy celebrates senior night
October 19, 2007 midnight

Troy celebrates senior night

Winning their first two games against Stillwater, the Lady Trojans let their lead slip away, losing in five games during Senior Night in Troy last Friday night.

October 19, 2007 midnight

Troy man falls victim to growing trend of prescription drug abuse

A 24-year-old Troy man who police say died Saturday after smoking a prescription pain medication that's almost 100 times as potent as morphine was the second serious prescription overdose incident in Troy in fewer than three months.

October 19, 2007 midnight

Trojans fall to Savage Horsemen

Troy football coach Rich McElmurry said the 20-12 loss to Plains on Thursday, Oct. 11 was a close call, but time ran out in the end for the Trojans.

Big game season opener on Sunday
October 19, 2007 midnight

Big game season opener on Sunday

It's time to break out the scent blocker and head for the hills for the deer, elk and mountain lion hunting opening day kicking off Sunday.

October 19, 2007 midnight

Lacking community input is major concern of Community Advisory Group

This is the third of a four-part series looking into EPA's Region 8 team leader Paul Peronard's Project Matrix to inform the community of decisions that must be made as

Maren R. Miles
October 19, 2007 midnight

Maren R. Miles

Maren R. Miles, 64, of Libby died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007 at her home in Libby from cancer.

October 19, 2007 midnight

Old high school project underway

A lease agreement was approved for the old high school building during a Libby School Board meeting on Tuesday.

Randall A. Roberts
October 19, 2007 midnight

Randall A. Roberts

Randall A. Roberts, 47, of Libby died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007 at his home in Libby from natural causes. He was born Feb. 22, 1960 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. to Andrew and Mary Woodard Roberts. He grew up and attended school in Nekoosa, Wis. and graduated from Nekoosa High School. After high school he worked at a cranberry marsh and at the local newspaper. In 1986 he moved to Libby to live his dream of hunting and fishing.

October 19, 2007 midnight

Lady Loggers volleyball dominates NW Conference

The Lady Loggers Volleyball team consistently ranked high in the top 10 Class "A" Northwest conference this season in both individual and team statistics.

Joyce J. Greenup
October 19, 2007 midnight

Joyce J. Greenup

Joyce J. Greenup, 63, of Libby died Monday, Oct. 15, 2007 in Spokane, Wash. from natural causes. She was born July 9, 1944 in Libby to Thomas and Eunice Carlburg Roy.

Wednesday, October 17

Small city crew upholds big operations
October 17, 2007 midnight

Small city crew upholds big operations

As summer fades fast into fall and the city's faltering water main system becomes locked into a subterranean frozen vault, the city maintenance department's work will hardly decrease.

Cross Country Divisionals results
October 17, 2007 midnight

Cross Country Divisionals results

Seth Wright came in 10th with a time of 17:34, earning an all-conference with his top ten finish at the Northwestern A cross country meet in Pablo, Saturday, Oct 13.

October 17, 2007 midnight

Making her voice heard about road closures

Letter to the Editor:

October 17, 2007 midnight

Libby faces challenges during MCPS Tourney

Coming in over 9 AA teams and all of the A teams, the Lady Loggers made it through most of the championship round at the MCPS Tournament in Missoula before falling to Big Sky.

October 17, 2007 midnight

Loggers make history at quarterfinal

Both the Libby girls and boys soccer teams won their State Quarterfinal playoff games, making Lady Logger history through their advancement into the State semi-finals and Logger history by giving Libby the opportunity to host its first soccer play-off game ever at Logger stadium.

Physician's Assistant student continues study in Libby
October 17, 2007 midnight

Physician's Assistant student continues study in Libby

Rebecca Bassett just arrived in Libby, but she already thinks she will have trouble leaving.

Loggers take down Chiefs in Ronan
October 17, 2007 midnight

Loggers take down Chiefs in Ronan

Although the Libby High School football team beat the Ronan Chiefs 47-0, coach Neil Fuller wasn't satisfied with the way the team executed their plays.

October 17, 2007 midnight

Lincoln County Sheriff requests publics' assistance

The Lincoln County Sheriffs Office and local law enforcement officials are requesting the publics' assistance in the apprehension of burglary suspects in the Libby area.

Trojans fall to Savage Horsemen
October 17, 2007 midnight

Trojans fall to Savage Horsemen

Troy Trojan Aaron Palmer maneuvers around Plains-Hot Springs Savage Horseman Ben Holland in Thursday's game at Plains. The Savage Horsemen won 20-12.

October 17, 2007 midnight

Environmental Quality Council meeting update

September's Environmental Quality Council (EQC) meeting had updates on several different issues. Much of the subject matter was educational in nature helping those new to the council (such as myself) get their bearings.

Judith M. Hirtle
October 17, 2007 midnight

Judith M. Hirtle

Judith M. Hirtle, 72, died Thursday, Oct. 11 in Libby.

A tradition in peril - Nordicfest in 2008
October 17, 2007 midnight

A tradition in peril - Nordicfest in 2008

One of Libby's most famed festivals has entered a precarious turning point, one that will likely resolve in either its elimination or its transformation.

October 17, 2007 midnight

Where has all the money gone?

To the Editor:

October 17, 2007 midnight

Tainted water began long ago in Libby

To the Editor:

Nanette J. Jaqueth
October 17, 2007 midnight

Nanette J. Jaqueth

Nanette J. Jaqueth, 52, died Friday, Oct. 12, at her home in Libby.

Myra E. Cole
October 17, 2007 midnight

Myra E. Cole

Myra E. Cole, 81, died Thursday, Oct. 11 in Libby.

Trojans prepare for district tourney with Thursday win
October 17, 2007 midnight

Trojans prepare for district tourney with Thursday win

According to Troy volleyball coach Sandra Jansma, better communication and more trust were key factors in the Lady Trojan's nail biting win over the Noxon Red Devils in Troy last Thursday night. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough to beat Stillwater on Friday.

Monday, October 15

Lady Trojans fall to Bulldogs
October 15, 2007 midnight

Lady Trojans fall to Bulldogs

The Varsity Lady Trojans volleyball team lost to the Mission Lady Bulldogs in Troy Tuesday night.

Kenneth L. Stapley
October 15, 2007 midnight

Kenneth L. Stapley

Kenneth L. Stapley, 82, died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007 at the Libby Care Center from natural causes.

Mary E. Miller
October 15, 2007 midnight

Mary E. Miller

Mary E. Miller died Tuesday, Oct. 9 at the Libby Care Center.

October 15, 2007 midnight

USFS seeks comment on road closures

A two-year, $40 million mine exploration beneath a grizzly bear habitat has stoked interest from those who live and play there.

October 15, 2007 midnight

Baucus praises Senate for passing bill banning asbestos use

Montana's senior U.S. Sen. Max Baucus praised the Senate for passing legislation that would prohibit asbestos from being used in products once and for all.

October 15, 2007 midnight

Troy school board moves forward with activity center voting process

The Troy School Board approved a motion to hold a mail ballot for the new Troy Activity Center during the Tuesday board meeting.

Sam Curtiss
October 15, 2007 midnight

Sam Curtiss

Sam Curtiss, 57, died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, at Kalispell Regional Hospital after a long illness.

October 15, 2007 midnight

Loggers battle it out on Whitefish turf

Whitefish swept the event in both the boys and girls teams during the Whitefish Invite on Oct. 6.

Thursday, October 11

Dwayne Delzer
October 11, 2007 midnight

Dwayne Delzer

Dwayne Delzer, 82, died Monday, Oct. 1 in Missoula.

October 11, 2007 midnight

Surveying the damage done by chemicals

To the Editor:

Lady Loggers denied a win against Bigfork
October 11, 2007 midnight

Lady Loggers denied a win against Bigfork

The Lady Logger Soccer team ended their regular season with a defeat by the Bigfork Valkaries at home on Saturday.

Don Bivins
October 11, 2007 midnight

Don Bivins

Don Bivins, 71, died Wednesday, Oct. 3 at his home in Libby. Don and his late wife Mary came to Libby in 1964 where Don taught in the Libby Public School system for over 30 years until his retirement in 1996.

Lady Loggers still going strong
October 11, 2007 midnight

Lady Loggers still going strong

Despite a busy week of homecoming activities and a 5-game match against Whitefish on Tuesday, the Lady Loggers still came home with a win against Bigfork on Saturday for their homecoming match.

Loggers take down the Vikings in Saturday soccer
October 11, 2007 midnight

Loggers take down the Vikings in Saturday soccer

The Loggers swept the competition during their homecoming week.

October 11, 2007 midnight

Libby Logger freshmen volleyball results

Libby vs. Polson

Patricia J. Christensen
October 11, 2007 midnight

Patricia J. Christensen

Patricia J. Christensen died on Sept. 22, 2007.

October 11, 2007 midnight

Logger State golf results

The Libby Loggers golf team competed in the state tournament on Oct. 3-4 at the Old Works Golf Course in Anaconda. Boys 8th placeTeam score: 366, 346 Total=712Jim Mee: 77, 71 Total=148 3rd placeZach Watson: 85, 86 Total=171Eric Anderson: 97, 95 Total=192Bryan Cooper: 107, 94 Total=201Eric Grotjohn: 112, 108 Total=220Girls 11th placeTeam score: 464, 461 Total=925Sperry Robinson: 116, 114 Total=230Korey Kulbeck: 108, 105 Total=213Holly Cirian: 117, 123 Total=240Jona Peltier: 123, 120 Total=243Candace Hendrickson: 129, 122 Total=251

October 11, 2007 midnight

Grace challenging restoration of charges

Attorneys for W.R. Grace & Co. are challenging a federal appeals court ruling that restored criminal charges of "knowing endangerment" to the government's asbestos case against the company and its top managers.

Cross Country results
October 11, 2007 midnight

Cross Country results

The Libby Cross Country team competed in Farragut State Park on Sept. 22. The team ran 5 kilometers or 3.106856 miles.

Loggers take a homecoming victory
October 11, 2007 midnight

Loggers take a homecoming victory

In a battle of Northwestern A's unbeaten, the Loggers left no doubt.

October 11, 2007 midnight

Kootenai Forest Stakeholders Coalition meeting: A new way to negotiate wilderness and roadless

Upon attending the most recent meeting of the Kootenai Forest Stakeholders' Coalition, I came away with some real questions about the true mission of the organization.

October 11, 2007 midnight

All things connected and not as they seem

To the Editor:

October 11, 2007 midnight

Stop the nonsense of change

Letter to the Editor:

Michael W. Shriner
October 11, 2007 midnight

Michael W. Shriner

Michael W. Shriner, 49, died Friday in Missoula. He was born Feb. 28, 1958 in Libby to Ben and Donna Shriner and was raised and educated in Libby, graduating fron Libby High School in 1976.

October 11, 2007 midnight

All too common for coincidence

To the Editor:

Trojans work toward district match
October 11, 2007 midnight

Trojans work toward district match

The Lady Trojans fell to Eureka on Thursday, losing in four games during their homecoming week.

Trojans fall to Eureka
October 11, 2007 midnight

Trojans fall to Eureka

In their homecoming game against Eureka Friday evening, the Troy Trojans fell to Eureka.

Aimless intruder has way with two businesses
October 11, 2007 midnight

Aimless intruder has way with two businesses

One or more burglars busted their way into two Libby businesses last week and directed their efforts into apparently aimless acts of aggression.

The Western News welcomes new sports writer
October 11, 2007 midnight

The Western News welcomes new sports writer

Hope Nealson is the newest member of The Western News editorial staff. Nealson was born in Toronto, Canada, and grew up in Arizona and Colorado, where she graduated from Boulder High School in Boulder.

Friday, October 5

October 5, 2007 midnight

Seeking what is due for an entire community

To the Editor:

October 5, 2007 midnight

Can the EPA and residents come to a consensus about cleanup prioritization?

Editor's Note: This is part two of the four part series looking at the Project Priority Matrix developed by

October 5, 2007 midnight

Board meeting Tuesday to discuss next step

After years of working toward the goal of bringing an activity center to Troy, the possibility may be closer than ever.

October 5, 2007 midnight

KRDC owes city hefty water payment

The Kootenai Business Park Industrial District owes the city almost $30,000 for water and sewer payments but city officials likely won't see any of the money any time soon, if at all.

October 5, 2007 midnight

Elvis performer takes care of business in Libby

To the Editor:

Loggers remain untouchable, first in district
October 5, 2007 midnight

Loggers remain untouchable, first in district

Hagadone News Network

Ned L. Decker
October 5, 2007 midnight

Ned L. Decker

Ned L. Decker passed away Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007 at his son's home in Libby.

October 5, 2007 midnight

State Golf results

The unofficial results as of press time for the Class A State Golf Tournament on Wednesday in Anaconda are as follows:

October 5, 2007 midnight

Does new bill destroy freedom of speech?

To the Editor:

October 5, 2007 midnight

No more road closures in Lincoln County

To the Editor:

October 5, 2007 midnight

Outsourcing American jobs and economically blackmailing the U.S.

According to Dennis L. Cuddy in an article posted to NewsWithViews.com over 3 million Americans have lost manufacturing jobs since George W. Bush became President.

William F. Watt
October 5, 2007 midnight

William F. Watt

William F. (Bill) Watt, 91, died Wednesday, Oct. 3 at a Libby hospital.

Wednesday, October 3

October 3, 2007 midnight

Cutting deals and selling out

To the Editor:

Loggers top Wildcats, get set for homecoming
October 3, 2007 midnight

Loggers top Wildcats, get set for homecoming

What looked like the start of a blowout, ended up being a nail biter in the second half of play, with the Libby Loggers defeating the Columbia Falls Wildcats 41 to 21 on Friday.

Florence Harter
October 3, 2007 midnight

Florence Harter

Florence Harter, 95, died gently in her sleep at her daughter's home on Sept. 28, 2007.

Libby creams the competition
October 3, 2007 midnight

Libby creams the competition

The Lady Loggers played against Polson on Thursday evening winning in three games.

Forrest A. Ekstedt
October 3, 2007 midnight

Forrest A. Ekstedt

Forrest A. (Punk) Ekstedt, 61, of Libby, died Sept. 26, 2007 near Eureka. He was born in Trout Creek.

Lady Loggers have winning week, head for homecoming
October 3, 2007 midnight

Lady Loggers have winning week, head for homecoming

The Lady Logger Soccer team posted a 3-1 victory over the Polson Pirates at home on Thursday.

Logger golf team head to state
October 3, 2007 midnight

Logger golf team head to state

The 2007 Divisional was held in conjunction with the Flat-fish golf tournament which included seven AA golf teams.

October 3, 2007 midnight

Time for some action

Given the Saturday, Sept. 22 car accident involving 10 area youth a glaring and growing problem has been placed in center stage — underage drinking.

October 3, 2007 midnight

Eagle Gateway Arch: A community effort

The Eagle Gateway Arch was a grand undertaking and the whole project took two months from start to finish, which is quite a feat by any standard. Much of the money for the project was raised through private donations from businesses and individuals. The Eagle Gateway Arch was dedicated on July 7, 2007 in a special ceremony attended by several townspeople, eagle sculptor Todd Berget, Lincoln County Commissioner Rita Windom, business people and Libby Main Street Board Director Trent Oelberg. The Eagle Gateway Arch welcomes travelers and locals alike into the downtown area, or the "hub of Libby," a moniker Oelberg has given the commercial area. The City of Eagles Gateway Arch was part of the Libby Main Street Board's plan in revitalizing the downtown area of Libby.

October 3, 2007 midnight

"God's Time" and Railroad Time

In a couple of weeks we will once again turn our clocks back an hour as we switch from Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time. And just for the heck of it, what is standard time, anyway? Well, it was originally called Standard Railway Time, and therein lies a tale.

Mary Louise Isch DeYoung More Berg
October 3, 2007 midnight

Mary Louise Isch DeYoung More Berg

Mary Louise Isch DeYoung More Berg, 90, died Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007 at her son's home in Libby from natural causes.

October 3, 2007 midnight

Troy struggles, searches for consistency

The Troy Trojans are hitting a rough patch in their season with two losses last week.

Linda A. Owen-Segura
October 3, 2007 midnight

Linda A. Owen-Segura

Linda Ann Owen-Segura, 64, died Friday, Sept. 28, at her home in Troy.

Lewis D. Meyer
October 3, 2007 midnight

Lewis D. Meyer

Lewis (Louie) D. Meyer, 76, of Troy died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007 at his home up Lake Creek from natural causes.

Cemetery damage outrages family members
October 3, 2007 midnight

Cemetery damage outrages family members

A former resident and her family are displeased with the amount of damage occuring at the Libby City Cemetery.

October 3, 2007 midnight

City to seek compensation for groundwater contamination

The Libby groundwater contamination, a more enduring yet lesser known counterpart to the city's asbestos contamination, was thrust to the forefront Wednesday night as city leaders faced a packed chamber of residents interested in the city's well ordinance and possible compensation for their high water bills.

Russell A. Lundin
October 3, 2007 midnight

Russell A. Lundin

Russell A. Lundin, 46, died Tuesday Sept. 25, 2007 at his home up Pipe Creek from natural causes.

October 3, 2007 midnight

Looking for military pen pals

To the Editor:

Gary L. Gibson
October 3, 2007 midnight

Gary L. Gibson

Gary Lee Gibson was born on Oct. 30, 1945 in Sandpoint, Idaho to Lila and Ray Gibson. He was taken from us suddenly on Sept. 24, 2007.

October 3, 2007 midnight

Logger freshmen volleyball results

Libby vs. Troy JV

October 3, 2007 midnight

Disagreeing with the "Banned Book Week…" article

The Truth about Liberty is the casualty of the article "Banned Book Week…" on Sept. 28. With liberty comes responsibility is the theme James Madison brought forth early in our nation's origins. Civil liberty necessarily restrains natural liberty for the safety and interests of the whole people and it's individuals, that's why we have laws.

October 3, 2007 midnight

The Illusion of Elvis lived up to its name with Libby Elvis fans

The Illusion of Elvis at the Memorial Center in Libby last weekend was a hit with both the clients and staff from Achievements Inc. and Libby Care Center, who were literally dancing in the aisles throughout the show.