Friday, September 28
Is Pro-Democracy killing moral?
During a recent Republican presidential debate, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee took Texas Congressman Ron Paul to task for calling for a withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq.
Lady Loggers head to Columbia Falls, look to keep victory going
The Loggers had an amazing 1-0 home victory over the Whitefish Bulldogs on Saturday, Sept. 22. This is the first victory over the Bulldogs in recent memory, if ever.
Catching up on some reading
The Libby Library has received over 90 new children and young adult books through the Libri Foundation of Eugene, Ore.
Burglary at Head Start under investigation
A burglary won't deter the children of Head Start from their daily studies. Classes will continue despite a burglary discovered early Thursday morning.
Re-instatement of Secure Rural Schools program threatened
A federal program designed to offset lost timber dollars by providing sizable funding for schools and roads is in danger of being eliminated.
Waiting for the day of redemption
To the Editor:
Drawing a link between all creatures great and small
To the Editor:
Bowling league results
Lincoln Lanes
Keeping abreast of Constitutional Law
To the Editor:
River's Bend holds off Cabinet View for Interclub Title
River's Bend Golf Club of Thompson Falls won the Interclub Golf title for 2007 at Cabinet View Country Club on Sunday, Sept. 23. The round was the last match of the year for the five teams in the league. The matches are scored on a modified Stableford system and are played on five different courses over the season.
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.
Loggers rout Polson, Columbia Falls up next
The Loggers opened up conference play with a convincing win on the road at Polson last Friday. After a close first half of football, that was shaky at times, they went into the locker room leading 15-7.
Libby golf results from Polson and Hamilton golf tourneys
Troy's Michael Hirst comes up with the tackle during the Bluehawks' first possession Friday, Sept. 21 against Thompson Falls. Troy went on to lose the contest 8-49. The Trojans don't play again until their Homecoming game against Eureka on Friday, Oct. 5.
Banned Book Week kicks off Saturday
The American Library Association sponsors a week of celebration each year to maintain awareness of threatened books. This year Sept. 29 - Oct. 6 is designated as Banned Books Week to draw attention to the ever-present threat of censorship.
Wednesday, September 26
Celebrating Constitution Week
Montana's Congressman
Reminiscing about the good old days
To the Editor:
Donald E. Hart
Donald E. Hart, 79, died Thursday, Sept. 20 at his home in Libby. He was born in Sparta, Wis. to John and Opal (Andrews) Hart on March 27, 1928. He was raised and educated in Sparta and later served in the U.S. Air Force. He married Dawn Houston on June 24, 1950 in Sparta.
Death Notice
Victoria L. VanRuben, 73, died on Friday, Sept. 21, 2007 at St. John's Lutheran Hospital in Libby. Private family services are being held. Arrangements are by Nelson & Vial Funeral Home.
Nothing but praise for yard cleanup
To the Editor:
Barbara J. Herman
Barbara J. Herman, 65, died Friday, Sept. 21 in Libby.
George E. Grant
George Edward Grant, 75, lost a heroic battle with leukemia on Sept. 11, 2007, peacefully passed away in Libby.
Accident tests disaster mode of emergency crews
Two serious injury motor vehicle crashes occurred near Libby over the past week.
Bowling scores
Lincoln Lanes
Violating an oath of office and the Constitution
To the Editor:
Libby Loggers beat Whitefish, undefeated for season
The Lady Loggers played Columbia Falls on Friday in Columbia Falls and won in three games 25-17, 25-14 and 25-18.
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.
Poignant, funny, charming - this rogue's coming to Libby
Malachy McCourt is a New York Times best-selling author, an actor, a thwarted politician, a New York City radio personality and a "charming rogue" — a blaguard.
Troy Trojans have rough week of travel on the road
The Lady Trojans had a bumpy week away losing three of their four games.
Forrest Weeks
Forrest Weeks, 69, of Victor, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007 after battling cancer for more than a year.
Friday, September 21
News
Situated between two taverns on Yaak Avenue in Troy is the Veterans of Foreign War Post #5514. On the sidewalk outside the open door to the dimly lit bar is a sign that reads: Music Tonight.
Heidy Switzer
After living successfully with cancer for more than four years, life ended peacefully at her home on the Ridin'P Ranch for Heidy Switzer after happy visits with her husband, daughters Grace, Sonja and Audrey, son Martin, Mike's sons Mike Jr. and Bill and many of her well loved friends on Monday, Sept. 17, 2007.
Lady Logger Freshman Volleyball
In the Libby vs. Bigfork game, the Libby freshman scored 25-10, 25-22 and 15-7.
Libby boys soccer team crushes Polson 8-0
The game plan was to get on the board early, and remove the Polson Pirate's hopes of passing the Loggers in conference standings.
Kathleen M. Belangie
Kathleen M. (Kay) Belangie, 94, a resident of the Kootenai Valley for the past 60 years, died Wednesday, Sept. 19 at the Libby Care Center. She was born to John and Afra (Lenz) Carabin on May 11, 1913 in Spokane, Wash.
Lady Loggers lose to Polson
The Lady Logger Soccer team lost to the Polson Pirates in a close 2-1 defeat on Saturday in Polson.
Libby Logger Cross Country results
Kalispell Invite Sept. 8
Bears - In town for a quick bite
A hefty black bear that had wrapped its fury frame around a pine tree on Louisiana Avenue this weekend drove home the annual fall lesson: Yards could be an unsecured bear jackpot.
Earl L. Burkett
Earl L. Burkett, 62, of Libby died Friday, Sept. 14, 2007 at St. John's Lutheran Hospital from natural causes. He was born Aug. 17, 1945 in Napa, Calif. to Randoff and Else Buster Burkett.
Governor visits Libby, distributes grant
Gov. Brian Schweitzer will be in Libby on Friday to present a grant check for upgrading the Kootenai Business Park.
Vernon E. Mickelson
Vernon E. Mickelson, 86, of Libby, passed away peacefully in his sleep Monday, Sept. 17, 2007 at his home from natural causes.
Developer lands old school, construction to begin this winter
The old high school building, a city landmark that has endured in ruin and community indecision of historic proportions, has finally been sold to a Kalispell developer with serious plans for its revival.
John M. Urdahl
John Melvin Urdahl, 71, of Libby died Monday, Sept. 17, 2007 at St. John's Lutheran Hospital from natural causes. He was born May 26, 1936 in Poplar, Mont. to Albert and Mildred Urdahl.
Wednesday, September 19
Cooler temps bring Stage I Fire restrictions
Fire restrictions in Northwest Montana changed from Stage II to Stage I on Monday, Sept. 17 due to predicted cooler temperatures, higher humidities, and potential increased moisture this week.
Libby downs Bigfork, takes Polson
The Libby Loggers found out a little something about their volleyball team Thursday night.
Traitors of the Constitution and the American people
To the Editor:
Corvallis Blue Devils vs. Libby Loggers
Following are the single-game statistics for the Corvallis Blue Devils vs. the Libby Loggers on Friday, Sept. 14.
Superfund priorities 2008, who really decides
Editor's Note: This is Part one of a four part series looking into the Project Priority Matrix developed by Paul Peronard to assist the community as it weighs the decisions about allocation of $17,000,000 budgeted cleanup in Libby for 2008.
Grandparents honored at Kootenai Valley Christian School
Friday, Sept. 14 marked the 24th year that grandparents day has been celebrated. Although President Carter declared the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparent Day in 1978, the state of West Virginia actually began celebrating the day in 1973. September was chosen for the holiday to signify the "autumn years" of life.
Giving thanks for all the hard work
To the Editor:
Joseph D. Neisess, Sr.
Joseph D. (Joe) Neisess, Sr., 67, died Saturday, Sept. 15 at his home in Troy.
Troy volleyball ends three-game week
On Thursday, the Troy Lady Trojans played at Noxon losing in four games 21-25, 25-23, 20-25 and 23-25.
Capitalism without risk makes for taxpayers footing the bill
I ran across an article in the newspaper the other day about the home mortgage crisis that raised my eyebrows. The article was written by a fellow named James Grant, who is the editor of "Grant's Interest Rate Observer" and a columnist for Forbes online magazine.
Libby court finds Arlee man guilty in assault charge
An Arlee man was found guilty on Friday of assault on a sports official in Libby Justice Court.
A call to seniors: revive, refresh and take charge of your driving
We have all heard the stories about senior drivers. In 2003, an 86-year-old man killed 10 and injured 50 when he drove his car through a California farmers' market. In 2005, a 93-year-old man hit a pedestrian not even noticing the body in his windshield until a tollbooth operator informed him.
Troy takes down Florence
Troy won the Saturday game in Florence 32-20.
Friday, September 14
Special session empowered the people, not the Governor
Our recently concluded special session was designed by Brian Schweitzer to burn through a great deal of money, while conferring imperial powers on the office of governor. Fortunately, Republican "firefighters" came to the rescue, and redirected the session to emphasize public authority, not executive privilege.
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.
Track provides ample opportunity for family fun
The Sunday, Sept. 9 Arenacross race was the second race held at the Mill Pond Track this year. There was also a race in June.
Board to decide on old high school proposal
The most ambitious and polished plan to have surfaced for the old high school was further illustrated Tuesday to a responsive school board of trustees eager to set in motion the next step in the building's future.
Don't burn up the general fund
Firefighting, as observed repeatedly during the recent special session of the Montana Legislature, ain't what it used to be. But how firefighting is paid for in the state budget is what it used to be, and the disparity has created a growing virus of subsidy in the state's tax system.
Libby takes the Tip Off Tourney
The Libby Loggers volleyball attended the Tip Off Tournament in Hamilton on Sept. 7-8 and swept the competition.
Troy fire fighters do their part to "never forget"
Members of the Troy Volunteer Fire Department held their annual memorial ceremony for the anniversary of the attacks on the twin towers of the World Trade Center in Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2001.
Lady Logger freshman volleyball
The freshman volleyball team started their season with wins over Glacier and Bonners Ferry in the first week. It was a great start. Because of the schedule, the team did not have any games last week and the team is anxiously awaiting the next matches against Bigfork and Polson this week.
Taxation without represenation?
To the Editor:
Libby Invitational Golf Tournament results
Libby Invitational Golf Tournament at Cabinet View Country Club Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007
Taking care of our own
To the Editor:
Mary Lou Ward
Mary Lou Ward, 80, died Tuesday, Sept. 11 at her home in Libby.
Wednesday, September 12
It's time to take back the Board of Livestock in Montana
To the Editor:
Doing What's Right For Montana's Children
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus was teaching to thousands, and when the children of the village approached him, he welcomed them with open arms. Jesus knew that caring for children was one of our highest callings, and that principle holds as true today as it did back then.
June M. Clark
June M. Clark, 86, a lifetime resident of Libby, passed away Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007 at the Libby Care Center of natural causes.
A thank you to the men and women who battled the summer fires
One of the lessons this wildfire season has taught us is to expect the unexpected. Our season began earlier than expected, our fires were more resistant to control than expected, and tens of thousands of people from the U.S. and beyond worked longer and harder than expected to help deal with fire.
Libby boys end weekend with a tie
Libby 2, Bonners Ferry 1
BPA finishing up repair work
The Bonneville Power Administration is currently fixing the end of the Kootenai River Road near a parking lot and school bus turnaround, according to Kirk Robinson, BPA project manager for the Libby/Troy Rebuild Project.
Sunday's Libby Arenacross results
50A
Lady Loggers tie with Columbia Falls at home
The Lady Logger Soccer team completed their final non-conference game with an away 6-0 victory over the Bonners Ferry Badgers.
Seeking more answers and a little less propaganda
To the Editor:
Player's ineligibility slips by officials
Libby High School must forfeit two football victories after a student who played in them has been found academically ineligible.
Travis K. Davidsen
Travis Kay Davidsen, 18, of Great Falls, an Air National Guard member and food service worker, died Aug. 28, 2007 in an automobile accident north of Sun River.
Troy defeated by Loyola
Troy 34, Darby 6
Changes are necessary in the Montana Board of Livestock
To the Editor:
Loggers defeat Indians
Libby senior Zach Rowan eludes Browning's Lyle St.Goddard Friday night.
No more dusting under the rug for EPA property cleanup
To the Editor:
Nordicfest artistic displays offer ideas for new hobbies this winter
Winter comes to the Northwest corner of Montana and stays. There are no breathtaking Chinook winds blasting between the peaks of the Cabinets to bring respite before the next snowfall. In Libby, the snow settling on a fence post today may be there until the spring rains appear to signal the end of our isolation.
Friday, September 7
Libby Loggers volleyball heads to Hamilton on Friday
The Libby Lady Logger volleyball team has had some promising showings in the last week during tournaments in Whitefish and against Glacier High School.
It's going to be a good year for Troy volleyball
Troy Volleyball Coach Sandra Jansma feels very confident about the upcoming volleyball season.
Echo Jo Johnson
Echo Jo Johnson died Saturday, Sept., 1 at the Libby Care Center.
Libby's Watson medals at Meadow Lake course
Sophomore Zach Watson of Libby shot a 77 Tuesday for medalist honors at the Columbia Falls Triangular at Meadow Lake Golf Course.
Janice M. Metz
Janice M. Metz, 73, of Troy, died Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007, at the Libby Care Center.
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.
Local woman accuses the EPA of dishonesty
Senator Max Baucus may be circling the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C., over the delay of toxicity testing in the cleanup of asbestos contamination in Libby but there is one angry grandmother, right here in Libby, nipping at their heels about the quality of work done by a contractor hired by EPA to remove contaminated soil from her property. In 2000, Vermiculite, amphibole, superfund and EPA, were not part of Laura Wilson's vocabulary but by 2002, when the EPA tested her property for traces of vermiculite with asbestos, she believed she was lucky to have settled on a few acres that had not been contaminated by ore mined in the mountain north of Libby before 1990.
Ursula (Ilse) Farmer
Ursula (Ilse) Farmer, 66, of Libby, died Tuesday, Sept. 4 in Greenacres, Wash.
School system in good shape, despite national shortage
Despite a mediocre pay scale and retirement plan, the Libby school system has mostly avoided the teacher shortage crisis facing the nation.
Wednesday, September 5
House CHIP Proposal Fails to Focus on Children
Montanans have heard a lot in the news in the past several months about the Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. Since the program was started in 1997, it has done wonders for kids who don't qualify for Medicaid but can't afford private health insurance both in Montana and across the United States. In fact, as of last month, 14,304 Montana kids are enrolled in CHIP and have benefited from the coverage it provides. This program is working and it should be reauthorized so it can continue to work for the kids that need it most.
Singing praises for the 'City of Eagles'
To the Editor:
Lady Loggers Soccer split first home games
The Lady Logger Soccer team opened their first home game of the season with a 7-2 defeat against the Belgrade Panthers, one of the best teams in the state. The Loggers felt the loss of three starters, Anna Valentine, Brittany Martin, and Christina Shilling, due to injury. The teams were evenly matched in the beginning; both fighting for control of the ball in the middle, with Quinn Wilson and Rachael Sweedman chasing down several breakaways to prevent shots.
Local welding instructor a hometown hero to past students
Weld: to unite or reunite, according to the dictionary. Dick Kenck: a first class welder, according to every machinist in Libby, and many others around the Northwest.
Patricia Ann (Pat) McNulty
Pat McNulty, 65, a longtime area resident, died Thursday, Aug. 30 at her home in Libby.
Trumpeting the merits of address changes
To the Editor:
Educating the public on the long-term effects of asbestos
To the Editor:
Libby boys soccer split home opener
Logger boys crush Belgrade 5-0 on Friday.
Against the mandatory address changes
To the Editor:
The calm in the eye of the fire storm
There's nary a dull moment during the high season at the Kootenai National Forest dispatcher's office.
Libby Logger Cross Country Invite
Libby Loggers Boys and Girls Cross-country teams both finished eighth in the Libby Invitational Meet on Friday, Aug. 31.
Bear proofing tips before hibernation
Fall is quickly approaching and the black and grizzly bears are building up their fat reserves before winter hibernation. While they are a carnivorous species (meaning they eat meat) their diet is mostly omnivorous (meaning they will eat plants, insects as well as animals) and spend most of their waking hours searching for food. Berries, insects, grasses, forbs and other types of vegetation make up most of both grizzly and black bear diets, but they are very adaptable and will eat carrion, small rodents and even human garbage and food if it is easily available. Since bears are very skilled at finding food, are not picky eaters and have excellent memories, it is important that people who live in bear country avoid unintentionally attracting bears to their residences. A bear that learns to associate food with people may become dangerous and may eventually have to be killed. Reporting bear activity or a bear problem when it first happens is critical. The earlier a problem is reported the easier it is to solve. To decrease the risk of conflicts with bears, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks recommends that residents follow these few simple precautions. People Food: Do not leave food outside unattended, especially at night. Do not store refrigerators or freezers outside or leave food in vehicles. Barbecue grills, smokers, ice chests and other outdoor items should be properly secured in a building when not in use. They should be washed and cleaned after each use to reduce odor attractants.
Lady golfers complete league play for season
Cabinet View Ladies' Golf closed competitive league play on Wednesday, Aug. 29, with 20 golfers in attendance. As long as the balmy weather persists the ladies will continue golfing, but not as an organized league.
Thanking the community for support
To the Editor:
Barbara M. Haaland
Barbara May (Markell) Haaland, 84, died Thursday, Aug. 30, at her home in Troy.
