Thursday, January 31
Mary "Joyce" Ruple
Mary "Joyce" Ruple died on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008 at the Libby Care Center. She was born on Feb. 24, 1932 in Conrad, Mont., the daughter of Henry Thomas and Cathryn (Edwards) McCracken. She grew up and attended school in Shelby.
Carney files for re-election
Eileen Carney, former state representative for the Libby area, filed for re-election on Jan. 28.
Leave the gorilla alone
To the Editor:
Signs of life stirring in old high school
After seven years in the dark, the lights inside the old Libby High School building blazed as part of its transformation into Libby Lofts, which will house high-end condominiums, art studios, business offices and a coffee shop.
Trojans still going strong
After a four point loss to Plains Friday night in Troy (53-49), the Trojans turned it around Saturday, walloping Noxon at home, 66-49.
Home is where the heart is; African girl finds family in Troy
Florence Laflin is at home in Troy. The stork didn't bring her, but she did come on a big iron bird. She flew on an airplane from Monrovia, Liberia to her new American family in Montana.
JV Lady Loggers pull out a win
In the third and final leg on the road, the JV Lady Loggers prevailed against Eureka, winning 35-26 and reversing a losing streak, which began at home against Bigfork.
Rough weekend for Lady Trojans
The Troy girls went up against Plains and Noxon back to back last weekend, losing to both.
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Gerhard Frederick Kempff, born on Feb. 24, 1926, flew on the wings of an angel to meet his Lord and Savior on January 28, 2008. Born in Priest River, Idaho, Gerhard grew up in Idaho, Oregon and Spokane, Wash.
Asking for a fighting chance
To the Editor:The year was 1991, the first Gulf War was coming to an end. George Bush Sr. is president, gas is only $1.15 per gallon and stamps are just a quarter. Remember those days? Well, the Deputies of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office certainly do, because that was the last year that any of them received a contracted pay raise. Yes, you read that right. It has been 17 years since any Deputy with the Sheriff's Office received a raise beyond the cost of living increases given to all county employees.Sadly, the long term effects of this neglect are starting to have a significant effect on the Deputy Sherriff's. Lincoln County's dubious distinction of being the lowest paid Sheriff's Office in the western half of the state is also having a tremendous impact on recruitment. Position for Deputy Sheriff's are often advertised for months, yet the jobs routinely go unfilled because no qualified applicants are even received. With starting pay in surrounding counties being at least two to five dollars more per hour, quality applicants have absolutely no incentive to work here.In past years, the Sheriff's Reserve program had provided a pool of interested and trained applicants that could easily transition into a full time paid Deputy Sheriff position. Unfortunately, those same reserves are now being recruited away by other agencies. In just the last year, two Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Reserves were hired by the Montana Highway Patrol even though a deputy position was available. Why? Because entry level pay for highway patrol trainees are greater than the wage now paid to Sheriff's Detectives tasked with Homicide, Narcotic, Sex crime and other major case investigations.As Lincoln County continues to grow, calls for service have increased by more than 35 percent over the past 10 years. This growth has also resulted in the dramatic increases in housing costs that we have all seen. With wages set as they are today, many current deputies are unable to afford quality housing and new recruits won't even consider locating to the area.With the potential retirement of as many as six deputies anticipated in the near future, the salary issue must be considered critical.While we understand that public funds are limited, the deputy sheriffs of this county feel very strongly that the next step in the negotiation process in the county's participation in binding arbitration. As of Jan. 21, our written request to the commissioners for binding arbitration has gone unanswered.The members of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office strive to provide the highest level of public safety service for this community. In return, we ask only for a fair market wage and continued support of the citizens of Lincoln County.The union members of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
From the Board of LC Commissioners
Commissioners Rita Windom, John Konzen and Marianne Roose
What was the property really worth?
To the Editor:
Wednesday, January 30
Libby girls win in Eureka, fall to Whitefish
The Lady Loggers were on the road over the weekend, losing to Whitefish by three points Friday and defeating Eureka Saturday, 42-22 .
Competition continues for candidacy
The Western News
Lucille I. Penney
Lucille I. Penney, 85, died Jan. 21, 2008 at the Libby Care Center. Lucille was born in Calgary, Alberta on March 19, 1922 to Archie and Bertha Duckett.
Harold T. (Grumpy) Chappel, Jr.
Harold spent the last weeks looking for the perfect truck to follow his father and friends on the final run.
Troy Mine at fault for Libby miner's death
The Western News
Libby defeats Eureka, falls to Whitefish on Saturday
The Loggers came out fast in the first quarter and never looked back, defeating Eureka 53-29 in last Thursday's game on the road.
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Debra L. Marshall
Libby Greenchain hangs tough at home
The Greenchain defeated Whitefish Friday in Libby, 45-27, but lost in a tie at 39 to Columbia Falls Thursday.
Candles cause fire at Vicks Lane
There were no injuries reported in a structure fire at 240 Vicks Lane on Friday afternoon in Libby.
Heavy snow causing structural damages
Heavy snow that started early Saturday morning and didn't stop until late Sunday caused a whirlwind of plowing and shoveling in Libby as people tried to stay one step ahead of the drifts.
Thursday, January 24
Thai flavors abound in Libby kitchen
They didn't meet until they moved from their homeland, Thailand, to the same street in Libby - but it's cooking that finally brought Chaniya Ninbanphot Cole and Chittima Chuanchid Williams face to face.
Roe v. Wade 35 years later
To the Editor:
Gorilla squad soon to be extinct
Some, such as the current Libby High School administration, may ask what a gorilla has to do with Loggers, but for generations, some Libby wrestlers have coveted it as a symbol of their strength.
Open letter to commissioners
To the Editor:
Loggers defeat Bigfork, fall to Glacier
Libby went on the road last Friday, defeating Bigfork 67-51, but lost at home to Kalispell Glacier in a fight to the end, 64-60.
Logger Greenchain wrestles hard at State A duals
After a close match in Polson last Thursday, Libby headed to Belgrade for the State A Duals, where they placed fourth overall.
What are the costs really?
To the Editor:
Lady Trojans back in action
The Lady Trojans are getting their groove back after a bout with the flu, stunning Superior in their home court, 60-36.
Ankle monitoring devices offer more options
A Libby business is continuing it's conjunctive work with local law enforcement by offering ankle bracelets as an alternative for jail time.
An °)()(unprecedented°+/- opportunity
To the Editor:
Tuesday, January 22
Trojans bounce back from TF, defeat Superior
In spite of a midnight trip back from a disappointing loss in Thompson Falls Thursday night, 76-43, the team re-focused quickly to overtake Superior Saturday, beating the Bobcats, 60-36 in Superior.
Ethel J. Baldani
Ethel J. Baldani, 97, passed away Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008 at Libby Care Center. She was born Oct. 28, 1910 in Farmington, Mont. to Edward and Hilda Haakensen Anderson.
Barbara J. Graham
Barbara Joyce Graham, 75, of Libby passed away on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008 with her family at her side. She was born in Tacoma, Wash. on Dec. 2, 1932.
A matter of gun control
To the Editor:
Primary Politics
Primary elections are somewhat unique to American politics and are a way that members of a political party decide who will carry their banner in the "real" or general election. There's nothing very strange about that, but what I have always found interesting is that the state governments pay for the parties to do this by providing the space, the machines, and the money to carry out the endeavor. To me it's like having a government financed selection process for leadership of the Mystic Knights of the Sea.
Lady Loggers defeat Wolfpack, can't hold off Vals
In two home games that came down to the final seconds, the Lady Loggers beat Glacier, 40-37 Saturday, but lost by a basket Thursday to an undefeated Bigfork, 41-43.
JV Trojans defeat Thompson Falls in OT
The Junior Varsity Trojans defeated Thompson Falls last Friday in overtime at home, 31-29. It was a freethrow that won it.
Cable television vs. satellite in Libby
To the Editor:
Perjury from our government officials?
To the Editor:
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Sandra L. Peterson
New animal shelter slowly but surely happening
The Kootenai Pets For Life has dug a well, completing the first stage in building their new animal shelter in Libby, which will replace their Troy facility.
Drug abuse: an uphill battle
Editor's note: This is the final part of a multi-part series on prescription drug abuse in Lincoln County. The names have been changed to protect the identities of the minors involved.
Promote the great state of Montana
To the Editor:
Thursday, January 17
Libby MHP trooper injured in vehicle accident
A Libby Montana Highway Patrol trooper was injured on Monday in a two-vehicle crash involving a semi tractor-trailer.
Tuesday, January 15
Roger L. Bernhard
Roger L. Bernhard, 73, a lifetime resident of the Tobacco Valley, died Wednesday, Jan. 9 at Mountain View Manor in Eureka. Roger was born in Eureka on Nov. 10, 1934 to Xennie Bernhard and Agnes (Mathis) Bernhard.
Three Loggers place at Rocky Mountain Tournament
Of the 11 Loggers who represented Libby at the 32-man-bracket Rocky Mountain Tournament last weekend, 3 placed in the top 6 of their weight class, but one stood out as the "the talk of the tournament," according to coach Jay Graham.
Prescription pill abuse becoming widespread problem in county
Editor's note: This is the second part of a multi-part series on prescription drug abuse in Lincoln County. The names have been changed to protect the identities of the minors involved.
Leslie E. Rose
Leslie E. Rose, 97, died Jan. 12, 2008 at the Libby Care Center. He was born Jan. 7, 1911 at Houser Lake, Idaho to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Rose.
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Lynda Morck
Lack of funding pushes EPA project back
The Environmental Protection Agency's Region 8 Work Plan for 2008 does not include the clean up and abatement of the green and tee boxes at Cabinet View Country Club because of insufficient funding.
Libby beats Polson 53-52
With six seconds left in the Libby vs. Polson boys' basketball game, Jordan Gragert made a layup, catapulting Libby over Polson, 53-52.
Sports
The Loggers held off the Trojans, 54-47 last Friday night in packed Troy arena until the last minute of the game.
News
The recent storms across Western Montana covered the Kootenai National Forest in a blanket of snow. Autumn colors gave way to a sea of white. Recreationists across the area have started to dig through basements and garages for skies, snowboards, and snowmobiles. It is time to start thinking about hitting the slopes of Turner Mountain, cross-country skiing along favorite trails, or traveling the miles of snow-covered groomed and non-groomed open roads.
Thursday, January 10
Lady Loggers wear down Troy on Tuesday
In a game that started off close, the Lady Loggers eventually took control and ran away with the score, 60-19.
Libby mayor addresses chamber of commerce
The Western News
Logger Greenchain is 4-2 at Western Montana Duals
Libby had a strong start at the Western Montana Duals in Ronan this weekend, however the Greenchain wasn't able to sustain it, leaving the tournament with 4 wins and 2 losses under their belts.
JV girls going strong this season
According to Jon England, Junior Varsity Lady Logger coach, all the girls are contributing and starting to click this season.
In memory of our homeless neighbors
~ By Lt. Governor
What is fair among cable companies?
To the Editor:
Adolescent drug abuse escalates in Lincoln County
Editor's note: This is a multi-part series on prescription drug abuse in Lincoln County. The names have been changed to protect the identities of the minors involved.
Local artist loves his work
Bronze sculpting is sometimes called the art of lost wax.
The private American militia
To the Editor:
W. R. Grace trial to test validity of claims
Reports of speculators paying up to $25 per share for stock in W. R. Grace & Co., which is said to be an unusually high amount for a company in bankruptcy, and suggestions that W. R. Grace & Co. is willing to gamble the company on the decision of a lone bankruptcy judge seems to rest on the company's belief that there is medical evidence to test the validity of claims.
Dora E. Jahnke
Dora E. Jahnke was born on Jan. 22, 1920 in Brusett, Mont. to Earl and Elvira Stanton. She passed away on Jan. 7, 2008.
Sexually violent predator coming to Libby soon
The Western News
Holding government accountable
To the Editor:
Give a Helping Hand a great success
To the Editor:
A note from Rep. Heinert
The new year is upon us and it is my hope that all you folks have a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.
A thankful holiday season
To the Editor:
Tuesday, January 8
Trojans tackle two different overtimes
Arlee may have slipped past Troy in overtime 72-62 on Saturday in Troy, but the Trojans made their first conference win in Mission, who they beat 48-45 in overtime the night before.
Bronson D. Parsons
Bronson D. Parsons, 25, of Missoula, died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008 at St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula from injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident involving a motor vehicle.
Libby Mayor delivers State of the City Address
The Western News
Welcoming the first baby of 2008
On Friday, Jan. 4 the staff at St. John's Lutheran Hospital welcomed Ashlenn James, daughter of Heather and Mitchell James as the first baby born in 2008 in Lincoln County. Ashlenn made her entrance at 8:10 a.m. weighing 9 pounds, 2 ounces, and measuring 21 inches long. Dr. Jana Hall, who also delivered the New Year's Baby in 2007, was the attending physician. Ashlenn joins her big sister Alyssa James, 3.
Which is more important: health or money?
To the Editor:
Loggers suffer two league losses
Coach Wally Winslow said the team just ran out of time in the end against Ronan last Saturday in Libby; the Chiefs won, 57-48.
Hey guys, how about some help?
Haven't made any New Years Resolutions? Want some ideas? A sobering evaluation of '07 seems in order for citizens to recognize that more accountability must be demanded of government, local, state, and national. The malaise which has settled over the land and dimmed the bright pursuit of the American dream has developed largely because of circumstances brought about by poor policy decisions at the top. We find it no longer wise to abide by "live and let live policies" when federal actions relative to a bridge collapse in Minneapolis or the Katrina disaster in the Southeast determines whether or not senior citizens in Lincoln County walk or ride. We are faced with the reality that the quality of our futures depends upon the effectiveness of our own collective efforts.
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Roy L. Fletcher
Joan Minette Hughes
Joan Minette Hughes, 87, passed away Jan. 1, 2008 at Brendan House in Kalispell.
The Year in Review, part 3
Oct. 17
Lady Loggers take two in a row
The Lady Loggers were up 26-15 going into the Friday's 4th quarter against Columbia Falls Friday night in Libby, keeping the Wildcats at bay to eventually win their first Northwestern A victory, 36-26.
Robyn R. Dennis
Robyn R. Dennis, 32, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008 at her home in Libby. She was born Oct. 25, 1975 in Kalispell to Robert and Jeannie Blixt Dennis. She grew up and attended school in Libby, graduating in 1994.
Friday, January 4
Thanking the community
To the Editor:
The Year in Review, part 2
June 20
Marie Nicholls
Marie Nicholls, 79, died Thursday, Dec. 27 in Libby. Marie was born in Libby to John Solem, Sr. and Mabel (Paulson) Solem on Jan. 14, 1928.
Klifton M. Harris
Klifton Montana Harris was born March 23, 1913 in Edgerton, Ohio. He died Dec. 27, 2007. As a young boy, he lived on his family's upper and lower ranches in the Judith Basin, Montana, where they raised horses and wheat. Kliff also lived in family homes in Pacific Grove, Calif. and Ohio. He married Bonita Neikirk from Bryan, Ohio in 1937. They moved back to Pacific Grove, where Kliff resided for 67 years. Kliff was a fine golfer on the Monterey Peninsula and club champion in the late 1940's in Pacific Grove.
Montana Viewpoint
By Sen. Jim Elliott
Reflecting on an interesting year
To the Editor:
Remembering a good friend
To the Editor:
People's tax dollars at work
To the Editor:
James C. Cornwell
James C. "Jim" Cornwell was born on Sept. 2, 1954 in Madison, Wis. to E. Jim and Darlene Tainter Cornwell. He died on Jan. 1, 2008 at his home in Irrigon, Ore. at the age of 53 with his loving wife Gloria at his side. In 1964 his family moved to Montana and settled in Lincoln County where he grew up.
Diane E. Spencer
Diane E. Spencer, 61, of Libby died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008 at her home in Libby from natural causes.
Robert L. Plough
Robert L. Plough, 49, of Libby died Friday, Dec. 28, 2007 in Libby.
Murder-suicide claims Libby couple
By ERIKA KIRSCH Western News Editor
Louise A. Plough
Louise A. Plough, 54 of Libby died Friday, Dec. 28, 2007 in Libby. She was born Jan. 14, 1953 in Great Falls to James and Rose Mary Taurman Kelly.
Sonya A. Neisess
Sonya Anne Neisess, 45, died Saturday, Dec. 29 at her home in Libby. She was born in Valparaiso, Ind., the fifth child of Rush Dean and Carolyn Elaine (Fant) Colley on Sept. 27, 1962.
Former Troy resident killed
By ERIKA KIRSCH Western News Editor
Wednesday, January 2
The Year in Review
Jan. 3
Two Libby residents shot, killed Friday
The Western News
Donal E. Croucher
Donal E. Croucher, 39, died Sunday, Dec. 23 in Forsyth, Mont. as the result of injuries received in a vehicle accident. He was born in Jacksonville, Fla. on Oct. 7, 1968 to Edward and Christine (Brock) Croucher. Don was raised and educated in many places in the United States and Japan while his father served with the United States Marine Corps.
Louaine C. Posey
Louaine Posey, of Everett, Wash. died on Dec. 15, 2007.
Arline M. Watkins
Arline Martin Watkins, 87, passed away from natural causes in her daughter's home on Christmas Day. Arline and her twin sister, Ardith, were born to Margaret and Harry Martin at home in Poplar on Aug. 26, 1920.
Giving back to those who have given so much
Despite the dismal circumstances that brought her to the hair salon on Friday, Ashley Neisess and her family were still able to keep their afternoon jovial for the most part.
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Brady A. Nelson
