Thursday, April 30
Vandals strike businesses, homes, vehicles around Libby
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is following possible leads as to who may be responsible for breaking windows in more than 50 vehicles, businesses and homes throughout the Libby area in the wee hours of Thursday morning.
Letter: Parker-Johnston good choice for board
Dear Editor:
May 1 Briefly
Group out to ‘Beat the Stigma’
Nonprofit aims to help disabled youth
A Troy man says that locals will plant the seed money for a nonprofit that he hopes to grow into a multi-million dollar recreational area for the nation’s disabled children.
Grace trial: McCaig dismissed; 3 individual defendants remain
William McCaig, one of five W.R. Grace & Co. executives on trial for conspiring to commit environmental crimes, was dismissed from the case Thursday morning. McCaig is the second executive to be dismissed from the case. Robert Walsh was dismissed Monday.
Martha Lynn O'Neill
Martha Lynn (Nickerson) O’Neill, 55, of Libby died April 13, 2009.
Ellis Bradley Phillips
Ellis Bradley Phillips, 92, a lifetime Libby resident who was known as one of the last lumber barons, died of natural causes on Tuesday, April 28.
Tennis players seek rhythm as May approaches
With snow flying well into the spring, tennis players found the going a bit rough early on this season.
Troy Activity Center plans to celebrate its completion
Back when the original timetable was estimated for the opening of the Troy Activity Center, it appeared that this past season’s boys and girls basketball teams would have a chance to break in the new venue.
Prosecution drops its case against Walsh
The government dismissed all charges against Robert C. Walsh Monday afternoon in the W.R. Grace & Co. federal trial in Missoula.
Column: Let's do our part to prevent teen pregnancy
Since the early 1990s, the teen pregnancy rate has declined 38 percent. In fact, few social problems have improved quite as dramatically over the past decade.
Column: In mother's daze for Mother's Day
I officially became an orphan in 1949. That is, I was a motherless child and by definition back then if you were without a mother, you were an orphan.
Defense witnesses argue against Grace conspiracy
Defense lawyers spent the latter half of Wednesday morning attempting to disprove that W.R. Grace & Co. conspired to conceal the dangerous nature of Libby vermiculite.
Libby Invitational Results
BOYS
Car club honors 2 in Memory Lane
Although never official members of the Igniters Car Club, George Elletson and George Earle will always be a part of their history.
Libby School Board hopefuls answer questions
Editor’s Note:
Myrna J. Wullger
Myrna J. Wullger, 74, of Libby died from natural causes on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.
Local members show support for pro-union bill
A union with nearly 100 local members hosted events in Libby last week to support health-care reform and a federal pro-union bill.
Letter: Public input on Montanore appreciated
Dear Editor:
Wings hopes to fly high during big week
In a community heavily impacted by case after case of cancer, an organization that offers help without red tape shines bright.
Montana legislature adjourns after passing money, tax bills
HELENA – With snow falling outside, the final gavel fell on Montana’s 61st Legislature Tuesday, as lawmakers gave final approval to the state budget, the federal stimulus plan and a bill that seeks to lessen the financial blow to taxpayers from the state’s recent property appraisal.
Health center sees potential with day devoted to diabetes
A physician’s assistant at Lincoln County Community Health Center reserved a day last week to treat and educate his patients about diabetes, an event that he hopes to expand center-wide.
Tuesday, April 28
LHS boys third in own track invite
Seth Wright finds himself in his own world when it comes to the high jump.
Darlene A. Palmer
Darlene A. “Dee” Palmer, 67, of Portland, N.D., died April 19, 2009 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, N.D.
Dennis Borup
Dennis Borup, 61, of Marysville, Wash., died April 20, 2009.
Wright goes 6-8 to break school record in high jump
Libby senior Seth Wright broke his own school record in the high jump on Tuesday during a non-scoring meet at Columbia Falls.
Wet highway plays role in pair of single-car accidents
Two single-car accidents on Thursday between Libby and Troy disrupted the railroad’s schedule and delayed delivery of The Western News to Troy.
Libby Wrestling Club dominates invitational
The Libby Wrestling Club dominated on Saturday at the Northwestern Invitational in Kalispell.
Richard Edward Harding
Richard Edward Harding, 59, of Libby died from natural causes on April 21, 2009 at the Libby Care Center.
THS splits with Deer Lodge
The Troy High School softball team split a pair of close games on Friday against Deer Lodge.
Charlene A. Winter
Charlene A. Winter, 70, of Libby died of cancer on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at the Libby Care Center.
Molloy rules to not dismiss trial for misconduct
Judge Donald Molloy ruled Tuesday morning that he would not dismiss the W.R. Grace case for alleged prosecutorial misconduct.
Lady Trojan duo provides plenty of points
Whether you see them running together in the sprints, competing for distance in the jumps or relaxing near the end of a meet on the high jump mat, Ali Maestas and Molly Harpole spend a lot of time together.
Laura J. Walbridge
Laura J. Walbridge, 63, died on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at her home in Troy.
April 29 Briefly
LEA to hold negotiations meeting Wednesday
Charles Otho Breeding
Charles “Chuck” Otho Breeding, 86, died Thursday, April 23, 2009.
Obituary Guidelines
The Western News publishes obituaries as a free service. Free obituaries are shaped by the editor to conform to the newspaper’s editorial style. Photos are published with obituaries in a black-and-white, half-column format.
Glass stores try to keep up with chaos
Thursday morning was chaotic, to say the least, for Cherry Creek Glass business owner Loren Dodge.
Legion baseball opens season with 3 in Eureka
The Libby American Legion baseball team opened the season this past weekend with three games at an informal tournament at Eureka.
LHS sweeps 3 at softball tourney
The Libby High School softball team went 3-0 during the Frenchtown Tournament on Friday and Saturday.
Thursday, April 23
Season preview: Libby baseball set to hit diamond
Losing five of its top six pitchers, the Libby American Legion baseball team knows that developing depth on the mound could play a major role when it comes to success.
Letter: Proposal considers all stakeholders
Dear Editor:
April 22 Briefly
Kindergarten roundup coming to Libby May 4
School board selects Asa Wood principal
The Libby School Board last week selected a local with more than a decade of teaching experience to become Asa Wood Elementary’s principal this fall.
Lady Trojans off to good start this week with 2 wins
The Troy High School softball team won two of three games early this week. The Lady Trojans whipped Eureka, 16-8, on Tuesday one day after splitting a twinbill against Plains.
Letter: Libby in danger of losing Griz games
Dear Editor:
Letter: Libby Care Center residents enjoy play
Dear Editor:
Graham golf tourney coming
The 2009 Ben Graham Memorial Tournament is scheduled for May 16-17 at Cabinet View Country Club in Libby.
Middle-school high jump mat removed
The Environmental Protection Agency last week removed and disposed of a Libby Middle School high jump mat, school superintendent Kirby Maki announced.
April 24 Briefly
VFW hosting benefit for Stindt family
Defense: Government's case based on inference, not fact
Using documents related to the controversial testimony of witness Robert Locke, the defense argued Tuesday afternoon that the government’s case against W.R. Grace & Co. was based on inference and not fact.
Column: Working together to put folks back to work in the woods
Everywhere I go in Montana, folks want to know what I’m doing in the U.S. Senate to create jobs and to boost Montana’s industries and small businesses. Our economy is the No. 1 issue on people’s minds right now. It’s the No. 1 issue on my mind, too.
Council grants city water users discount
After months of consideration, the Libby City Council voted this week to grant city water users a discount on their summer water bills.
Libby downs Troy in tennis
In the first of two meetings this week against Troy, Libby High School posted wins in boys and girls tennis on Tuesday.
Revett's new chairman of the board hails from Troy
As approximately 180 Troy Mine workers toil underground, board members for the mine’s parent company, Revett Minerals, make all of the mine’s major decisions from an office in Spokane Valley, Wash.
Libby Schools hopes to continue after-school program at high level
Libby’s after-school program ended for the academic year on Thursday and now the wait begins to see if it will continue in the future.
LHS track teams finish 4th at Bigfork Invite
Although slowed down by a heel injury, Libby High School senior Seth Wright still found himself among the elite during Saturday’s Bigfork Invitational.
Rabies clinic in Libby becomes spring ritual
For pet owners that have been putting off getting those rabies shots for the dog or cat, take note of an event coming up in Libby over the week of May 4-8.
Columbia Falls posts rare victory over Libby
Columbia Falls scored four runs in the bottom of the third inning en route to a 5-0 victory over Libby on Tuesday evening. It was the Wildkats’ first victory over LHS in two years.
Troy picks up steam on massive water project
Troy wasn’t in good standing to receive regular state funding for a massive project to fix its water distribution system, but the city continued to aggressively push the congressional delegation and state legislators for stimulus funds.
Tuesday, April 21
Column: Legislator gives update on session's bills, resolutions
The 61st legislative session is drawing to a close with most policy decisions having been run through the proverbial ringer.
Stinger catches senator's attention
With the second-highest unemployment rate in the state, Lincoln County workers have certainly experienced the sting of a challenging economic climate. Even those who remain employed, many fear the possibility of layoffs while others try to make ends meet after enduring pay cuts or reduced hours.
Mission powers by Troy softball girls
Mission erupted for six runs in the bottom of the second and later put up five in the fourth en route to a 16-3 victory over Troy in softball action from Thursday.
Wright continues winning ways in track
Libby High School senior Seth Wright was a triple-winner on Tuesday at the Class A Invitational in Kalispell.
Ada M. Ferguson
Ada M. Ferguson, 79, longtime Libby resident, died April 15, 2009 at Brooke Grove Rehab and Nursing Home in Olney, Md.
Libby High School Hall of Fame to honor Smith, Hileman
With diploma in hand and a desire to take on the world, Libby High School graduates Tony Smith and Todd Hileman each created their own paths to success. And now all these years later, the two will return to accept induction to the LHS Hall of Fame.
Witness: Residents faced imminent risk
The W.R. Grace & Co. environmental trial entered its eighth week on Monday with testimony from a government witness that described the imminent risk of asbestos exposure to Libby residents.
Trojan boys, girls 4th at invitational
Based on early results this track season, Troy High School appears to have a pretty good 1-2 punch going in the sprints and jumps with Allie Maestas and Molly Harpole.
Future uncertain for Libby television signals
Push aside all the technical talk, the eventual transition to digital television and different types of nonprofit groups. The bottom line is Libby could soon lose the ability to operate and maintain its community TV translators because of a lack of funds.
Lady Loggers score 42 runs in twinbill
Following a doubleheader setback to an exceptional Havre squad on Friday, the Libby High School softball team rebounded in a big way the next day with victories of 21-6 and 21-0 over shell-shocked Browning.
Column: Yard work with a little help from my friends
Full with Easter dinner, I set out Sunday afternoon to do some overdue yard work.
Ruling allows Kootenai projects to proceed
Based on a ruling that came down Friday from the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, nine projects on the Kootenai National Forest appear to be back in business.
Residents offer opinions on Montanore
Comments regarding the proposed Montanore Mine followed a loose theme during Thursday’s formal public hearing – locals support the mine, but only if it doesn’t cause unnecessary human disruption or environmental harm.
Troy tennis teams play to draw against Mission
The Troy High School tennis teams didn’t win on Saturday in a dual against visiting Mission. But the Trojans didn’t lose either with both the boys’ and girls’ competitions ending in ties.
Saturday, April 18
Appeals court rejects challenge against Kootenai projects
The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday rejected a lawsuit that challenged nine Kootenai National Forest management projects.
Friday, April 17
Tester to visit Libby on Saturday
Sen. Jon Tester made final arrangements for a visit to Libby on Saturday. The senator will host a listening panel with local timber industry leaders at Libby City Hall at 1:30 p.m.
Accident claims life of 21-year-old Troy man
A Troy man died Tuesday from head injuries he received after driving through a school concessions building and hitting a construction trailer Monday afternoon.
Ricky J. Stindt Jr.
Ricky J. Stindt Jr., 21, of Troy died on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at Kalispell Regional Hospital following injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.
Narcotics conviction impacts Lincoln County
A Kalispell man implicated in a drug trafficking operation that funneled large quantities of methamphetamine from Spokane to northwestern Montana has been convicted of federal narcotics charges.
Thursday, April 16
April 17 Briefly
Nordicfest seeks parade marshal nominations
Column: Memories in the Scotchman Peaks
The year was 1975, and we had just driven to the ridge-top at the head of Dry Creek in the Bull River country. Dad and I stepped out of the truck’s warm cab into a crisp September morning, as the rising sun blushed upon the tops of Sawtooth and Middle Mountains. A new day had arrived in the Scotchman Peaks.
Troy School Board considers options on programs
The music, art and physical education classes at Troy’s Morrison Elementary have been fluid over the past two years, and the Troy School Board will be considering different ways to formulate those programs as it conducts interviews to fill five teaching positions.
Letter: Time to step to plate to support Montanore
Dear Editor:
Shirlee I. Craver
Shirlee I. Craver
Time trials test Libby, Troy athletes
Libby High School’s Seth Wright opened up his final track season with the Loggers by taking first place in three events at the Libby Time Trials on Thursday afternoon.
Libby wrestlers compete at Butte tourney
Twelve of 15 Libby Wrestling Club athletes finished among the top six at the Smith/McCarthy Memorial Tournament in Butte this past Saturday.
Hand, Pepiot nab wins in dual against Eureka
Troy’s Cassidy Hand and Jackie Pepiot each recorded victories in the Lady Trojans’ dual on Tuesday afternoon against Eureka.
Column: Let's remember the children
As dollars from the Economic Stimulus Act arrive here in the eight Rocky Mountain states, most Westerners seem to be talking about spending that money on shovel-ready jobs. The projects we hear about are intended to repair our crumbling schools, bridges, roads and sewers, or to restore our abused landscape.
Mark W. Johnson Sr.
Mark W. Johnson Sr., 65, died at his home in Troy on April 7, 2009.
Libby 8-year-old accomplishes rare feat on golf course
One of the most challenging of sports, golf requires skill, patience and focus. And a little luck never hurts.
Florence pulls away late to defeat Trojans
Florence erupted for 13 runs over two innings to post a 14-3 victory over Troy in a makeup softball game on Tuesday.
Tuesday, April 14
Libby springs into community cleanup
Putting forth an effort to brighten the community in anticipation of those extra visitors that roll through during the summer months, the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce and Kootenai Disposal have partnered along with other businesses to make cleaning up a little easier.
Ralph T. Swimley
Ralph T. Swimley, 79, of Libby died from natural causes on Sunday, April 12, 2009 in Libby.
Troy boys rout opponent in tennis
The Troy High School boys tennis team romped over Clark’s Fork, Idaho, 6-0, on Wednesday on the home courts.
Norma Rae Wuest
Norma Rae Wuest, 78, of Libby died from natural causes on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.
Grace trial resumes with no decision on Locke
The W.R. Grace & Co. environmental trial resumed Wednesday following a week-and-a-half break with Judge Donald Molloy undecided about allowing the testimony of a former company executive.
Libby boys sweep singles to nab win
A singles sweep helped the Libby High School boys tennis team to a 4-3 victory over Polson on the home courts Thursday afternoon.
EPA: Activity-based sampling at Libby schools coming
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Libby Superfund Cleanup team announced last week that activity-based sampling will be completed at local schools this summer.
Libby Tree Board plans project along Highway 2
Fifty new trees will be planted along Highway 2 in Libby as part of a spring tree project, Vicky Lawrence of the Libby Tree Board announced last week.
Myrl J. Carr
Myrl J. Carr, 72, of Libby died from natural causes on Friday, April 10, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.
Trial turns to cleanup issues
The marathon environmental trial against W.R. Grace & Co. continued this week with the latest testimony turning to Libby High School’s track and mine cleanup.
Ralph Fox
Ralph Fox, 83, died on April 10, 2009, at his home in Napavine, Wash., following a lengthy illness.
Flathead survives in Libby, 6-3
One bad inning.
Joe C. Foote
Joe C. Foote, 78, died Tuesday, April 8, 2009 at his home in Libby.
Lady Trojans fall in softball opener to Thompson Falls
The wet weather in northwestern Montana continued to wreak havoc on the Troy High School softball program last week.
April 15 Briefly
Food, diaper drive to benefit Libby pantry
Proposed mine tries to find support
The public comment period for the proposed Montanore Mine will come to a close next month and before that time, the company is looking to gain all the support it can.
Sunday, April 12
Funeral Notice: Joe C. Foote
Joe C. Foote, 78, died Tuesday, April 8, 2009 at this home in Libby.
Friday, April 10
Blanche V. Spencer
Blanche V. Spencer, 88 of Libby died April 9, 2009.
Mark W. Johnson Sr.
Mark W Johnson Sr., 65, died at his home in Troy on April 7, 2009.
Murder-for-hire case goes to Appeals Court
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Seattle has agreed to consider re-trying a Libby man after he was sentenced in U.S. District Court last year on charges of arranging for his wife’s murder – a scheme that never materialized.
Thursday, April 9
Easter egg hunts on tap this weekend
Easter arrives this weekend and a certain bunny rabbit and brightly-colored eggs will be among the sights at local events for children.
Trojan tennis girls tie Valley Christian on road
The Troy High School tennis team opened the season Saturday with a trip to Valley Christian.
April 10 Briefly
Nordicfest seeks groups for food booths
Letter: Shooting cats cannot be tolerated
Dear Editor:
Column: Calling Hollywood to run the West
Macho Hollywood actor Val Kilmer has starred in more than 40 movies, often playing tough cops and Western gunfighters. He’s probably best known for playing the 1995 Batman and punching out a villain called The Riddler. Now Kilmer wants to become a political hero by running for the governorship of New Mexico.
Trio of local wrestlers take 1st at tourney
Garret Chapel, Zach Crace and Eric Thrift of the Libby Wrestling Club each took first place in their respective divisions on Saturday at the Viper Quad State Freestyle Tournament in Spokane, Wash.
Sign vandals strike Libby
Snow mounds have shriveled and disappeared in the past week, along with several road signs.
Dorothy E. Childs
Dorothy E. Childs, 86, of Libby died March 30, 2009.
A new home, a thankful recipient
Rhoda Richardson raised three children on her own. She moved to the area 20 years ago, bought eight-tenths of an acre off of Bull Lake Road near Troy and paid off a trailer house that rested on the property.
Tuesday, April 7
Lady Loggers open season by winning 2 of 3
The last time Frenchtown High School pitcher Shelby Russ took the mound, she put together an exceptional pitching performance only to see Libby rally over the last two innings for a 6-5 victory in the Class A state title game.
Web exclusive: Black bears continue to thrive in Montana
The American black bear is a distant cousin to the grizzly bear, and remains a revered game animal in Montana.
Web exclusive: Grizzlies continue to face challenges
Montanans interested in the well being of grizzly bears have had good and bad news recently.
Web exclusive: Fact and fiction on bears
Lewis and Clark were among the first to report seeing the "great white bear" about 200 years ago. By that time bear stories were already a favorite of early explorers and trappers, and later these stories appeared in the early correspondence and diaries of pioneers and settlers.
Web exclusive: Tips on selecting bear spray and living with bears
Bear Spray must be clearly labeled "for deterring attacks by bears" according to the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee's Web site. Purchase products that are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. The agency's Bear Deterrent Web site lists registered bear pepper spray manufacturers.
Retired housewife takes role of 'madam'
From her flashy feathered hat to her high-heeled boots, Mary Gleim presented herself to the library audience as an entrepreneur – a smart, law-abiding businesswoman who must be the most persecuted woman in the entire world.
Web exclusive: Recreating in Bear Country
Following are suggestions from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks on what recreationists can do to prevent conflicts with bears.
Wildlife officials offer tips on bears
With the arrival of spring and an increase in outdoor recreation opportunities, ventures into the backcountry will on many occasions include episodes of interaction between humans and bears.
LHS track team gets ready to open season
When falling snow and rain become more common than warm afternoons with chirping birds, coaches find themselves using any technique they can to measure the athletic skills of their runners, jumpers and throwers.
Three Libby wrestlers claim state titles
Zach Crace, Mitch Haugen and Eric Thrift each claimed state youth wrestling titles on Saturday at the Western Montana Championships.
Columbia Falls Invitational cancelled
The Libby High School track and field team will open the season at home on Thursday with its own Libby Time Trials.
Web exclusive: A good reason not to run pack bear spray
Research in Alaska indicates that bear spray reduces the number of bears killed in self-defense and reduces human injuries caused by bears.
Trojan boys take 4th at Frenchtown track meet
Aaron Palmer, Scotty Harper and Cullen Metz all won places to help the Troy High School boys to a fourth-place finish at the 19-school Tolman-Touchette TNT Memorial track meet at Frenchtown on Saturday.
Lois G. Howarth
Lois G. Howarth, 92, died March 25, 2009 in an Oregon City, Ore., hospital following an extended illness.
Bridge access bill wins approval, governor's praise
HELENA – The state House gave final approval last week to a bill that would allow anglers, floaters and hikers to gain access to the state's rivers and streams via public bridges on public roads.
Stimulus bill offers tax credits as lawmakers aim to hold down property taxes
HELENA – Despite dozens of tax-relief bills this session, officials say only two tax measures are likely to affect most Montanans in the end: a federal tax cut and a plan to keep property taxes in check.
Group organizes activities to mark county centennial
The year was 1909 and Lincoln County had just formed. Somehow, Libby became the county seat after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its own decision to grant that designation to Eureka.
April 8 Briefly
Libby VFD plans live fire training exercises
Iris Ann Peterson
Iris Ann Peterson, 71, of Troy died April 1, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital from complications after surgery.
LHS tennis teams fall to Polson, Hamilton
The Libby High School tennis team dropped matches to Polson and Hamilton on the road Saturday.
Vincent legislation designed to help the timber industry
The Senate listened to hearings Monday for a two-bill package aimed to help the state’s struggling timber industry and to make Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks more fiscally responsible.
Web exclusive: Good news for campers this summer
Bear Spray must be clearly labeled "for deterring attacks by bears" according to the Interagency Grizzly
April 3 Briefly
Easter Egg Hunt in Libby set for April 11
Saturday, April 4
Frenchtown beats Libby in rematch of A finale
The Libby High School softball team played on its home field for the first time on Saturday and took a 9-5 loss to Frenchtown.
Thursday, April 2
Trojans hope for good run in B-C tennis
Following a sixth-place finish at state during their sophomore seasons, the Troy High School doubles team of Shado Garrett and Jesse Day came back as juniors to place third in the Class B-C showcase.
Column: Relax, enjoy the rest of the trip
I was eating lunch with my bosom buddy the other day and she raised her eyebrows when I ordered dessert. “A nice apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream, please.”
Guest Opinion: Officers voice concerns over HB228
(Editor’s note: The following guest opinion was submitted with the signatures of 29 Lincoln County law-enforcement officials).
Lincoln Theatre's legacy lives on
For a dime per child and a quarter per adult, Troy residents watched silent movies and accompanying Vaudeville acts at the Lincoln Theatre when television was only an idea in the mind of an inventor.
Lady Trojans' softball opener pushed back
Troy High School’s season opener has been pushed back six days, coach Russ Thompson reported on Tuesday.
KNF's '10-percent projects' to start soon
With initial funding in place and contractors ready to roll, all Kootenai National Forest needs now is a little cooperation from Mother Nature.
Mistrial: Jury cannot agree on verdict; case may be retried
District court judge Michael Prezeau declared a mistrial Monday evening in the William Dancer embezzlement case after jurors were unable to reach a verdict in 13 hours of deliberation spread over two days.
Column: 'Googling' to hook up with friend of past
Trying to find a friend from the past can be an interesting and exciting endeavor but also filled with frustration and disappointment. But with all of the online aids these days, the possibility of hooking up with those you lost touch with has become easier than ever.
April 1 Briefly
Diabetes self-care programs planned
Violet M. Riley
Violet M. Riley, 90, of Libby died from natural causes on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the Libby Care Center.
Sherry L. Boling
Sherry L. Boling, 62, of Libby died from natural causes on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.
