Thursday, August 27
Too Slim headlines blues festival
Too Slim and the Taildraggers will headline the inaugural Riverfront Blues Festival on Saturday in Libby.
Troy spikers looking to move up
With fire in their eyes and power in their hits, the Troy High School volleyball team has intentions of making a little noise this season in Class B.
Weekend Sports Capsules
FOOTBALL
Police chief search continues
The City of Libby will more-than-likely set a new deadline for chief of police applicants, as only one person has shown interest so far after a month of local and statewide advertising.
Column: Perspectives from home on glacier
I spent the summers of 2007 and 2008 on a glacier in southeast Alaska, with 12 people and 200 huskies. I was working as a dogsled guide, and each morning I’d pull myself from my sleeping bag, slip on my raincoat and boots, and step from my tent into the pale light of the northern summer, the glacier luminous beneath me in the rising sun.
Youth golfer tears up course
Nine-year-old golfer Ryggs Johnston of Libby has put together another exceptional run on the links this summer.
Mine settlement pending approval
A settlement between Revett Minerals and government regulators concerning a fine levied after a Troy Mine worker’s death two years ago was reached last week and is pending a judge’s approval.
State champion Loggers hoping for shot to repeat
It’s a tough act to follow.
County fair kicks off this week in Eureka
A century ago, the few existing roads in the county were rough with wagon wheel ruts, and it was inconceivable for Libby and Troy residents to travel to Eureka for the Tobacco Valley Fair.
Aug. 26 Briefly
Pre-registration required for Youth Runnerfell
Program helps kids with disabilities
The Child Development Center in Kalispell with help from the Plum Creek Foundation helped 35 kids from Libby and Kalispell enjoy summer activities through a “Be Safe Summer Program” for children ages 6-18.
Aug. 28 Briefly
Garage sale to benefit local shelter
Libby cross country squad preps for long road ahead
On the surface, an 89th-place finish at the Class A state cross country meet may not seem like much of an accomplishment. But for William Lott, the effort on the University of Montana course represented his best time of the season in the continuing battle to lower personal-bests.
Tuesday, August 25
Honors long overdue: Veteran, now 81, receives decorations
Jack Cunningham never talked about the horrors he witnessed while moving through the treacherous Pacific Ocean during World War II in a cargo ship full of food, explosives and fuel.
LHS gridders show potential
Finishing the season with a 4-4 overall record and staying home during the playoffs was out of character for the Libby High School football program. The Loggers had established themselves as postseason mainstays in previous years under head coach Neil Fuller.
EPA's Montana director suffers fatal fall on hike
A 64-year-old Environmental Protection Agency official died after tumbling down a cliff Thursday night while descending Snowshoe Peak with a fellow hiker, law-enforcement officials confirmed.
Trojans hope to carry over momentum from playoff year
The enthusiasm on the Troy High School football field is easy to spot.
Logger girls soccer team works hard to find success
On a windy day in Billings, the Libby High School girls soccer team experienced a painful elimination from the state playoffs after seeing a 2-0 lead turn into a 3-2 overtime loss. It was a disappointing conclusion to a stellar season that included the Lady Loggers’ first-ever conference title and a victory over Whitefish.
Study: Forest products outlook still gloomy
Montana’s forest products industry saw increases in employment, wages and production during the second quarter of 2009, but those indicators remain at very depressed levels, University of Montana researcher Todd Morgan reports.
Lady Logger spikers return plenty for another run in NW
An imposing presence at the volleyball net, Libby High School senior Jackie Mee definitely captures the opponent’s attention. In fact, Mee’s skills are so exceptional that she attracts two, sometimes three blockers in an attempt to control the damage that she can inflict.
Stephen 'Steve' W. Stewart
Stephen “Steve” W. Stewart, 59, died Aug. 13, 2009 at Libby.
County favors non-partisan ballots
Lincoln County commissioners gave final approval Wednesday to hold a special mail-in election this fall to allow voters to decide if the county should begin conducting elections as non-partisan.
Robert Elmer Brazington
Robert Elmer Brazington, 68, of Libby died at 8:20 a.m. on Aug. 19, 2009 following a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Friday, August 21
EPA's Montana director dies from fall on Snowshoe Peak
A 64-year-old Environmental Protection Agency official died after falling off a cliff Thursday night while descending Snowshoe Peak with a fellow hiker, law-enforcement officials confirmed.
Thursday, August 20
Libby council votes on employee raises
The Libby City Council at Monday’s meeting granted all city employees a 1.5-percent cost of living increase and the standard 1-percent longevity rate.
Aug. 19 Briefly
Heritage Museum to host event for volunteers
Letter: Hunting proposal unethical at its core
Dear Editor:
Column: Exploring area on trails proves to be rewarding
When it comes to writing, one of the biggest rewards that a reporter can receive is feedback from the public. When folks go out of their way to comment on something you’ve written, it means they’re reading your stories and it generated a reaction – whether it’s positive or negative.
Letter: Hospital patient appreciates good care
Dear Editor:
Column: Can natural gas save the world?
Some 15 million Americans believe the moon landings were faked. Millions more are convinced that the sun revolves around the earth, which is approximately 6,000 years old.
School board commits to replace Asa Wood
The Libby School Board on Monday night agreed to move forward in its pursuit of a new elementary school building. The aging building, constructed in the 1950s, has been a point of concern for school board members.
Aug. 21 Briefly
Wildfire mitigation meeting scheduled
Letter: Universal health care will benefit lobbyists
Dear Editor:
Dale H. Aarstad
Dale H. Aarstad, 65, of Troy died Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby from natural causes.
Gun club votes to back Walters
A Troy gun club voted at its Tuesday meeting to support the efforts of Troy’s chief of police in his dispute concerning assets belonging to another gun club.
Kathleen 'Kay' Virginia Wilkinson
Kathleen “Kay” Virginia Wilkinson, 89, died Aug. 12, 2009 in Libby.
Tuesday, August 18
Back to School: Elementary PE classes among additions in Troy
Troy teachers are preparing their classrooms and school officials are scrambling to get everything in order before the buses fire up and the schools come back to life on Aug. 26.
Back to School: Libby schools plan registration days, open houses
(Following is a rundown of registration and other information for each school in the Libby School District).
Back to School: Communication with parents on minds of Libby educators
School bells in Libby will be ringing on the morning of Aug. 31 as children in grades 1-12 head back to the classroom.
Memories flow during McCormick's centennial
When 79-year-old Juanita “Neta” Randolph Sheffler attended McCormick School, the one-room schoolhouse had no electricity or indoor plumbing, she walked five miles to school and after eighth grade, the Troy woman quit to work in the woods.
Robert 'Bob' Barnes
Robert “Bob” Barnes, 81, of Libby died Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009 following a battle with asbestosis.
Golf course prepares for cleanup
The Environmental Protection Agency didn’t achieve its Monday target date to begin asbestos removal at the Cabinet View Golf Course but has begun preparations for the six-week cleanup.
Welcie Edward Maynard
Welcie Edward Maynard, 72, former Libby resident, died Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009 at his home in Chatham, Ill., from lung cancer.
Jeanine M. Lethrud
Jeanine M. Lethrud, 63, died Aug. 12, 2009 at her home in Libby.
WN Hiking Series: Granite Creek Trail to Waterfall
“Be careful, it’s slippery,” my wife called out a split second before I fell to my butt and slid violently down an embankment.
Thursday, August 13
Libby youngster fighting leukemia
An active 10-year-old who showed no signs of an illness, Giovanni Cano suddenly finds himself in the fight of his life. The Libby youngster was diagnosed with leukemia and is now receiving treatment at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital in Spokane, Wash.
Letter: Positive image seen around Libby
Dear Editor:
Column: Mixed emotions on watching child head off to college
On Saturday afternoon, my stepdaughter will climb aboard a U.S. Airways flight in Spokane and head to college in Flagstaff, Ariz.
Aug. 14 Briefly
Riverfront Blues Festival coming Aug. 29
Virginia McGill
Virginia Mae McGill, 78, died Aug. 9, 2009 at Sandpoint, Idaho.
National art exhibit to make stop in Eureka
A national exhibit of new work by artist Robert Rickard, “Terra Mia,” is scheduled to open Aug. 22 at the Silver Fish Gallery in Eureka.
Shakespeare program in Libby Aug. 16-17
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks returns to Libby this summer with performances on Sunday and Monday evening at the middle school amphitheater.
Column: Too much bling fills landscape
Mary Flitner, Writers on the Range
Libby Dam operation earns national recognition
Libby Dam project manager Mick Shea first learned that his crew won a national award when he stepped off a plane in Spokane, Wash., and checked his voicemail.
Judge throws out Thomas conviction
After determining that neither the District Court nor the youth court has the jurisdiction to sentence Stephen Thomas for tampering with evidence when he was age 17, District Court Judge Michael Prezeau threw out his conviction and released him from jail last week.
Guest editorial: Take action to stop elimination of game animals
Hunters … I am going to suggest something that many will say is controversial.
Clyde B. Rexroad
Clyde B. “Rex” Rexroad, 70, of Libby died at his home on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009.
Commissioners approve salary plan
Lincoln County commissioners approved salaries Wednesday, granting a 2-percent cost of living increase to all non-union county employees and giving a 1-cent per hour increase to elected officials.
Igniters cruise into part of Libby's history
In a scene typical of the times for many towns around the country, Ivan Troyer enjoyed cruising Mineral Avenue in his ’55 Ford, hanging out at the Blue Bear and getting rowdy with his friends.
Libby man, 62, faces sexual molestation charges
A 62-year-old Libby man is awaiting arraignment in district court for allegedly molesting several pre-pubescent children over a span of nearly two decades.
Letter: Hospital prompt care, ER staffers excel
Dear Editor:
Cabinet View stages annual Member-Guest tourney
Joe Cielak and Chuck Eble turned in a gross score of 135 to claim first place in this past weekend’s Member-Guest Tournament at Cabinet View Country Club in Libby.
Health board takes action on contaminated house
The neighbors have had enough.
Wednesday, August 12
State investigating actions of Troy police chief
The Montana Department of Justice is investigating Troy’s chief of police for allegedly refusing to surrender property owned by a gun club that members say will cost $7,000 to replace.
Tuesday, August 11
WN Hiking Series: Scenic excursion along Cedar Cre
With sore joints, tired feet and a trick knee, seeing my vehicle in the distance at the trailhead was a welcome sight. The personal theme of the day, however, was not about aches and pains but the fact that I had just completed my first-ever hike of 10 or more miles.
WN Hiking Series: Short stroll to waterfall
A hike along the Little North Fork Falls Nature Trail in Kootenai National Forest’s Rexford District does not require boots, sticks or even water. In fact, the hike probably could easily be called a stroll over its route of one-fourth of a mile.
Letter: Why perpetuate a broken system?
Dear Editor:
Aerosmith tribute band to rock ballpark
While meeting one of his guests back on July 16, talk show host Regis Philbin thought Chris Vandahl looked familiar.
Aug. 12 Briefly
Vendor Fair coming to Libby Aug. 15
Death Notice: Jim R. Morey
Jim R. Morey died Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009 at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula.
Agencies plan emergency response drill
The heavy snows of 1996 collapsed the roofs of dozens of local businesses and homes, including the VFW Hall only hours after it had been crowded with people.
Relay's spirit visible all night
Cleone Spiering changed into her walking shoes Friday night for her 57-year-old daughter in Las Vegas.
Dropping party affiliations from ballots catches county's interest
If Lincoln County commissioners give final approval at an Aug. 19 meeting in Eureka, the county will hold a special election this fall to decide whether or not to continue conducting county elections as partisan or to switch to non-partisan elections.
Thursday, August 6
Treasure Tones releases two CDs
The Treasure Tones, a 20-voice choral ensemble based in Libby, has released two compact discs, director Phyll Minde-Mackey announced.
Libby man injured in head-on near Bonners Ferry
Two elderly drivers were hospitalized Friday at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Wash., following a head-on crash south of Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
Letter: Safe, enjoyable weekend of bluegrass
Dear Editor:
Letter: Tester talk no big surprise
Dear Editor:
Wilma Jean Foster
Wilma Jean Foster, 65, of Troy, died at her home July 17, 2009.
Joshua D. Reid
Joshua D. Reid, 25, of Libby died on Saturday, Aug. 1 in Libby.
Aug. 7 Briefly
Library series wrapping up
Motorcycle accident claims man's life
A man died early Sunday morning in a motorcycle accident on Highway 2, west of Libby, the day before his 26th birthday.
Former war refugee helps people find way into music
Escaping occupied Hungary with his family as an infant during the tail end of World War II, Gabriel Farago could easily be characterized as someone who has lived “the American dream.”
Michael S. Kair
Michael S. Kair, 24, died Thursday, July 31, 2009 at his home in Libby from natural causes.
Hunting huckleberries is tradition for longtime resident
Jeanne Spooner plucked each ripe huckleberry carefully, holding a certain amount of reverence for the wild fruit collecting at the bottom of her heavy cup.
Scotchman Mine project receives stimulus funds
Kootenai National Forest received funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for cleanup of the abandoned Scotchman Mine southwest of Libby.
Relay For Life: Celebrate, remember, fight
It’s a difficult challenge.
EPA cleanup process sees change
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s new role in property cleanups this fall should improve efficiency and change very little else, according to an official with the agency.
Libby native returns to roots with concert
A group of Montana boys getting back to the small town of one of its band members … helping out with a good local cause … and a chance to play the links at Cabinet View, float the Kootenai and maybe even sleep on the ground at Pioneer Park.
Alvin 'Skip' M. Savage
Alvin “Skip” M. Savage, 60, died Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009 at his home in Libby from natural causes.
Bigger staff on horizon for police
The City of Libby is in the process of replacing three police officers it lost and, with the help of federal stimulus fund grants, plans to hire two more to fill a full-time and a part-time position.
Guest Opinion: Tester jobs bill not serious about jobs
Introducing his first major legislative attempt (S-1470, the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act), Sen. Jon Tester declared “It’s time to get Montanans back to work in the woods.” All Montanans should agree with that.
Huckleberry season not over just yet
It’s already August, but huckleberry picking season is not over yet, according to Greg Hall, who has been fascinated with the pastime since moving to Libby in 1990.
Column: Make sure to not miss Montana's state fair
“Our state fair is a great state fair, don’t miss it, don’t even be late!”
Tuesday, August 4
Troupe puts final touches on Oliver
“Louder, guys! I can’t hear you!” director Rebecca Sporman hollers, with clipboard in hand, from a back row seat. She races down the aisle to the stage to give further instructions and then returns to the back.
KPFL continues work on building
Though work on the new Kootenai Pets for Life animal shelter in Libby has experienced delays due to funding and volunteer shortages, the organization moved forward Friday in fulfilling its agreement to take over housing, medical needs and adoption of all county animals.
Aug. 5 Briefly
Little Chief Award seeks candidates
Rhea Marie Norvell
Rhea Marie (Davis) Norvell, 67, of Libby died Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009 at Libby Care Center.
Free seminar at Libby Library could lead to success in music industry
Escaping occupied Hungary with his family as an infant during the tail end of World War II, Gabriel Farago could easily be characterized as someone who has lived “the American dream.”
Libby golfers play in state women's amateur tourney
Five golfers from the Cabinet View Ladies Golf Club competed in the July 22-25 Montana State Women’s Amateur and Senior State Golf tournaments in Missoula.
Geraldine M. Fletcher
Geraldine M. Fletcher, 77, died Aug. 1, 2009 in Libby.
