Thursday, January 29
County issues air advisory
The Lincoln County Environmental Health Department issued an air advisory on Friday. It is not a air alert but an advisory.
Wednesday, January 28
Police nab prison ecapees in Troy
Two federal fugitives who were caught Monday afternoon in Troy made an initial appearance Tuesday before U.S. District Court Judge Jeremiah Lynch in Missoula.
Henson sentenced to 5 years in jail
A 19-year-old Kalispell woman was sentenced Wednesday for fatally shooting a 67-year-old man last July in Lincoln County with the alleged help of her boyfriend.
Thumbs Up
High court came through
Frontier celebrates fiber optic line
During a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Frontier Communications had a clear message – proactive telecommunications infrastructure lays the foundation for economic development.
Letter: Soldier, snowman need to be replaced or retired
Dear Editor:
Glow in his soul: Turner Mountain becomes 2nd home for 79-year-old
He carves the familiar slopes as he has for nearly 30 years, gracefully meandering the mountain’s features and maintaining a youthful glow in his soul.
Graham finds way to beat Columbia Falls nemesis
Finally, Justin Graham could raise his arm in victory with a defeat of Columbia Falls’ Kelly Houle.
Jan. 30 Briefly
VA representative to visit Troy, Libby
Column: We need more jobs, not more bailouts
On Inauguration Day, hundreds of Montanans joined millions of Americans in our nation’s capital to celebrate a high point in our nation’s history and a turning point in our national policy.
Letter: We must clean up our wood burning
Dear Editor:
Schikora wins divisional title in drama
The Western News
Monday, January 26
Taking Aim: Passion drives Scatterguns to range
The snow drifted lightly on a crisp afternoon – silent and peaceful. An exhale of human exhaust steadies the nerves as the shotgun is brought taut into the shoulder.
Troy treading water on project
Troy Mayor Jim Hammons took a discouraging trip to Helena two weeks ago to compete for grants to replace his community’s aging water system.
Lady Trojans win at Superior
The Western News
Officials, residents discuss air quality
The cleanliness of the air in the Libby area has been a longstanding, delicate issue for residents. Throw in woodstoves and the inability to use them during air alerts and those issues intensify.
Fugitives on run after jail break caught in Troy
Two federal fugitives who escaped from Mineral County Jail made it about 150 miles away before they were caught Monday afternoon in Troy. As of Tuesday, they were sitting in Missoula County jail.
Eureka too much for Lady Trojans, 52-32
The Western News
Jan. 28 Briefly
Sno-Kats Fun Run scheduled for Feb. 7
Eureka scores at buzzer to defeat Troy
The Western News
Troy takes 3-OT thriller over Hawks
Nine-tenths of a second showed on the clock when Thompson Falls junior Will Dalby had a chance to ice a key District 7-B victory on Thursday night over Troy.
Club embraces Scandinavian culture
The Western News
Marcella M. Grant
Marcella M. Grant, 67, of Libby died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009 at the Libby Care Center from natural causes. She was born April 10, 1941 in Oklahoma, where she grew up and attended school. She married Autrey Glover in Oklahoma and the two lived in a number of places throughout the country including Washington, Texas, Alabama and even Japan. She moved to Libby in July 2008.
Wright wins 6 of 7 matches in return to wrestling mat
The Western News
Mee hits five 3-pointers in win over Troy
Once Jackie Mee gets into a rhythm, she can be tough to stop.
Loggers all alone atop conference
It might not have been pretty but the Libby High School boys basketball team stayed atop the Northwestern A on Saturday night with a 49-40 victory over a down Bigfork program.
Online Exclusive: Individual results at Class A Duals
The Western News
Libby girls win battle at foul line vs. Polson
The final stats from the free-throw line tell the story.
New administration impacts wolf status
Just 48 hours into his new administration, President Barack Obama placed a moratorium on former President George W. Bush’s 11th-hour measures.
Friday, January 23
Karen D. Cruzan
Karen D. Cruzan, 67, of Libby died Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009 at the Libby Care Center from natural causes.
Wednesday, January 21
Letter: Pastor hopes to organize pro-life event
Dear Editor:
Maki's contract officially approved on 5-2 vote
In a 5-2 decision, the Libby School Board on Tuesday approved Superintendent Kirby Maki to a contract extension with the district.
County trying to hire justice of the peace quickly
Lincoln County commissioners hope to have a new justice of the peace by the end of next week, an ambitious goal as applications are being accepted until Tuesday.
Lincoln County legislator busy with forest management
With the 61st Montana state legislative session under way, Lincoln County’s second-term representative Chas Vincent (R-HD2) has several proposed bills aimed at forest and fire management.
Letter: Leaving a legacy for future generations
Dear Editor:
Libby School Board ponders about what to do with Asa Wood
Certain issues arise for the Libby School District when consensus is easily achieved. One of those discussions involves building a new elementary school to replace the 56-year-old Asa Wood building.
Letter: Global warming not caused just by humans
Dear Editor:
St. John's hospital site revealed
St. John’s Lutheran Hospital finally made public at Tuesday’s Libby City Council meeting what many suspected all along – the new hospital will be built adjacent to the current facility.
Jan. 23 Briefly
LMS overtime activity Saturday night
Letter: Woman thanks Libby for reaching out
Dear Editor:
Letter: Hunters have to endure 'dog-and-pony show'
Dear Editor:
Presidential memories while Obama takes oath
We don’t know what lies in our future. But while watching the inauguration Tuesday of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States, it’s easy to see that Americans have great hope that positive change is upon us.
National publication recognizes Libby HS with high honor
Libby Public Schools has another feather in its hat.
Monday, January 19
Graham takes 1st in division at Rocky Mtn.
The Western News
Improving market gives hope to Troy Mine
Troy Mine workers found out this week that they will keep their jobs at least through February, a momentary relief after receiving a 60-day notice last December that the mine could temporarily close due to low metal prices.
Adventures with Terra, the Alaskan malamute
It all started when the boys cried, “wolf.”
Panel to discuss Libby's air quality
When an air quality alert banned Libby-area residents from using wood-burning stoves for three days last October, upset residents rallied at the courthouse.
Jan. 21 Briefly
The Western News
Wolves delisted but challenges lie ahead
The recent federal decision to delist the northern Rockies gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act and turn management over to the state has many affiliated organizations feeling déjà vu.
Visit to Libby could be on EPA's agenda
The new Barack Obama presidential administration will bring a changing of the guard for federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency where nominee Lisa Jackson awaits legislative confirmation.
County lays groundwork for job education program
Historically dependent on natural resources for its economic vitality, Lincoln County has not been an easy place to obtain a steady job for years now.
Libby Care Center hires local administrator
After going through three administrators in the past two years, the Libby Care Center opted to choose a local to take on the job.
Logger defense shines in win at Troy
Heading into the second quarter and trailing by a bucket, the Libby High School boys basketball team seemed to flip its defensive “on switch” in a nonconference battle at Troy.
Hitting the slopes
Brandon Roberts/The Western News
Loggers downs Polson; tied for league lead
To veteran Loggers boys basketball coach Wally Winslow, it’s typical to be involved in a tight Northwestern A race.
Loggers fill 7 of 8 baseball tournament slots
The Western News
Saturday, January 17
R.G. Miller
R.G. Miller, 85, of Libby died Jan. 13, 2009 at his home in Libby.
Barry L. Mickelson
Barry L. Mickelson, 60, of Libby died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby from natural causes.
William Van Rice Sr.
William Van Rice Sr., 60, a lifelong resident of Troy, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009 at his home in Troy from natural causes.
Harley L. Newman
Harley L. Newman, 74, died Jan. 15, 2009 at his home in Libby.
Carson R. Hinton
Carson R. Hinton, 94, died on Jan. 14, 2009 at his home in Libby. He was born on July 26, 1914 at Wymore, Neb., the son of Grove C. and Pearl (Smith) Hinton. He grew up in Wymore and when he was in the seventh grade, he started working as a hired hand on farms to help his family.
Wednesday, January 14
Libby man gets prison time for molesting young son
Christopher Haines, 26, of Libby was given a maximum 20-year sentence, with 15 years suspended, on Tuesday after being charged for sexually molesting his young son.
Feds delist gray wolf
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Wednesday that the gray wolf will be delisted and states will assume management duties.
Jan. 16 Briefly
The Western News
Christine A. Reeder
Christine A. Reeder died Dec. 24, 2008 at her home in Libby from natural causes.
Marjorie Joan Scott Knight
Marjorie Joan Scott Knight, 87, died Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.
Libby's Industrial District, Troy Mine partner to move ore to plant via rail
The Big Cam III Cummings diesel and 32-volt electrical system roar into motion, creating enough torque to move the eight ore-loaded rail cars from the Industrial District to a line adjacent the main Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway track that runs through Libby.
Boards give school superintendents passing grades
Whatever the position in a school district – students, teachers or superintendents – there are always tests.
Roll delivers first 'State of the City' address
Though revenues have been sluggish for years, Libby’s city budget is keeping up with expenses, Mayor Doug Roll said during his first “State of the City” address on Wednesday.
Monday, January 12
Michael Clifford Tiegen
Michael Clifford Tiegen, 61, died Dec. 24, 2008 in his sleep at his home in Roseburg, Ore.
New technical adviser appointed to Libby
Filling a position that had been vacant for more than a year, the Technical Advisory Group recently appointed Terry Spear to the post of technical adviser.
Lady Loggers split pair in Northwestern A play
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Libby High School girls basketball team had struggled offensively with a 19.4 shooting percentage. But somehow, the Lady Loggers stayed in the game and nearly came up big to steal a Northwestern A victory.
Experiences & experiments: Circus of Science wows local students
From the big top to school gymnasiums, the Circus of Science rolled into Libby on Thursday, wowing children and adults with experiences and experiments.
New Year's baby arrives at St. John's
The Western News
Troy erupts for back-to-back victories
Playing one of the strongest teams out of Class C, the Troy High School boys basketball team knew they would be in for a challenge Saturday night with a visit from Arlee.
Libby boys now 2-1 in region
The Western News
Troy girls down Arlee by 17 points
With only two seniors on each roster, the Troy and Arlee girls basketball teams definitely have a youthful feel to their respective lineups this season. As such, each school is working its way forward in search of experience and seasoning to take their programs to the next level.
Semitool cuts 13 Libby employees
Semitool permanently cut 13 employees from its Libby plant on Thursday.
Greenchain wins 4 of 6 at Western A Duals
The Western News
Jan. 14 Briefly
The Western News
Snow, ice disrupts cell phone, Internet service in region
Snow and ice severed a fiber-optic cable southeast of Libby last Wednesday night to create over two days of sporadic cell phone and Internet service for customers in northwestern Montana.
Rock Creek Mine gets DEQ approval
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality approved changes to the Rock Creek Mine’s draft Environmental Assessment last month, granting conditional approval to begin digging an adit, part of the project’s first phase.
Libby High hosts speech, drama invitational
Be it theatrical performances or linguistical onslaughts, the Libby High School speech and drama team has expressed diverse talents and rare forte.
Friday, January 9
Severed fiber-optic cable interrupts cell, Internet service
Snow and ice severed a fiber-optic cable southeast of Libby Wednesday night to create sporadic cell phone and Internet service for customers in northwestern Montana.
Semitool cuts Libby jobs by 40 percent
Semitool permanently cut 13 employees from its Libby plant on Thursday.
Wednesday, January 7
Trapping continues its regional presence
More than 200 years ago, map maker and trapper David Thompson arrived in the valley while following the Kootenai River. With him came the Northwest Fur Co.
Jan. 9 Briefly
The Western News
Council amends snow ordinance
The Libby City Council at Monday’s meeting unanimously passed an emergency ordinance amendment that outlaws pushing snow into city streets.
Letter: Reader offers thanks to road crews
Dear Editor:
St. John's hospital opens Cancer Resource Center
The Western News
The Rev. Bernard J. Koenig
The Rev. Bernard J. Koenig 82, of Ronan died on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008 from natural causes.
Bobcat season reaches quota on Dec. 28
Bobcat season closed on Dec. 28 for trappers and houndsmen.
Letter: Reimbursement from Hicks should be pursued
Dear Editor:
Libby police up to full staff
The Libby Police Department has a full staff – for now.
Letter: Libby to re-enter nostalgic days
Dear Editor:
Letter: Gore just messenger in climate change issue
Dear Editor:
Column: USFS skips a chance to do things right
If you’re like me and can’t keep up with the Bush administration’s last-minute policy changes, you might have failed to notice a recent announcement by the U.S. Forest Service. In its rush to tie up loose ends, the Forest Service is hammering out new internal agency guidance documents, called “directives.”
Forest Service office deals with leaky building
In one office, water pours through the ceiling near a window and pools on the floor. Next door in the supervisor’s office, furnishings are pushed to one side so a cleaning crew can extract water from the carpeting. Out front, the receptionist unlocks a cabinet where maps are kept in an effort to air them out and prevent damage.
Column: Retreat to cabin provides great family moments
For a few seconds, I felt a little silly.
Monday, January 5
Herb Neils
Herbert “Herb” Winston Neils, 82, died Jan. 2, 2009 at the St. Francis Hospice in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Lady Trojans down Red Devils
The Western News
Libby's tennis legend: Herb Neils dies at age 82
A man of many passions, Herb Neils will be remembered in his own way by the people whose lives he touched in Libby.
Backcountry avalanche warning issued
The Western News
Loggers knock off Whitefish, 46-45
So much for flying under the radar.
Centennial book seeks 'Roll of Honor' nominees
The Western News
Local unit called to Iraq duty
The Western News
Greenchain splits duals vs. Glacier, Whitefish
The Western News
Looking to quench thirst
A young moose meanders out of the woods to wet his palate on a sunny Sunday afternoon along Highway 2 just south of Libby. With the woods blanketed in winter's white, many animals travel the same paths as people to force drivers to keep a watchful eye while behind the wheel.
Lloyd D. Williamson
Lloyd Douglas Williamson, 69, a longtime Libby resident, died from natural causes on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.
State funding could help asbestos-related agencies stay afloat
Without continued state funding, local officials believe several asbestos-related agencies in Lincoln County will not survive 2009.
James Donald Cummings Sr.
James Donald Cummings Sr., 59, died Jan. 1, 2009, after a hard battle against kidney/bone cancer.
Doris J. Battin
Doris J. Battin, 64, died on Dec. 31, 2008, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.
Heavy snowfall provides challenges for residents
Preventative measures and relatively low snow density has helped Lincoln County residents stay safe during what has seemed like non-stop snow.
Troy boys win in double OT
The Western News
Year in Review: September-December 2008
(Editor’s note: This is the final of three stories reviewing Libby and Troy news of the past year. In this issue, read about events from September through December 2008. In the Dec. 31 edition, January through April was reviewed followed by May through August in the Jan. 2 issue. Also, take note of the list of names that accompany this series. They are the friends, neighbors and relatives that we lost over the year).
Jan. 7 Briefly
Benefit to help resident pay medical expenses
Libby repeats hot start in home gym
For the second straight home game, the Libby High School girls basketball team burst out of the gate to force opponents into an immediate search for answers.
