Friday, July 31
Letter: Senator shows wisdom, courage
Dear Editor:
Letter: Tester legislation represents good start
Dear Editor:
Thursday, July 30
Effort to get Swamp Creek road section repaired intensifies
Whether he’s eating out for lunch, shopping at a convenience store or attending Rotary Club, county commissioner Tony Berget is handing out postcards to everyone he bumps into.
Column: Stopping tragedy with prevention, enforcement
The drunk driver who crashed head-on into my husband Michael’s highway patrol car south of Kalispell didn’t come out of nowhere. He emerged from Montana’s hard-drinking culture.
Online Exclusive: Tester speech on Forest Jobs and Recreation Act
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester
Cleanup workers did great job on property
Dear Editor:
Governor visits Libby to hail Stinger operation
The Montana Department of Commerce awarded more than $5.7 million in grants and loans to fund a bridge-building operation that is expected to provide at least 200 jobs within the next four years.
Kootenai River Rodeo Results
FINAL RESULTS
WN Hiking Series: Grouse Lake Trail
Raspberries, huckleberries and gooseberries lined much of the route during a hike last weekend on the Grouse Lake Trail south of Troy. At the end of the trail, we came upon a peaceful little lake with lily pads after traversing the 1.3 miles.
City begins task to fill new position
Libby City Council will move forward next week in the hiring process for a new city administrator. The new position will replace the current supervisor of city services, who is retiring in the fall.
Good thoughts on beautifying Libby
Dear Editor:
Wednesday, July 29
Loggers baseball: One win shy of state tourney
Leading 5-3 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Libby American Legion baseball team found itself nine outs away from reaching the state tournament in a hard-fought game against the Bitterroot Red Sox.
Tuesday, July 28
Column: Montana needs Forest Jobs bill
It’s time to get Montanans back to work in the woods.
Three Rivers region sees its share of wildfires
A flurry of fires ignited on Kootenai National Forest’s Three Rivers District last week as the result of lightning storms.
Naomi Katherine Casey
Naomi Katherine Casey, 84, died July 23, 2009 at her daughter’s home in Libby.
Maine Elsworth Peace
Maine Elsworth Peace, 68, of Lynden, Wash., died July 1, 2009 at St. Joseph Hospital.
Belly laughs: Teacher-turned-rodeo clown makes name for himself in arena
In the lull of the rodeo when organizers are transitioning between events, spectators can get antsy. That’s when J.J. Harrison strolls in.
Community Advisory Group begins to rebuild
It has been a long haul in the nine years since the Community Advisory Group formed.
More funding pegged for projects on forest
Kootenai National Forest trails and facilities are scheduled to receive much-needed maintenance through stimulus funding, the U.S. Forest Service announced last week.
Friday, July 24
City of Libby finds positives with its budget
The City of Libby fared well over the past fiscal year despite the country’s economic woes.
Lightning storms ignite several fires on forest
A flurry of fires ignited on Kootenai National Forest’s Three Rivers District late this week as the result of lightning storms.
Libby opens districts with 16-0 rout
The Libby Loggers baseball team opened the Western A District tournament on Thursday with a 16-0 rout over the Bitterroot Bucs.
Thursday, July 23
Letter: Fire Department supports Anderson
Dear Editor:
Letter: Libby's hospitality seen at CARD picnic
Dear Editor:
Letter: Parallels between Prohibition, drugs
Dear Editor:
Tester bill includes Three Rivers proposal
Logging and wilderness – existing together in harmony.
Fire breaks out near Lindy Peak
Six crews continued working Monday to contain a fire near Lindy Peak that had consumed 20 to 30 acres of forest land since its discovery Saturday evening.
New wildlife book showcases Troy photographer's work
Shooting from afar with a zoom lens, Donald M. Jones captured incredible images of three cubs riding atop their mama black bear. The playful cubs proceeded to push each other off until just one remained.
Letter: Tester shows courage with Forest Jobs bill
Dear Editor:
Letter: Concealed weapons permit denial justified
Dear Editor:
Letter: Motorcycle driver offers thanks for help
Dear Editor:
Letter: Class of 1959 thankful for welcome home
Dear Editor:
Libby Schools continues with Iowa testing
The Libby School Board voted Monday night to continue administering the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills to students in grades 1 through 11.
Letter: Obama administration not living up to billing
Dear Editor:
Guest Opinion: Closing more roads not answer
(Editor’s Note: The following letter by the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners was addressed to Paul Bradford, forest supervisor, Kootenai National Forest, and submitted to The Western News for publication).
Fire north of Libby under control
Firefighters contained the “Lindy Fire” north of Libby this week to limit the number of acres burned at 18.
Finding hope with 'Ate Annette'
It’s 5:30 in the morning and Annette Fosgate is boiling hundreds of eggs in her small kitchen.
Troy School Board changes training and eligibility rules
The Troy School Board at its Monday meeting approved changes to the district’s training and eligibility rules, allowing more flexibility and falling in line with competing schools.
Tuesday, July 21
Doctor tries out Libby with residency at clinic
In Libby for only a few weeks as part of a residency, Dr. Justin Abbott hopes he may be able to stay in town much longer at some point in the future.
Loggers hoping for another playoff run
The Libby Loggers American Legion baseball team opens district tournament action on Thursday in Whitefish with a first-round game against the Bitterroot Bucs.
Lorna L. Coffman & Montie McPherson IV
Lorna L. Coffman, 26, and her son, Montie McPherson IV, 2, died July, 18, 2009 in Libby due to smoke inhalation from a structure fire.
Karen Filopoulos
Karen Filopoulos, 70, of Libby died Saturday, July 18, 2009 at her home in Libby from natural causes.
VA approves plans to open clinic in Libby
If all goes according to plan, veterans in Lincoln County will have a new clinic to call their own by the end of the year. And when it opens, the nearly 3,800 veterans found in the county will no longer need to travel 100 miles or more for medical services for which they qualify.
Water meter readings in Troy questioned
When it came time for public comments at the Troy City Council meeting Wednesday, local resident Jerry Kensler stood up, unfolded a piece of paper from his shirt pocket and began discussing his household’s monthly water use.
Baucus: Health-care services funding on way
The Department of Health and Human Services announced the release of a $6 million grant to provide an increased level of health care for Libby-area residents suffering from asbestos-related illness, Sen. Max Baucus said Friday.
Mother, 2-year-old son killed in trailer blaze
A woman and her 2-year-old son died in the early morning hours Saturday after a fire destroyed their trailer home on Spencer Hill Avenue in Libby.
Dorothy K. 'Dot' Smith
Dorothy K. “Dot” Smith, 71, died July 15, 2009 at Libby Care Center.
Krushers win state softball title
The Kootenai Krushers 12-and-Under softball team out of Libby won the Babe Ruth Softball state championship with a 16-5 victory over Forsyth on July 12 in Livingston.
Youth Runnerfell seeks slogan contest entries
The Youth Runnerfell 20th Anniversary Slogan Contest has arrived with the deadline to enter set for Monday, Aug. 17.
Monday, July 20
Lorna L. Coffman & Montie McPherson IV
Lorna L. Coffman, 26, and her son, Montie McPherson IV, 2 , died July, 18, 2009 in Libby due to smoke inhalation from a structure fire.
Mother, toddler son die in home fire
A woman and her 2-year-old son died in the early morning hours Saturday after a fire destroyed their trailer home on Spencer Hill Avenue in Libby.
Friday, July 17
Excellence on high seas: Recalling 36 years in U.S. Navy
Herbert Gregory says it’s an experience a man never forgets.
Breaking News: VA to open clinic in Libby
The U.S. Veterans Administration has approved a new veterans outreach clinic for Libby, Sen. Jon Tester’s office announced Thursday.
Tester introduces bill that includes impact to Kootenai forest's Three Rivers District
Standing with loggers, outfitters, conservationists, hunters and anglers who spent years working together on a plan for Montana’s forests, Sen. Jon Tester on Friday introduced his much-anticipated legislation to reform forest management.
Breaking News: Health-care services funding on the way
The Department of Health and Human Services announced the release of a $6 million grant to provide an increased level of health care for Libby-area residents suffering from asbestos-related illness, Sen. Max Baucus said Friday.
Thursday, July 16
Logger trio helps team win state championship
A trio of Lady Loggers helped the Montana Slappers take the U18 championship game on Sunday in the State ASA softball tournament at Bozeman.
Rodeo cowboys to converge on J. Neils Park
Working on a tight budget with financially-challenged sponsors during a nationwide economic downturn, the PRCA Kootenai River Rodeo certainly had plenty of obstacles to get out of the gate this year.
In a positive light: Libby tries to work past negativity
Vans equipped with rooftop satellites scoped out opportunities to illustrate a town that had been declared by the federal government as a public health emergency.
Health board officially reorganizes
A reorganized Lincoln County Board of Health submitted five primary points of concern to Environmental Protection Agency officials last week in a move to improve lines of communication concerning the Libby Superfund cleanup.
Road resurfacing project planned for next summer
A routine road resurfacing project is scheduled for California Avenue in Libby and Highway 37 north to Pipe Creek Road sometime next summer, the Montana Department of Transportation announced Tuesday.
Letter: Sheriff kept his word to keep the peace
Dear Editor:
Remp wins CVCC golf league title
The Tuesday Night Men’s Golf League wrapped up at Cabinet View Country Club in Libby this week with Remp Sand and Gravel taking first place.
Libby awaits final OK on loan to begin sewer project
The City of Libby is awaiting final approval of a federal loan in order to begin construction on the Cabinet Heights sewer extension project.
Letter: Public lands lawsuit now in the courts
Dear Editor:
Letter: Soccer camp thanks police chief Walters
Dear Editor:
Column: Nothing wrong with a little lazy while camping
Sitting in a camping chair overlooking Bull Lake last weekend, I didn’t care about having the appearance of lazy.
Mee takes men's club title
Jimmy Mee cruised to victory in the Club Championship tournament on Sunday at Cabinet View Country Club in Libby.
Letter: Three Rivers plan is exactly what we need
Dear Editor:
Best Bets: Bluegrass, rendezvous highlight big weekend
Tap your toes to the sounds of American bluegrass on one day and then transport yourself back to the pre-1840 time period the next this weekend in the Libby-Troy region.
Two Rivers Rendezvous runs Friday through Sunday
The 14th annual Two Rivers Rendezvous runs Friday through Sunday at Fawn Creek Campground near the Fisher River east of Libby.
Coker resigns as chief of police
After 13 years as Libby’s chief of police, Clay Coker will resign Aug. 1 to pursue a law degree. He submitted a letter of resignation last Friday.
Centennial Series: Family ties at sawmill
When Lincoln County was formed in 1909, Libby’s transition into a logging community was just beginning.
Tuesday, July 14
Insurance company to defend Revett Minerals
Revett Minerals’ insurance carrier agreed to defend it in a multi-million dollar lawsuit filed in February concerning a death at Troy Mine two years ago.
Disaster avoided on Highway 2
A man’s quick thinking may have avoided a disastrous head-on collision Tuesday evening after a woman apparently passed out and veered into his lane about 22 miles south of Libby on Highway 2.
Kenneth Russell Davis
Kenneth Russell Davis, 79, of Laurel, Miss., died June 3, 2009 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Bluegrass festival in 'make or break' year
While traditional and modern bluegrass music plays over the sounds of the Kootenai River in Troy, organizers of the second-year festival will be keeping a close eye on the numbers.
Troy mayor nixes run for re-election
The Troy mayor and two councilmembers who are up for re-election chose not to run this fall, while the Libby mayor and its four incumbent councilmembers will be campaigning to serve another term.
Loggers split 4 in Canada
Two runs short of a sweep.
Letter: Seeking help with lost black lab mix
Dear Editor:
Bluegrass on the Kootenai River
Heading into the second year of the Kootenai River Bluegrass and Beyond Festival, the entertainment lineup will “kick it up a notch.”
Thursday, July 9
Letter: Fallen heroes deserve appreciation, coverage
Dear Editor:
Police find quiet Fourth around county
Lincoln County law-enforcement and emergency response agencies reported a fairly quiet Fourth of July weekend.
Robert Andrew Grimesey
Robert Andrew Grimesey, 80, died July 4, 2009 at his home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Revett increases wages at mine
Only a matter of months ago, Troy Mine workers were unsure about whether or not they would have jobs as silver and copper prices plummeted.
Dam outflows approaching summer norm
Libby Dam flows will be adjusted this week to levels that will remain throughout the rest of the summer, U.S. Corps of Engineers officials announced.
Libby council by narrow margin grants CD to Troy
After approving it in May, then voting to withdraw approval, then discussing it and voting on it two more times at Monday’s meeting – Libby City Council presumably made the final decision, by a narrow margin, to transfer ownership of a certificate of deposit to the City of Troy.
Randall E. Dusky
Randall E. Dusky, 55, of Libby died of a sudden heart attack on June 11, 2009.
Richard "Sandy" Burns
Richard D. “Sandy” Burns, 67, died June 26, 2009 in Rochester, N.Y.
Column: Grocery shopping with lizards in Utah
In Utah, the Beehive State really let its hair down recently, finally permitting people to drink liquor without having to join a gentlemen’s club first. Before that, the state Legislature approved a bill allowing people to go out in public with “emotional support animals.”
Column: Cap & tax is not prescription for economic health
While the eyes of the nation are on the health-care debate in Washington, D.C., Congress is quietly passing legislation that’s specifically designed to undermine the already ailing health of our economy.
Glenn E. Ryals
Glenn E. Ryals, 89, died July 7, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.
Stinger production only weeks away
Bridge manufacturer Stinger Welding Inc. plans to hire 10 local welders this month to train and begin production in an alternative building while the permanent facility is being constructed.
Three Rivers plan promotes unity but some see holes
For more than three years, Three Rivers Challenge has presented itself as a group that embraces the needs of all stakeholders when it comes to timber, recreation and wilderness on the Three Rivers Ranger District in Kootenai National Forest.
Loggers settle for conference runner-up
Following the disappointment of watching a shot at the conference championship slip away, the Libby American Legion baseball team finished strong in a Tuesday doubleheader against Kootenai Valley.
Verna L. Edwards
Verna L. Edwards, 97, of Libby died from natural causes on Sunday, July 5, 2009 in Libby.
Tuesday, July 7
Libby begins search for city administrator
Libby’s new city administrator will work less in the field and play more of an administrative role than the current supervisor of city services, according to Mayor Doug Roll.
Recall group clears hurdle for petition
The Lincoln County clerk and recorders office approved on Monday a petition drafted by a group of Eureka-area residents to remove Sheriff Daryl Anderson from office.
Loggers take 2 at Glacier; still in hunt for title
The sweat started gathering around pitcher Chris Herbig’s brow right from the start.
Jury acquits teen on deliberate homicide charge
Stephen Thomas was justified for shooting Larry Kingsley to death last July, a jury concluded Wednesday after less than two hours of deliberation.
Troy Fourth of July
The Old-Fashioned Fourth of July in Troy attracted a large crowd on Saturday. Events included the annual parade and activities at Roosevelt Park, along with the quilt show at Morrison Elementary.
Sheila O. Kenelty
Sheila O. Kenelty, 60, a lifelong resident of Libby, died July 1, 2009 following a four-year battle with cancer.
Sheryl E. Eberly
Sheryl E. Eberly, 61, of Libby died June 28, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.
WN Hiking Series: Refreshing yet rocky route to Leigh Lake
The beautiful hike to Leigh Lake is a favorite among many locals. For those not familiar with the route, wear good hiking shoes or boots because the last half-mile gets pretty interesting.
Centennial Series, Part II: County sees similar questions century later
“How should we use this land?”
WN Hiking Series: Bramlet Lake
Swooping down close to the water’s surface, a bald eagle was the perfect greeting for a first glance of Bramlet Lake. The eagle took its place on a tree at the lake’s far end, joined moments later by its mate.
Analysis shows catastrophic fire could break out
The potential for a catastrophic fire overtaking populated areas in and around Libby is real. And community forester Ed Levert is trying hard to get the message across.
On the air Ham radio operators
Sitting in a small trailer in Roosevelt Park on Saturday morning, Bill Cunnane’s first contact of the day ended up being an individual in Mongolia – an Asian nation that borders Russia and China.
Thursday, July 2
Letter: Logger marvels at pride found in Libby
Dear Editor:
Troy celebration on the Fourth dates back nearly a century
Locals are proud of events like Troy’s Timberbeast Disc Golf Tournament because it represents a cutting edge activity popular in today’s world. But Troy’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration is cherished for the exact opposite reason.
Column: Camping trips, past and present
In what now seems like a long, long time ago, in a faraway land, my parents and I left the city behind in search of a place to get away from it all.
Reminder: Fireworks on forest lands prohibited
With the Fourth of July holiday arriving this weekend, U.S. Forest Service officials remind visitors to the Kootenai National Forest that the possession and or use of any type of fireworks on National Forest lands are strictly prohibited at all times.
Letter: Nice to keep in touch with home
Dear Editor:
Lincoln County goes 'stratospheric'
The Lincoln County Amateur Radio Group is planning a special event during the Fourth of July celebration in Troy to commemorate the county’s 100th birthday.
Thomas trial: Testimony shows victim as disturbed individual
Just when two teenagers told law-enforcement officials a seemingly fictional account of why they shot a 67-year-old man to death at a remote campground, a third witness fell from the sky like a gift for defense attorneys.
Column: Good, all-around taste of Libby Logger Days
Shooting photos of a special event that runs over a four-day stretch does tend to challenge one’s stamina. But in the case of Logger Days, well, the assignment was both fascinating and fun.
Kenneth Oliver Redifer
Kenneth Oliver Redifer, 73, of Camas Valley, Ore., died Friday, June 26, 2009, in Roseburg, Ore. Born in Roseburg in 1936, he was the son of John and Viola Thrush of Camas Valley.
Wednesday, July 1
Thomas acquitted in Kingsley shooting
Stephen Thomas was justified for shooting Larry Kingsley to death last July, a jury decided Wednesday after less than two hours of deliberation.
