Tuesday, June 30
Loggers sweep pair over Glacier
Eric Riddle pitches during the first game of a doubleheader sweep Friday over Glacier. Riddle threw a complete game.
Best Bets for June 26-29
Logger Days highlights this weekend’s activity slate for residents and visitors.
Lincoln County: 100 years old
“Lincoln County’s first official family takes oath of office this morning in the presence of a medium-sized crowd which had gathered to witness the event.”
Logger Days 5K/10K draws 142 participants
The inaugural Logger Days 5K/10K Run-Walk appeared to be a success, race director Chris Colson announced.
Cynthia Ann (Priest) Zamzow
Cynthia Ann (Priest) Zamzow, 55, died on June 29, 2009, at her home in Libby.
CAG considers ideas for future
The Community Advisory Group took a timeout Thursday from its usual discussion of asbestos cleanup and health care to engage in a candid dialogue about how the group can draw in the community and work more efficiently.
Snowshoe Mine reclamation project in stretch run
Motorists this summer once again face limited access to the Snowshoe Trail and the Leigh Creek trailhead as the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and Kootenai National Forest undertake the last leg of reclamation at the former Snowshoe Mine.
Youth battle in golf tourney
Dan Leggins, Jonathan Davidson, Keith Johnson and Holly Leggins claimed first-place finishes within their respective divisions at the Cabinet View Country Club Junior Tournament, held recently in Libby.
Thursday, June 25
Column: Heard Around the West
MONTANA
Death Notice: Randal E. Dusky
Randal E. Dusky, 55, died of a heart attack on June 16, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.
Letter: Libby Tree Board thankful for generous donations
Dear Editor:
Letter: Visitors appreciate kindness during stay
Dear Editor:
Troy opts for mail-in ballot for fall election
The City of Troy on Wednesday became the fourth and final municipal in Lincoln County to pass a resolution to hold its fall election by mail-in ballot.
Relay for Life goes high-tech in fight against cancer
The Lincoln County Relay For Life is part of an American Cancer Society test program on Sunday to collect donations through text messages.
New status give EPA more authority with cleanups
Along with the run-of-the-mill line of questioning about the Superfund process, the Environmental Protection Agency at Monday’s public meeting answered questions about the Libby area’s public health emergency status.
Martha E. Buchanan
Martha E. Buchanan, 79, of Libby died Tuesday, June 16, 2009.
Students plant trees at old dumpsite
When the Turning Winds Academic Institute approached Troy City Hall for volunteering opportunities for students, city clerk Sandy Johnson had the perfect project – trees.
Former girlfriend takes stand in Thomas trial
Heather Henson took the stand Wednesday in Stephen Thomas’ murder trial, recounting the bizarre events that led the two teenagers to shoot to death 67-year-old Larry Kingsley last July at a remote campground outside Libby.
WN Hiking Series: Glacier NP's Avalanche Lake Trail
(Editor’s Note: This is part of an ongoing series of stories on hiking in northwestern Montana. Past hiking features have been done on the Flagstaff Mountain Trail near Libby and the Old Highway 2 Interpretative Trail near Troy).
James E. Kelso
James E. Kelso, 78, a Troy resident for 48 years, died June 21, 2009 at Libby Care Center.
Web Exclusive: Libby vs. GK baseball play-by-play
Libby Loggers vs. GK Eagles
Logger Days begins Thursday in Libby
For the past four years, Hope Kirschenmann has offered her support to help organize and promote Libby Logger Days.
Loggers split 4 games in home tourney
Keeping errors to a minimum more often than not translates into victories on the baseball diamond.
Susie-Marleen Claire Bradshaw Davies
Susie-Marleen Claire Bradshaw Davies, 67, died June 14, 2009.
Column: It's fitting to see Logger Days at J. Neils Park
When Libby High School’s football players make their way onto the field during home games on Friday nights, a chorus of chainsaws echo through the evening air. Oh yeah, the Loggers are getting ready to rumble.
Bull of the Woods about more than punching hard
In his youth, lifetime Libby resident Mort Curtiss enjoyed lacing on a pair of gloves for a go-around in the ring. To go along with the fun of trading blows with a fellow competitor, he also liked to wrestle in another way to test his one-on-one athletic abilities.
County continues work on bicycle-walking path
Lincoln County commissioners reviewed plans for a walking/biking path in Libby with design engineer Marc Liechti while inviting comments from the public during a hearing on Wednesday morning.
Tuesday, June 23
Jane E. Palmer
Jane E. Palmer, 80, of Libby died Friday June 19, 2009 at her home the Libby Care Center.
Defense: Thomas justified for shooting Kingsley
Opening statements and testimony in the murder trial of 18-year-old Stephen Thomas revealed a storyline and defense Tuesday consistent with the trial of his alleged accomplice, 20-year-old Heather Henson.
Krushers live up to name in tourney
For Troy’s 16-and-under girls softball team, “Krushers” appears to be an appropriate nickname based on results from last weekend’s tournament.
UM students find connection to Libby
Serving as the capstone of a reporting experience that encompassed three months and included daily trips to a federal courtroom, a post-trial trip to Libby brought everything in focus for a small group of college students.
Advanced hunter ed course coming to Libby
The Libby Rod and Gun Club in planning to hold an Advanced Hunter Education Camp on Saturday, Aug. 15, at Fawn Creek Campground.
Summer softball in Libby: Coed league off to strong start
Pull into the parking area near the softball fields at J. Neils Memorial Park on a Wednesday evening and it just might be a challenge to find a spot.
Police arrest 3 in connection with Troy burglary
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Troy Police Department teamed up early Saturday morning with the arrests of three suspects for their alleged involvement with a burglary and vehicle arson.
Kids get hooked at fishing derby
Junior anglers hurled their lines into the Troy Community Pond on Saturday morning with hopes of catching the biggest fish and winning the grand prize – a fishing pole with flashing lights on the reel.
Children's theatre production coming to Libby
The opportunity to participate in theater – to plan, act, sing, dance, design and build – is not always available in small towns like Libby.
Fuller plays DB in all-star contest
Libby High School’s Joel Fuller played in the defensive backfield for the Montana all-stars in the 16th annual Knights of Columbus Badlands Bowl on Saturday in Miles City.
Conquering the Kootenai: Disc golfers take on river at Troy event
An amateur disc golfer won “Discs Across the Kootenai” – an event that has been referred to as the icing on the cake of Troy’s Timberbeast disc golf tournament.
Western News wins 3 statewide awards
The Western News earned three awards on Saturday night in the Montana Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Contest.
Memorial Service: Doris J. Battin
A memorial service for Doris J. Battin, who died on Dec. 31, 2008 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby, is scheduled for Saturday, June 27 at the Church of God in Troy.
Connie Ramsey
Connie Lee Ramsey, 62, died on Friday June 19, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital with her daughter, Lori, by her side.
Ted S. Fisher
Ted S. Fisher, 83, died June 20, 2009 at his home in Troy.
Former PGA Tour player at golf clinic
Former PGA Tour player Lon Hinkle participated in a junior golf clinic last week at Cabinet View Country Club in Libby.
Thomas trial begins in Libby
Jury selection began Monday in the case of an 18-year-old man charged with helping his girlfriend shoot a man to death at a remote Libby-area campground last summer.
Thursday, June 18
County considers options for walking, biking path
It’s Libby’s turn for a new walking and biking path, and Lincoln County commissioners are taking suggestions.
Eight teams vie for Big Bucks title
For the winning team, taking the championship game of the Big Bucks Tournament in Libby gives players pride and a level of confidence that could carry on through the rest of the summer.
Health declaration: Finally, some justice
“It’s about time.”
Trial in murder case set to begin Monday
The alleged accomplice of a woman convicted of killing a 67-year-old man at a Libby-area campground last July will stand trial on murder charges next week.
Team Mee takes 1st in City Tournament
The father-son golfing duo of Jerry and Jimmy Mee took first place in the City Tournament on Saturday and Sunday at Cabinet View Country Club in Libby.
E-waste event likely to return
Libby’s first e-waste event, which collected more than 3,000 pounds of electronics for recycling over two days last month, will most likely become an annual happening, organizers announced.
Best Bets This Weekend: June 19-21
Although the lawn could use a mow and you promised Aunt Flo a weekend visit, folks in Libby and Troy will have plenty of options for things to do this weekend.
Prosecutors dismiss last Grace defendant
Federal prosecutors filed a motion Monday to dismiss charges against the final defendant in the criminal trial of W.R. Grace and Co.
Accident near Troy claims life of woman
A 37-year-old Troy woman died and two others were injured Thursday evening in a Highway 2 accident one mile south of Troy.
Libby Schools to fill up to 4 teaching vacancies
With the Fourth of July around the corner and summer school on the horizon, the Libby School District knows time is running short to fill teacher vacancies.
Harold L. Lind
Harold L. Lind, 77, of Libby died from natural causes on Friday, June 12, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.
House bill co-sponsored by Rehberg impacts car dealers
A bill that would prevent General Motors and Chrysler from cutting dealerships from their respective franchises was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last week.
Colleen M. Wilson
Colleen M. Wilson, 63, died on April 27, 2009 at Libby Care Center in Libby.
Lands less traveled: No postcards or T-shirts
Jodi Peterson, Writers on the Range
Grant could lead to new fire station
With $210 million in stimulus funds available nationwide to build or renovate fire department buildings, firefighters see a good opportunity for the Libby Volunteer Fire Department. Their original idea of tearing down the old city hall and building new, however, is not likely to happen on Libby City Council’s watch.
Letter: Foreign ownership of the United States
Dear Editor:
EPA declares public health emergency in Libby
The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday declared a public health emergency in Libby designed to intensify cleanup efforts and provide better health protections to local residents impacted by asbestos-related diseases.
WN Hiking Series: Enjoying view from old Highway 2
A good way to enjoy views of the Kootenai River in the area around the falls while learning about the region’s history and natural features is to go on a hike down the Old Highway 2 Interpretive Trail.
Tuesday, June 16
Golf course cleanup on horizon
Environmental Protection Agency officials met last week with officials from the privately-owned Cabinet View Country Club to discuss options for a cleanup.
Lapka makes all-state softball
Libby High School’s Nicky Lapka earned a spot on the Class A All-State softball team.
Jennifer K. Smith
Jennifer K. Smith, 37, of Troy died Friday June 11, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital from injuries received in a motor vehicle accident.
Unique competition to include local trainer
Using a rod with a crinkly piece of blue tarp taped to the end, Phil Gunning worked Tuesday to desensitize a horse to quick movement and sudden sounds. He rapidly swished the rod back and forth in front of the horse, on each side and directly behind it.
Tennis court resurfacing draws board's attention
A sense of urgency could be heard in the voices of Troy School Board members while discussing the need to resurface the district’s four tennis courts.
Ham radio operators planning event
The Lincoln County Amateur Radio Group plans to participate in a public demonstration of emergency communications over the weekend of June 27-28, radio hobbyist Doug Griffiths announced.
Column: If you gotta go you gotta go
WYOMING
Special event organizers change alcohol sale policies
Organizers of summer events in Libby and Troy are upbeat about implementing measures to reduce drunk driving, over-drinking and underage drinking this year.
Incredi-Bull: Event decided on final ride
As the second and final round came to an end at the Incredi-Bull Riding Blowout Saturday night at J. Neils Memorial Park, cowboys – a few pleased, but many defeated – changed out of chaps and spurs.
German grapplers try soccer vs. LHS
Putting on a series of exhibition matches around Montana, a club wrestling squad out of Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany has seen its share of time on the mat while experiencing the United States.
Forest Service's stimulus funds create questions
U.S. Forest Service officials spoke Wednesday with county commissioners regarding stimulus funds, and the burning question was, “When?”
Kids Fishing Derby slated for Saturday at Troy Community Pond
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will sponsor the annual Kids Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 20 at the Troy Community Pond at Roosevelt Park.
Loggers rally in win over Lakers
Clinging to a 6-5 lead heading into the final inning, the Kalispell Lakers erupted for a five-spot on the scoreboard to build a comfortable lead in the opening game of an American Legion baseball doubleheader at Libby on Sunday.
Baker 18th in javelin at NCAA meet
Blaine Baker, a 2005 Libby High School graduate, competed this past weekend at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in Fayetteville, Ark.
Friday, June 12
Car accident claims life of Troy woman
A 37-year-old Troy woman died and two others were injured Thursday evening in a Highway 2 accident one mile south of Troy.
Thursday, June 11
River rafters survive spill over Kootenai Falls
A 20-year-old man was rescued by helicopter Saturday afternoon from an island downstream from Kootenai Falls after the river overturned his and a friend’s raft.
Letter: Cat's injuries raise serious questions
Dear Editor:
WN Hiking Series: Solitude on Flagstaff Mountain
With the warm Montana sun beating down, hiking up a somewhat steep trail on Flagstaff Mountain proved to be a challenge – at least for a middle-aged 40-something that has been sitting at a computer keyboard for too many years.
Letter: Treasure Manor thankful for service
Dear Editor:
Web Exclusive: Unsung Heroes
In honor of Flag Day on June 14, Libby resident Judy Matott penned and submitted the following poem.
TV reality star enjoys return to hometown
Libby native Destiney Moore has a lot on her plate right now.
Running event part of Logger Days
In an attempt to bring an annual running event to Libby, the Logger Days 5K/10K Fun Run for Health will make its debut on the morning of June 27.
Loggers sweep twinbill over Glacier
Libby used a home run by Joe Coker and three-hit pitching by Chris Herbig in the opener and a RBI single in the sixth inning by Eric Riddle in the second game to edge the Glacier Twins 3-2 and 4-2 in Whitefish on Tuesday in a nonconference Class A American Legion baseball doubleheader.
Column: Archery event just might lead to new hobby for my son
Leaning over to help my son figure out the mechanics of shooting a bow, Mike Vinion watched with interest as he was able to pop a balloon.
Blackout leads to rollover
An 80-year-old man blacked out and rolled his pickup Tuesday afternoon while traveling north on Highway 2 outside Libby.
Tuesday, June 9
Haines, Peck take 1st in golf tourney
The team of Wayne Haines and Gary Peck shot a 136 low gross to take first place in the Cabinet View Country Club Memorial Invite this past weekend in Libby.
New ID requirement at border impacts locals
Though a new requirement that mandates a passport or similar document to enter the United States through Canada has been in the works for five years now, many have put off applying for one or are unfamiliar with the details.
Libby Dam releases designed to help sturgeon
Libby Dam plans to increase water releases this week in an effort to improve spawning conditions for the Kootenai River’s endangered white sturgeon.
Youth bowhunter camp coming
The Montana Youth Bowhunter Camp for boys and girls ages 10-14 will be staged at Thompson Lake Baptist Camp near Libby from June 28-July 1.
Fisher River Shootout gives bowhunters chance to refine skills
Stalking a brow-tined bull during bowhunting season in the fall, a western Montana sport hunter feels the excitement building with the ominous sound of the elk bugling in the distance. Moments later, satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment fills the air with the completion of a successful shot.
Mary Jane Blinco
Mary Jane Blinco, 84, a former Libby resident, died from natural causes on Friday, June 5, 2009 at Immanuel Lutheran Nursing Home in Kalispell.
Dancer re-trial continued until fall session
William Dancer’s re-trial for allegedly embezzling more than $400,000 from his former employer was continued until the fall jury term, which begins Sept. 1.
Teachers workshop focuses on history of Kalispel tribe, fur trade
A workshop for teachers coming up on Wednesday, June 24 in Hope, Idaho will cover the history of the Kalispel Tribe, North West Company fur agent David Thompson and the regional fur trade.
Teens fine but vehicles totaled in Libby accident
Two teenagers are OK after an accident south of Libby on Highway 2 totaled both of their vehicles Tuesday.
Advanced hunter's education class scheduled
The Libby Rod and Gun Club is planning to sponsor an advanced hunter education camp on Aug. 15 at Fawn Creek Campground, located eight miles up the Fisher River.
Thursday, June 4
Troy's Palmer wins javelin, triple jump at state
It didn’t take long for Troy senior Aaron Palmer to feel the heat on Friday. It was only 9:30 a.m., and he was waiting to compete in the final Class B javelin throw at the state track meet at Legends Stadium.
City of Libby considers mail-in ballots
Libby City Council may decide to hold its municipal election completely by mail-in ballot this November.
Final round of Troy property evaluations to begin
When the Environmental Protection Agency began taking soil samples in December 1999, the primary focus of the cleanup naturally centered on Libby. But the boundaries of the region impacted by asbestos-contaminated vermiculite extended beyond to the neighboring community of Troy.
Letter: GM dealership in Libby not being shut down
Dear Editor:
Column: Newspaper production has seen big changes
Modern technology made it possible for me to design all of our news pages for the May 24 and May 26 editions from a computer in Prescott Valley, Ariz.
Letter: Moving service on Memorial Day
Dear Editor:
Letter: Hospice volunteers recognized for care
Dear Editor:
Libby 5-year-old girl carries on family tradition on track
Blond hair whipped around under her helmet like the orange flag sticking out from her four-wheeler. The boys, many of them bigger and older, easily passed by on their dirt bikes.
Column: Keeping memories of past alive
Oscar Wilde said, “Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.”
Letter: Property owner happy with folks cleaning up
Dear Editor:
Libby woman claims $70,000 prize
A winning $70,000 Montana Lottery ticket purchased in Libby has been claimed.
Loggers' Wright medals in 4 events at state
The Libby High School track team came away from the Class A state track meet in Butte on Saturday with a few smiles. Logger athletes claimed eight individual medals and the boys finished among the top 10 in the team race.
Tuesday, June 2
Officials extend comment deadline on Montanore Project
Because of the complexity of the issue and to make sure all who wish to comment have enough time to do so, the Montanore Project’s public comment period was extended another four weeks.
Palmer works his way to prestigious Harvard
From a small community tucked away in the northwestern corner of rural Montana, Aaron Palmer will make his way onto perhaps the most prestigious college campus in the country.
Loggers split with Mission Valley
The Libby American Legion baseball team split a doubleheader at Mission Valley on Saturday. The Loggers dropped the opener, 9-4, but won the nightcap, 6-5, in Polson.
Transmission line rebuild project begins
After at least three decades of proposals, documents and public meetings, the effort to improve the transmission system in northwestern Montana finally got under way last week.
Troy teen mom beats odds to earn high school diploma
Sitting among her classmates in cap and gown, 19-year-old Lacey Erickson leans forward and smiles wide.
Letter: Newman also served his country
Dear Editor:
Lady Loggers go 1-2 in state playoffs
The Libby High School softball team ended the season by winning one of three games in the Class A state playoffs at Polson.
