Stories for June 2009

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Tuesday, June 30

June 30, 2009 midnight

Best Bets for June 26-29

Logger Days highlights this weekend’s activity slate for residents and visitors.

Loggers sweep pair over Glacier
June 30, 2009 midnight

Loggers sweep pair over Glacier

Eric Riddle pitches during the first game of a doubleheader sweep Friday over Glacier. Riddle threw a complete game.

Cynthia Ann (Priest) Zamzow
June 30, 2009 midnight

Cynthia Ann (Priest) Zamzow

Cynthia Ann (Priest) Zamzow, 55, died on June 29, 2009, at her home in Libby.

June 30, 2009 midnight

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.

June 30, 2009 midnight

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.

Logger Days 5K/10K draws 142 participants
June 30, 2009 midnight

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.

Lincoln County: 100 years old
June 30, 2009 midnight

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.”

June 30, 2009 midnight

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.

Thursday, June 25

Former girlfriend takes stand in Thomas trial
June 25, 2009 midnight

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.

June 25, 2009 midnight

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.

June 25, 2009 midnight

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.

June 25, 2009 midnight

Web Exclusive: Libby vs. GK baseball play-by-play

Libby Loggers vs. GK Eagles

June 25, 2009 midnight

Column: Heard Around the West

MONTANA

June 25, 2009 midnight

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.

June 25, 2009 midnight

Letter: Visitors appreciate kindness during stay

Dear Editor:

June 25, 2009 midnight

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.

Loggers split 4 games in home tourney
June 25, 2009 midnight

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
June 25, 2009 midnight

Susie-Marleen Claire Bradshaw Davies

Susie-Marleen Claire Bradshaw Davies, 67, died June 14, 2009.

Death Notice: Randal E. Dusky
June 25, 2009 midnight

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.

June 25, 2009 midnight

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.

June 25, 2009 midnight

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.

Martha E. Buchanan
June 25, 2009 midnight

Martha E. Buchanan

Martha E. Buchanan, 79, of Libby died Tuesday, June 16, 2009.

James E. Kelso
June 25, 2009 midnight

James E. Kelso

James E. Kelso, 78, a Troy resident for 48 years, died June 21, 2009 at Libby Care Center.

Logger Days begins Thursday in Libby
June 25, 2009 midnight

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.

Relay for Life goes high-tech in fight against cancer
June 25, 2009 midnight

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.

WN Hiking Series: Glacier NP's Avalanche Lake Trail
June 25, 2009 midnight

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).

Tuesday, June 23

June 23, 2009 midnight

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.

Jane E. Palmer
June 23, 2009 midnight

Jane E. Palmer

Jane E. Palmer, 80, of Libby died Friday June 19, 2009 at her home the Libby Care Center.

Fuller plays DB in all-star contest
June 23, 2009 midnight

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.

June 23, 2009 midnight

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.

Former PGA Tour player at golf clinic
June 23, 2009 midnight

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.

June 23, 2009 midnight

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.  

June 23, 2009 midnight

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.

Summer softball in Libby: Coed league off to strong start
June 23, 2009 midnight

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.

June 23, 2009 midnight

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
June 23, 2009 midnight

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.

Connie Ramsey
June 23, 2009 midnight

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.

June 23, 2009 midnight

Western News wins 3 statewide awards

The Western News earned three awards on Saturday night in the Montana Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Contest.

June 23, 2009 midnight

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.

June 23, 2009 midnight

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.

Conquering the Kootenai: Disc golfers take on river at Troy event
June 23, 2009 midnight

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.

Memorial Service: Doris J. Battin
June 23, 2009 midnight

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.

Ted S. Fisher
June 23, 2009 midnight

Ted S. Fisher

Ted S. Fisher, 83, died June 20, 2009 at his home in Troy.

Thursday, June 18

June 18, 2009 midnight

Letter: Foreign ownership of the United States

Dear Editor:

June 18, 2009 midnight

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.

June 18, 2009 midnight

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.

June 18, 2009 midnight

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.

June 18, 2009 midnight

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.

June 18, 2009 midnight

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.

June 18, 2009 midnight

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.

June 18, 2009 midnight

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.

Team Mee takes 1st in City Tournament
June 18, 2009 midnight

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.

June 18, 2009 midnight

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.

Health declaration: Finally, some justice
June 18, 2009 midnight

Health declaration: Finally, some justice

“It’s about time.”

County considers options for walking, biking path
June 18, 2009 midnight

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.

June 18, 2009 midnight

Lands less traveled: No postcards or T-shirts

Jodi Peterson, Writers on the Range

Harold L. Lind
June 18, 2009 midnight

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.

WN Hiking Series: Enjoying view from old Highway 2
June 18, 2009 midnight

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.

June 18, 2009 midnight

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.

June 18, 2009 midnight

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.

Colleen M. Wilson
June 18, 2009 midnight

Colleen M. Wilson

Colleen M. Wilson, 63, died on April 27, 2009 at Libby Care Center in Libby.

Tuesday, June 16

June 16, 2009 midnight

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.

Unique competition to include local trainer
June 16, 2009 midnight

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.

Loggers rally in win over Lakers
June 16, 2009 midnight

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.

Jennifer K. Smith
June 16, 2009 midnight

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.

June 16, 2009 midnight

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.

German grapplers try soccer vs. LHS
June 16, 2009 midnight

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.

June 16, 2009 midnight

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.

June 16, 2009 midnight

Column: If you gotta go … you gotta go

WYOMING

June 16, 2009 midnight

Lapka makes all-state softball

Libby High School’s Nicky Lapka earned a spot on the Class A All-State softball team.

June 16, 2009 midnight

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.

Incredi-Bull: Event decided on final ride
June 16, 2009 midnight

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.

June 16, 2009 midnight

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.

June 16, 2009 midnight

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?”

June 16, 2009 midnight

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.

Friday, June 12

June 12, 2009 midnight

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

June 11, 2009 midnight

Letter: Treasure Manor thankful for service

Dear Editor:

TV reality star enjoys return to hometown
June 11, 2009 midnight

TV reality star enjoys return to hometown

Libby native Destiney Moore has a lot on her plate right now.

June 11, 2009 midnight

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.

June 11, 2009 midnight

Web Exclusive: Unsung Heroes

In honor of Flag Day on June 14, Libby resident Judy Matott penned and submitted the following poem.

June 11, 2009 midnight

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.

June 11, 2009 midnight

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.

June 11, 2009 midnight

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.

Blackout leads to rollover
June 11, 2009 midnight

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.

WN Hiking Series: Solitude on Flagstaff Mountain
June 11, 2009 midnight

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.

June 11, 2009 midnight

Letter: Cat's injuries raise serious questions

Dear Editor:

Tuesday, June 9

June 9, 2009 midnight

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.

June 9, 2009 midnight

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.

Fisher River Shootout gives bowhunters chance to refine skills
June 9, 2009 midnight

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.

June 9, 2009 midnight

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.

Teens fine but vehicles totaled in Libby accident
June 9, 2009 midnight

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.

June 9, 2009 midnight

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.

June 9, 2009 midnight

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.

Mary Jane Blinco
June 9, 2009 midnight

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.

June 9, 2009 midnight

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.

June 9, 2009 midnight

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.

Thursday, June 4

June 4, 2009 midnight

Letter: GM dealership in Libby not being shut down

Dear Editor:

June 4, 2009 midnight

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.

June 4, 2009 midnight

Letter: Moving service on Memorial Day

Dear Editor:

June 4, 2009 midnight

Letter: Hospice volunteers recognized for care

Dear Editor:

June 4, 2009 midnight

Column: Keeping memories of past alive

Oscar Wilde said, “Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.”

June 4, 2009 midnight

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.

Final round of Troy property evaluations to begin
June 4, 2009 midnight

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.

June 4, 2009 midnight

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.

June 4, 2009 midnight

Libby woman claims $70,000 prize

A winning $70,000 Montana Lottery ticket purchased in Libby has been claimed.

June 4, 2009 midnight

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.

June 4, 2009 midnight

City of Libby considers mail-in ballots

Libby City Council may decide to hold its municipal election completely by mail-in ballot this November.

Tuesday, June 2

Palmer works his way to prestigious Harvard
June 2, 2009 midnight

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.

June 2, 2009 midnight

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.

June 2, 2009 midnight

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.

June 2, 2009 midnight

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.

Troy teen mom beats odds to earn high school diploma
June 2, 2009 midnight

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.

Lady Loggers go 1-2 in state playoffs
June 2, 2009 midnight

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.

June 2, 2009 midnight

Letter: Newman also served his country

Dear Editor: