Tuesday, March 31
Troy festival hoping for growth
It’s all about getting the word out.
Libby's Mee hopes to power her way to success
When sizing up this year’s potential on the Libby High School tennis teams, a logical place to start would be with Jackie Mee.
Elinor Marie Virant Stout Creighton
Elinor “Ellie” Marie Virant Stout Creighton, 70, died Friday, March 27, 2009 in a Billings hospital following a sudden illness.
Palmer wins 3 events at Bonners Ferry
The Troy High School track and field team opened the season on Saturday in northern Idaho at the Bonners Ferry Invitational.
Frank C. Williams
Frank Curry Williams, 69, died March 25, 2009.
Column: Thumbs Up
Good-size crowds show up for good cause
Perjury allegation surfaces at trial
The W.R. Grace & Co. environmental trial is taking a “spring break” this week with testimony scheduled to resume on Wednesday, April 8.
Letter: Outrageous actions surround AIG situation
Dear Editor:
Clara Huisentruit
Clara “Clarie” Elizabeth Pattie Huisentruit, 73, died on March 26, 2009 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.
Top to Red Dog Relay Race scheduled for Saturday
The seventh annual Turner Mountain Top to Red Dog Relay Race will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 28 at the Turner Mountain Ski Resort near Libby.
New personal-use firewood permits available April 1
Individuals who wish to gather firewood on U.S. Forest Service land for personal use will need to obtain a new permit beginning April 1, Kootenai National Forest announced this week.
Lincoln County Public Libraries to receive ton of materials
The Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association, named Lincoln County Public Libraries in Libby the winner of its annual Great Books Giveaway.
Newspaper experiences reduction in page width
Readers of The Western News probably notice a change with this edition of the newspaper. Like so many other newspapers around the country, we now print on paper 22 inches in width. That is, when you hold the newspaper open with two pages facing out, the total width of that span is now 22 inches – down from the previous 25 inches.
Troy girls look to improve on 2008
Losing four seniors along with two other players that started last year, the Troy High School softball program finds itself with plenty of question marks as its fourth season of varsity competition begins.
Prosecution builds its case against Dancer
A bank account that William Dancer’s defense maintains he opened to legitimately conduct business for his former employer revealed that the money that came in was business-related, but the money that went out wasn’t, according to an auditor’s testimony Wednesday.
Libby City Council swears in new member
Libby City Council voted and swore in its newest councilmember, Ron Carter, during a brief special meeting Thursday evening.
LHS boys open season with wins
The Libby High School tennis team opened the regular season on Saturday with home matchups against Bigfork, Mission and Eureka.
Tourism campaign targets Lincoln County
The Kootenai River, the Rocky Mountains, over 2 million acres of national forest and a variety of wildlife make northwestern Montana a unique region, but that alone doesn’t attract crowds of tourists.
Defending champs get set to open season
Coming off its fifth state championship, the Libby High School softball team will take the field this season with a big bull’s-eye on its back. Opponents that face a state champion have an extra incentive to play well while striving to beat the best.
Monday, March 30
Mistrial declared in Dancer case
District court judge Michael Prezeau declared a mistrial Monday in the William Dancer embezzlement case after jurors were unable to reach a verdict in 13 hours of deliberation spread over two days.
Saturday, March 28
Jurors in Dancer trial not able to reach verdict before weekend
Jurors in the William Dancer embezzlement case were dismissed for the weekend after not being able to reach a verdict in nearly six hours of deliberation Friday, according to court recorder Deb Kambel.
Friday, March 27
Libby City Council fills seat with Carter
Libby City Council swore in its newest councilmember, Ron Carter, Thursday evening during a special meeting to name the appointee.
Thursday, March 26
Troy business mall fills vacancy
B-Rocks Basics, Troy’s first clothing store in at least a decade, is scheduled to open sometime in May.
Marjorie Dawn Ague
Marjorie Dawn Ague, 74, of Libby, died of natural causes March 26, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.
County, cities had to respond fast for stimulus money
The Montana Association of Counties sent commissioners across the state an urgent e-mail Thursday afternoon entitled “Important! Stimulus funding requests needed!”
March 27 Briefly
Fund set up to help cancer victim cover bills
Arnelda 'Neddie' Cook
Arnelda “Neddie” Cook died on March 20, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nev.
Letter: Bringing attention to self-defense bill
Dear Editor:
2017 is just around the corner
I’ve been writing about the Great Salmon War in the Columbia River Basin for so long that by now you’d think I’d have grown a tail and fins. When I wrote my first stories, Moby Dick was a minnow, my 30-year-old son was still in middle school and the projected extinction date for salmon, 2017, seemed like a long way off.
Letter: Property tax issue raises questions
Dear Editor:
Highway 2 accident claims life of woman
A freak accident involving a deer on Highway 2 claimed the life of a 50-year-old Marion woman on Friday morning east of Kootenai Falls between Libby and Troy.
City Council to fill vacant seat
The Libby City Council called a special meeting for Thursday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall to make a decision on who will replace retired councilwoman Charlene Leckrone.
Libby youth wrestlers in stretch run
Libby’s Michael Miller, Josh Bowers, Eric Thrift, Mitch Haugen and Austin Bailey each claimed first-place finishes during last weekend’s Inter-Valley Tournament at Thompson Falls.
Defense attorney spars with former Grace exec
Defense attorney David Bernick tried to cast doubt on the testimony of former W.R. Grace & Co. executive Robert Locke in Missoula on Wednesday during the 23rd day of the notable environmental trial.
District 7-B squad includes 4 Troy players
Troy standouts Aaron Palmer and Shado Garrett were honored for their talents on the basketall court with inclusion on the District 7-B all-conference first team.
LC Credit Union project under way
At the controls of an excavator with the mayor, city council members, a county commissioner, chamber president and other local dignitaries looking on, Chari Lucas scooped up some dirt and flashed a big smile.
Tuesday, March 24
Six Libby cagers make all-conference team
Libby’s Joel Fuller and Conner Benson were named to the Northwestern A Conference basketball team. Fuller was also included on the Class A all-star squad.
Locals compete in all-star hoops event
Troy’s Shado Garrett and Aaron Palmer, and Libby’s Joel Fuller and Conner Benson participated in last week’s 20th annual Crowne Plaza All-Star Classic at Billings Senior High School.
Trojans track team shows potential in Class B
To describe Aaron Palmer’s athletic abilities – well, where would one begin?
Wright signs track letter with Grizzlies
Libby High School senior Seth Wright signed a national letter of intent to join the University of Montana track and field program.
Troy's Jones seeks help to take athletic skills to Down Under Bowl
Troy High School football standout Steph Jones hopes to take his skills on the gridiron to Australia this coming summer.
Alan Carl Broden
Alan Carl Broden, 53, of Hayden, Idaho, died Feb. 28, 2009 at Kootenai Medical Center from congestive heart failure and pneumonia.
March 25 Briefly
Easter Egg Hunt seeks volunteers, donations
Clifford Earl Warren
Clifford Earl Warren, 90, died from natural causes on March 18, 2009 at the home of his daughter in Libby.
Researchers test trees for answers
Libby Ranger District and Rocky Mountain Research Station officials are hoping to find answers among the trees during an operation that could begin any day now in an area behind Bighorn Terrace near Libby.
Dancer embezzlement trial begins
What the prosecution characterized as greed and breach of trust, a former Libby businessman’s defense called a business dispute.
Friday, March 20
Marion woman killed in accident near Kootenai Falls
A freak accident involving a deer on Highway 2 claimed the life of a 50-year-old Marion woman on Friday morning east of Kootenai Falls between Libby and Troy.
Thursday, March 19
Jitterbuggin' in Libby: Longtime school tradition continues
From the “basic step” to the “chute through,” 100 Libby middle-schoolers jitterbugged to the likes of The Everly Brothers and Flash Cadillac, showing judges their best moves at Friday’s annual Jitterbug Competition.
March 20 Briefly
Head Start in Libby, Troy now enrolling
Letter: Show opposition for Sunstein
Dear Editor:
EPA gives update on OU1 process
During a presentation to the Libby City Council on Monday night, the Environmental Protection Agency indicated that the Record of Decision on the old export plant site is tentatively scheduled to be finished within six months.
Animal shelter taking shape
Wandering from room to room, Judy Hyslop’s smile gets wider and wider. She describes to volunteers the importance of each space in what will become Kootenai Pets for Life’s new animal shelter.
Column: Lincoln County reaches ripe old age of 100
Along about 5 o’clock on Tuesday, March 9, 1909, the dispatch office in Libby received a telegraph from Helena.
Hamster studies take spotlight in Grace trial
A former chemist employed by W.R. Grace & Co. took the stand Wednesday – and he probably never wants to hear about hamsters again.
Column: If an island can renew energy
For the past 10 years, a Viking named Soren Hermansen has spearheaded one of the most audacious experiments in the world – the attempt of 4,000 people living on the small Danish island of Samso to become energy independent.
Keith Gifford
Keith Gifford, 70, died Feb. 26, 2009 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz.
Birdie C. Stuckey
Birdie C. Stuckey, 77, of Libby, died from natural causes on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at the Libby Care Center.
Evalene Glenn
Evalene Glenn, 92, formerly of Libby, died on March 13, 2009 at her home in Billings.
Letter: Smoking in bars is public rights issue
Dear Editor:
Police arrest 2 for cat shootings
Two men were arrested early Monday morning after allegedly shooting out a window of Troy’s animal shelter and killing four feral cats outside the building.
Libby City Council interviews to fill seat
Libby City Council conducted interviews Monday to fill the vacancy created when Charlene Leckrone resigned to move to Washington state.
At long last, Dancer trial set to get started
After five continuances delayed the criminal trial for over a year, jury selection will begin Monday for a former Libby businessman accused of swindling residents and embezzling more than $400,000.
Letter: Ranch, feed store earns resident's respect
Dear Editor:
Letter: Snowmobilers, family thankful for rescuers
Dear Editor:
Tuesday, March 17
Libby youth baseball, softball to hold meeting
A mandatory meeting for all coaches involved in the 2009 Libby Youth Baseball and Softball program is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19 at Libby High School in the Timber Room.
Libby's Sutton playing on Final Four team
Libby native Aaron Sutton and Black Hills State University has advanced in the Final Four in the NAIA Division II men’s basketball tournament
School plans family centers on 3 campuses
The vision is a comfortable room near the main entrance with sofas, a play-area for small children, coffee and cookies, parenting resources and, most importantly, a smiling face with time to visit and listen.
March 13 Briefly
Flathead plans power outage on March 16
Grants 'stimulate' law-enforcement budgets
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Libby City Police Department will receive more than $58,000 as part of a state law enforcement grant stemming from the federal stimulus package.
Mee, Martin make all-conference 1st team
The dangerous duo of Jackie Mee and Brittany Martin drew plenty of attention on the court for the Libby High School girls basketball team this past season. And now, the Lady Logger players are garnering attention off the court as well.
Financial analyst testifies about Grace's concerns
The environmental case against W.R. Grace & Co. and five executives entered its fourth week on Monday.
Bridges over Lincoln County: Commissioners try for grant
With only until the end of the month to apply, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners quickly pushed through a resolution during its meeting last week in an attempt to qualify for a grant that will create documentation on the current state of 33 bridges.
Speech students compete in various categories
Kootenai Valley Christian School students participated in a school-wide speech meet on Feb. 20.
Libby puts in good showing at Superior
Libby won 13 first-place medals at the Valley Tournament in Superior in Little Guy wrestling action on Saturday.
March 18 Briefly
Golf association plans meeting
Baucus talks Libby with nominee
Sen. Max Baucus last week met with the nominee for the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Monday, March 16
Birdie C. Stuckey
Birdie C. Stuckey, 77, of Libby, died from natural causes on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at the Libby Care Center.
Friday, March 13
Death Notice: James K. Ruley
James K. Ruley died Monday, March 9, 2009 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
County offers reminder about no open burning
The Lincoln County Environmental Health Department issued a reminder on Friday to Libby residents that open burning is prohibited until April 1.
Andrew L. 'Bud' Campbell
Andrew L. “Bud” Campbell, 66, of Troy died from natural causes on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.
Thursday, March 12
Snowmobilers survive long night in the snow
A multiple-agency search-and-rescue mission ended when two men were found unscathed after spending a chilly Saturday night trapped in a remote area outside Troy.
Tasty pasty: Irish Fair revives old mining tradition
A mining tradition that can be traced back to 12th century Europe, the pasty satisfied the hunger of many a worker who had to eat their lunch hundreds of feet underground.
Column: Having eight kids is great - one at a time
Well, it’s true that eight ain’t enough for a baseball team, but I had eight kids one time – one at a time that is – and not every team needs a shortstop anyway.
Guest Column: Time to start thinking about what to plant
Spring must be close! All the signs are there, except the recent snow that fell.
8 Seconds: Libby 18-year-old chases dream of one day conquering bull riding
His face met the bull’s horn, hammering his nose and cheekbone. He took two steps and passed out.
Guest Column: Storybook career for Troy's Smith
When the Grizzly baseball team recruited a Libby southpaw in the ’60s, an excited Tony Smith headed to Missoula for his college experience and to continue his baseball passions.
Troy School Board renews high school principal's contract
Despite protests from a group of high school staff members, Troy School Board unanimously voted Monday to renew Principal Jeff Ralston’s contract for another year.
Libby stays with Iowa Tests for now
The Libby School Board on Monday night voted following a lengthy discussion to continue administering the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills to students this year. However, the school will study its use of the standardized test and whether or not to make a change in the future.
Guest Column: Senator updates progress on Libby-related issues
Libby is one of the most beautiful places in our country. The city of eagles is a town where traditions and good old-fashioned Montana values are passed down through generations. It’s a town with a history reaching back to the very dawn of Montana and a bright future stretching out under the Big Sky as far as the eye can see.
Letter: Urging yes vote on House Bill 14
Dear Editor:
Tuesday, March 10
Sullivan to bring complaints to EPA
A former longtime Community Advisory Group member plans to file a complaint later this month with the Environmental Protection Agency’s general accounting office division of fraud, waste and abuse, accusing the agency of six acts of misconduct.
George Edward 'Scrawn' Earle
George Edward “Scrawn” Earle, 81, died Friday, March 6, 2009.
County approves annexation of 2 subdivisions into VFDs
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners approved the annexation of two subdivisions into a pair of volunteer fire departments during its meeting in Libby on Wednesday morning.
Stimulus funds lead to jobs on Kootenai NF
The U.S. Forest Service announced on Monday that $1.15 billion has been allocated to the agency as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – commonly referred to as the stimulus package.
Rotary depends on wine event to raise money
Providing the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing evening while raising money for a variety of good causes, the Libby Rotary Club poured, educated and entertained Friday night during its annual wine tasting event.
MSU student from Libby earns honor
Lea Castor, a Montana State University senior from Libby, was among those recognized on Feb. 17 during the 27th annual Awards for Excellence banquet.
March 11 Briefly
Bowhunter education class signup on March 18
Groups push forth support of Scotchman Peaks protection
A proposal to protect the high country of the Kootenai and Idaho Panhandle national forests has garnered support from Montana hunting and angling groups, a good sign for those who have pushed wilderness designation for the area in recent years.
Feds delist gray wolf in region that includes Montana
There had been uncertainty about how the Obama administration would proceed, but Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced Friday the decision to remove gray wolves from the list of threatened and endangered species.
March 6 Briefly
Grizzly bear committee plans meeting in Libby
Smile you're on 'Eagle Cam'
In a much-welcomed sign of spring, a pair of bald eagles has moved back into the Souse Gulch nest at Libby Dam – and the Eagle Cam is once again catching rare glimpses of them.
Angus breeder receives recognition
The American Angus Association recently recognized Libby’s Arthur R. Schauer for having two registered Angus cows included in the organization’s Pathfinder Report.
Baseball practice begins
Sure, the snow is still falling and winter coats haven’t been stored away just yet, but that didn’t stop the Libby Loggers American Legion baseball team from breaking out the mits.
Libby 4th in wrestling extravaganza
In an impressive display that puts youth wrestling in the spotlight and brings in bucks to the community, 621 grapplers took to the mats on Saturday in Libby for the annual Kootenai Klassic.
Whitehouse, local couple take stand in Grace trial
The environmental trial of W.R. Grace & Co. and five executives came to a screeching halt on Monday because of an ill juror.
Effort to bring in employer progresses
A bridge part building company that is estimated to employ 150-200 people at Libby’s Industrial District is closer to becoming a reality.
Thursday, March 5
Press Release Central: Stay well by checking your well every year
This press release is presented here in its original form from the source and offered as a public service.
Press Release Central: Registered dietitian can help you weather economic troubles
This press release is presented here in its original form from the source and offered as a public service.
Press Release Central: DEQ issues reminders for open burning season
This press release is presented here in its original form from the source and offered as a public service.
Press Release Central: Libby runoff forecast and flood control calculation
This press release is presented here in its original form from the source and offered as a public service.
Press Release Central: March calendar of library events
This press release is presented here in its original form from the source and offered as a public service.
Press Release Central: DEQ, Kootenai National Forest seeking public comments on Montanore Project
This press release is presented here in its original form from the source and offered as a public service.
Press Release Central: DEQ accepting comments on economic stimulus funds for drinking water and water pollution control programs
This press release is presented here in its original form from the source and offered as a public service.
Wednesday, March 4
Letter: Senators not interested In upholding rule of law
Dear Editor:
Council moves forward on water plans
The Libby City Council moved forward Monday with its discussions on how to spend $400,000 the city received for its water budget in a December settlement with International Paper Co.
Ski lift breaks down at Turner
The Turner Mountain Ski Area near Libby is closed Friday through Sunday because of a mechanical problem with its ski lift.
Union, county discuss pay raises
Union members and county commissioners agreed on one thing at Wednesday’s meeting – they would rather negotiate directly than through representation.
Column: Enough snow has fallen let's get into spring warmth
OK, the cabin fever is starting to get to me a little bit.
Monday, March 2
Logging truck accident blocks Highway 2 early Wednesday
A truck scattered logs hundreds of feet across Highway 2, blocking the road for over three hours Wednesday morning.
Frustrated judge calls off court for day in Grace trial
An agitated federal judge called court off for the day on Monday after exchanging words with the lead government attorney in fallout from the 9th Circuit Court’s reversal of a decision regarding the allowance of Libby witnesses into the courtroom.
Libby boys fall 1 win short of state playoffs
The Western News
Tester believes job help is on way
While a heavy cloud of unemployment continues to hover over Lincoln County, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester believes help is on the way.
March 4 Briefly
Stakehoders Coalition elects board, officers
Fire destroys unoccupied home in Libby
An unoccupied Libby house went up in flames Thursday morning, destroyed by a fire that took 2 1/2 hours and more than two dozen firefighters to quell.
Cell phone texting operation targeted credit union's customers
Multiple Lincoln County residents received a cell phone text message last Wednesday and Sunday that is part of a scam to obtain personal banking information, law-enforcement officials confirmed.
Asbestos test results in forest prompts Kootenai to publish brochure
In the Kootenai National Forest area that surrounds the former W.R. Grace mine, studies have proven the existence of asbestos fibers in tree bark and ground duff.
Troy Activity Center nears completion; could be open in April
With the smell of fresh paint in the air combined with the distant sounds of hard work, the Troy Activity Center’s construction phase has entered the stretch run.
Arline C. Pokey Woltz
Arline C. “Pokey” Woltz, 90, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2009 at her home in Libby.
Trojan boys' season ends at divisionals
The Western News
New class helps special students make transition
They march into the building, sign in and report to their stations.
LHS girls drop 2 straight in tourney
The Western News
