Monday, November 30
Troy School Board tackles issue of individual actions
At the suggestion of an attorney defending the school district against an appeal by one of its own trustees, Troy School Board passed a motion last week to publicly acknowledge that the board is not liable for a trustee’s individual actions.
EPA calls numbers good for 2009 cleanup
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Mike Cirian reported exceptional numbers for the now-completed 2009 season. In fact, the amount of contaminated soil removed from Libby-area properties doubled when compared to the previous year.
Lacie Ann Hedahl
Lacie Ann Hedahl, 39, died Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009 at her home in Post Falls, Idaho.
Hotel Libby
Courtesy/Heritage Museum An early view of the Hotel Libby.
EPA, owners discuss possible 2010 cleanup on historic Hotel Libby
One of the few structures that dates back to the town’s beginnings, the Hotel Libby has appeared on a list of potential asbestos cleanup projects in the coming year.
Alvah 'Al' F. Hughes Jr.
Alvah “Al” F. Hughes Jr., 90, died Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009 at Prestige Assisted Living in Kalispell.
Intersection change draws fire
The Lincoln County road crew has been replacing a stop sign weekly on Snowshoe Road in Libby since first putting it up mid-July – the vandalism costing taxpayer money and demonstrating neighbors’ overall discontent with the intersection’s new layout.
Letter: Scotchman Peaks group raises questions with local
Dear Editor:
Letter: Public option for health insurance not dead
Dear Editor:
UM program focuses on future of Libby
An event that focuses on the future of Libby is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Dec. 3 on the campus of the University of Montana.
Tuesday, November 24
TV Listings: Wednesday, Dec. 2
Prime time listings for Dec. 2
TV Listings: Friday, Dec. 4
Prime time listings for Dec. 4
TV Listings: Tuesday, Dec. 1
Prime time listings for Dec. 1
TV Listings: Monday, Nov. 30
Prime time listings for Nov. 30
TV Listings: Thursday, Dec. 3
Prime time listings for Dec. 3
TV Listings: Saturday, Nov. 28
Prime time listings for Nov. 28
TV Listings: Sunday, Nov. 29
Prime time listings for Nov. 29
Sunday, November 22
Libby Dam releases to increase in December
The process to lower Lake Koocanusa for flood risk management began this fall with water releases from Libby Dam, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced.
General big-game hunting season ends Sunday
The general big-game hunting season for deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goats closes Sunday, Nov. 29.
Column: Do we really need another ski resort?
This winter, Missoula, was on its way to boasting a brand-new ski area besides Snowbowl. The new resort, carved out of the Bitterroot Mountains, would have been closer to town, but creditors began closing in and the word “foreclosure” hit the papers.
Quieting of the outdoors in conservation in action
Now that winter is gradually setting in, have you noticed how quiet it is outdoors? It is because local wildlife inhabitants from the plains to the mountains – badgers, snapping turtles, ground squirrels, grizzly bears – are conserving energy and migratory song birds have headed off for the winter.
Letter: Quit destroying our beautiful land
Dear Editor:
CAG plans to continue meetings
“So, CAG lives,” Mike Giesey said at the conclusion of Thursday’s Community Advisory Group meeting, the first time it convened in three months.
Community shows support for Troy officer
Troy residents have rallied around Bob McLeod, showing support for the police officer who was recently placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by the city’s insurance company.
Column: Heard Around the West
It’s always a treat to get Cabela’s Christmas catalog, that compendium of rugged outdoor gear for hunters, anglers and all those who love camouflage in its myriad incarnations.
Letter: Election totals in Troy 'somewhat strange'
Dear Editor:
Leah Ruth Clough
Leah Ruth Clough, 85, a lifelong Libby resident, died Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 at Blue River Homes in Libby.
Dale Eugene Hawley
Dale Eugene Hawley, 59, died on Nov. 16, 2009.
Thanksgiving Eve service set for Libby
The third annual Thanksgiving Eve community worship invites all to its multi-denominational event at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at Christ Lutheran Church in Libby.
Magazine honors Elk foundation founders
While compiling a list of 25 people who have had the greatest impact on hunting, fishing and conservation, Outdoor Life magazine made sure to include two founders of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Federal grant to help school's outdoor program
Libby Public Schools in a partnership with the Kootenai National Forest has been awarded one of 17 national grants.
Crace brothers roll at tournament
Libby Wrestling Club members Zach Crace and Cody Crace each won medals recently at the Spartan Challenge at North Central High School in Spokane, Wash.
Letter: Building's demise sparks fond memories
Dear Editor:
Thursday, November 19
Troy police under investigation for radio conversation
The future of the Troy Police Department appears shaky after one of its officers and chief unintentionally broadcast a conversation Thursday morning on a frequency accessible to the public.
Wednesday, November 18
Legislative Report: Tea Party reveals uniform concerns
When 300 people show up at a public meeting in Lincoln County, one would expect the word to get around. Yet visiting with people in Troy and Eureka neighborhoods about their immediate concerns substantiates the fact that there is a real lack of communication among us.
Treasure Tones concert coming to Libby on Dec. 13
Taking the stage on Dec. 13 at the Memorial Center, the Treasure Tones not only offer a free concert as its gift to the community but also urges those who plan to attend to help out the local food bank.
Guest Column: Odd Fellows' goals remain the same
The brisk autumn air and falling leaves bring on the realization that Christmas is not very far away … that preparations must begin if the Odd Fellows’ members are going to enjoy the old-fashioned Christmas that a lot of people remember from their youth.
Letter: Applauding freedom from cigarette smoke
Dear Editor:
Online Column: Tips for lowering AL exposure
Artificial lighting has been scientifically proven to be hazardous to our health. These problems include breast and prostate cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and headaches just to name a few.
Volleyball: Mee makes all-state team
Libby High School senior Jackie Mee was honored as an All-Class A selection, volleyball coach Cindy Ostrem-Johnston announced.
The Bookworm Sez: Enjoy 'Spoon'-ful of Greer in new western
Ask your mother, and she’d probably say it was one of your favorite words. From the time you were old enough to talk, she heard it plenty enough: “Mine!”
Loggers drama students perform well at own invite
The Libby High School speech and drama program had one of its biggest weekends of the year by hosting its own invitational this past Saturday.
Libby councilmember obtains order of protection
A Libby city councilmember obtained a temporary restraining order against the city clerk last week to allegedly protect himself from what he says is harassment dating over five years ago.
Conquering all challenges: Libby native leads active lifestyle despite disabilities
Wade Kuntz can feel the cool powder speckle his face, perhaps more acutely than others, as he shifts his weight to accommodate the changing terrain under his skis. He has negotiated the run many times before, but he must be careful – an abrupt variation in incline or another skier crossing his path could take him off guard and lead to a crash.
Wolf hunting success leads to season's end
With seven wolves harvested over the weekend in northwestern Montana and three others in the southwestern portion of the state, wolf-hunting season officially closed Monday night.
Discord over 2002 deal: Councilmember files complaint
Libby city councilmember D.C. Orr continues to allege wrongdoing concerning a deal seven years ago between the City of Libby, the Environmental Protection Agency and W.R. Grace and Co. concerning asbestos-contaminated buildings that were demolished on the former export plant property.
Bill M. Crowley
Bill M. Crowley, 73, of Libby died Monday in Kalispell from complications of cancer treatment.
Letter: Sign's relocation prompts questions
Dear Editor:
Advice from the Loser School of Hunting
The less successful a hunter you are, the more practice you’re going to get, because failure means you have to go back out there again and again. If you bagged your beast early, then evidently you didn’t need any extra practice. Otherwise, consider yourself enrolled in the Loser School of Hunting.
Deer harvest still lagging in Region 1
The deer harvest around northwestern Montana is lagging well behind last year as well as historic averages three weeks into big-game hunting season. Meanwhile, the elk harvest is running close to last year’s success rates.
Glenda 'Sue' Adkison
Glenda "Sue" Adkison, 73, died of cancer on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 at her home in Libby.
Letter: Three Rivers appreciates Baucus co-sponsorship
Dear Editor:
Sunday, November 15
Christmas tree permits available from Forest Service
Personal-use permits to harvest Christmas trees are now available from the U.S. Forest Service.
State volleyball: LHS wins 1 of 3 to finish 5th
Following a great start to the Class A state volleyball tournament last week, Libby High School moved into a winner’s bracket game on Thursday evening for a showdown against Billings Central.
Library finds interesting ways to reach children
Getting down on their hands and knees on the floor of the Libby Library to test their “balloon rocket cars,” 6-year-old Tucker Boyer Masters and 8-year-old Emma Gruber smiled with joy to see just how far their creations would go.
State volleyball: Results, LHS statistics
Class A State Tournament
Eugene Vaughn
Eugene Vaughn, age 82, died surrounded by family and friends on Oct. 20, 2009. Cause was complications from an auto accident.
Huston W. Hanson
Huston W. Hanson, 68, of Libby died on Nov. 9, 2009 in Libby.
Viona Mae Lamey
Viona M. Lamey, 75, a lifetime Libby resident, died Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 at her home in Libby of natural causes.
Property owners react to taxes
The Department of Revenue has received 712 requests countywide for informal property tax reviews – most originating from the Eureka area. That portion of northern Lincoln County saw the largest tax increase, according to a department official.
Single-vehicle accident kills 19-year-old
A 19-year-old Eureka woman was killed and a second woman critically injured in a single-vehicle accident Friday evening on Highway 93 near Stryker.
School district finds success with reading skills program
Reading skills of Asa Wood Elementary students have noticeably increased since implementing a federally-funded program five years ago aimed at increasing the number of students reading at benchmark standards and reducing the number of struggling readers.
Thursday, November 12
State Volleyball: Libby eliminated by rival Polson
The Libby High School volleyball team opened the Class A tournament in impressive fashion Thursday but then ran into roadblocks known as Billings Central and Polson.
Wednesday, November 11
Flathead Electric makes changes in Libby
Flathead Electric recently cut its staff in Libby, but emphasized that it will respond to emergencies in a manner no different from the past.
Letter: Soldiers, families deserve recognition
Dear Editor:
Robert C. Prowse
Robert C. Prowse, 89, of Libby died Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009 at Libby Care Center from natural causes.
Heard Around the West
COLORADO
Veterans Day: Soldiers' stories serve as way to reach students
Of the 28 men Terry Andreessen served with during the Vietnam War, five died in action, 20 were wounded and three killed themselves after they returned home.
Libby building from pioneer period coming down
The building on Mineral Avenue went up around 1906 when booming downtown Libby boasted its first cement sidewalks, electric lights and water systems. More than a century later, it’s coming down.
Libby continues search for administrator
Libby has been without an administrator since the beginning of the month after Dan Thede retired and the city’s first crack at hiring someone to head city departments failed.
Volleyball coach: 'I Gotta Feeling'
‘I Gotta Feeling’
LHS Volleyball: The Stat Sheet
Quarterfinals–Friday
Three-peat: LHS wins volleyball divisionals
It took three close matches between Libby and Polson to decide the Northwestern A tournament title. And in a scorching conclusion to the final step before state on Saturday night, the Lady Loggers finally claimed the conference’s top prize.
Monday, November 9
LHS dominates Ronan; prepares for divisionals
Following a pair of three-game sweeps last week, the Libby High School volleyball team now turns its attention to the Northwestern A Divisional Tournament. And if the Lady Loggers can come through as one of the top two teams, a berth in the state playoffs will follow.
Veterans Day activities set for Libby, Troy
Schools and VFW Posts will observe Veterans Days through special programs in Troy and Libby this week.
Vandals shoot up windows around Libby
Vandals used a pellet gun to shoot through multiple windows at businesses, cars and a residence this weekend, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage in Libby, according to officials.
Proposed skateboard park site changes
Organizers proposed at Monday’s Libby City Council meeting a new location for an over 12,000-square-foot skateboard park that councilmembers said last month won’t fit in the initial site between Lee Gehring Field and Highway 37.
Bootleggers Ball to feature Tune Stranglers
Recently referred to as “a circus that plays music,” the Tune Stranglers will bring their smorgasbord of stringed instruments, washboard and the occasional clarinet to Libby on Friday night as part of the Bootleggers Ball.
Shooting of grizzly in Cabinets ruled self-defense
The shooting of a grizzly bear by a Troy man in the Cabinet Mountains was determined to be an act of self-defense, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials reported Monday.
Mud Bay Jugglers to perform at Memorial Center
Entertaining with a blend of juggling, physical comedy, dance and music, the Mud Bay Jugglers will take the Memorial Center stage on Friday as part of a membership benefit.
Letter: Harlem Ambassadors, extends its thanks
Dear Editor:
LHS Volleyball: Class A State Volleyball Pairings
Class A State Tournament
LHS Volleyball: Northwestern A Divisional Results
Northwestern A Divisionals
Election: Voter turnout higher than usual across country
The county and municipal elections experienced substantial voter turnouts that election officials attribute to more contenders this year and the new application of mail-ballot elections.
Lady Trojans' season ends at district tourney
Heading into the District 7B tournament last week, the Troy High School volleyball team knew it would need to battle both Mission and Thompson Falls to keep its season alive.
Ada Myrtle Clark
Ada Myrtle Clark, 101, a longtime Libby resident, died Thursday Nov. 5, 2009 at her daughter’s home in Libby.
CAG's future in Libby appears unclear
The Community Advisory Group, which has discussed Superfund-related issues at monthly meetings and operated as an Environmental Protection Agency watchdog for the past nine years, hasn’t convened since August and doesn’t have immediate plans for its next meeting.
Election: Roll retains seat as Libby mayor
Incumbent Doug Roll kept his title as Libby mayor in a roughly 60-40 split against councilmember Peggy Williams.
Russell C. Smith
Russell C. Smith, 49, died Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 with family by his side at home in Troy.
Friday, November 6
Lady Loggers defeat Polson for divisional championship
The Libby High School volleyball team not only qualified for the state tournament over the weekend at the Northwestern A Divisionals, but the Lady Loggers knocked off Polson for the tournament title.
Thursday, November 5
Libby volleyball team qualifies for state
The Libby High School volleyball team powered to a 21-25, 26-24, 26-24, 27-25 victory over Polson on Friday night in the semifinals of the Northwestern A Divisional Tournament.
Wednesday, November 4
The Calico Pen: Rumors of my maturity are greatly exaggerated
This year the season of maturity, or depending on how you look at it, the incipient decline into winter, arrived before the equinox party even got started.
Column: Heard around the West
COLORADO
H1N1 shots roll in to Lincoln County
The most recent batch of H1N1 flu vaccinations – 400 injectable doses – are now available from providers in Libby, Troy and Eureka.
Guest Column: Youth access to alcohol hurts all Montanans
In Montana, underage drinking is often thought of as a “rite of passage” that every teen goes through. It is seen as a harmless pastime.
Election: Non-partisan ballots win with voters
In a close county race, constituents voted to end the practice of identifying county candidates in elections by their political party.
Election: Banning takes mayoral race; McCully, Fisher on council
Don Banning won the Troy mayoral race over Ed Hanson, ending a fierce competition and leaving a council position open.
Sweet sounds of the Kootenai concert to arrive Saturday
Steve “Toby” Nelson’s rich, baritone voice has entertained summertime audiences in productions such as “Forever Plaid” and “All-Night Strut.” A regular member of the long-running group, Port Polson Players, Nelson will be among the many entertainers on hand Saturday during this year’s Kootenai River Rhythm concert.
Election: Libby votes for change on council
Three new faces will join Libby City Council in January, beating out incumbents in a close race for the full-term positions.
Election Results
Municipal Elections
St. John's celebrates National Homecare, Hospice and Palliative Care Month
November is National Homecare, Hospice and Palliative Care Month, and St. John’s Lutheran Hospital will be celebrating the month with its Home Health and Hospice Department.
Column: Let's talk A starting place for parents
I remember my adolescent years, growing up in a military home with “older” parents. I don’t recall ever hearing the “S” word, “sex” that is.
Letter: Big congratulations to Libby girls soccer
Dear Editor:
Deer, elk harvest numbers close to last year
The Western News
Federal grant to help asbestos victims
A $6 million grant announced in May from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will begin to take effect next week to provide asbestos screening and health care for former and current Libby-area residents.
Tuesday, November 3
Election results: Roll, Banning claim mayor victories
Following is a rundown of Libby and Troy municipal election results as reported by the Lincoln County Elections Department:
Monday, November 2
Inversion impacts air quality in Libby area
The Lincoln County Environmental Health Department is asking Libby-area residents to not use wood burning stoves on Tuesday evening if an alternate heat source is available.
Fallen son comes home: Stright honored
On a cool, crisp Monday afternoon with the Cabinet Mountains serving as the backdrop, soldiers who served in Sgt. 1st Class James R. Stright’s unit meticulously folded the American flag that had been draped over his coffin.
Billings Central goes to OT to take girls soccer title
Through a postgame wave of tears, hugs and words of encouragement, the Libby High School girls soccer team tried to work through the realization that Billings Central had captured its second straight Class A state championship.
