Stories for October 2009

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Saturday, October 31

October 31, 2009 midnight

Sports Update: Libby falls short in OT in state soccer finals

The Billings Central High School girls soccer team won the Class A state title on Saturday with a 4-2 overtime victory over Libby.

October 31, 2009 midnight

Governor orders flags at half-staff in memory of Stright

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer ordered that the national and state flags be flown at half-staff on Monday morning (Nov. 2) until sundown on Tuesday evening (Nov. 3) to honor U.S. Army Sgt. First Class James R. Stright.

WN Online: Live volleyball coverage
October 31, 2009 midnight

WN Online: Live volleyball coverage

Ronan at Libby

Friday, October 30

October 30, 2009 midnight

Guest Feature: 'The Crosswick Monster'

(Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Charles Patrick of Amherst, Va., a southern Ohio native who hopes to relocate to Libby with his wife. Patrick enjoyed a story entitled “Crosswick Monster,” a public domain title published in 1968 by the Warren County Historical Society, and wanted to share it with readers of The Western News.)

Staff Sgt. 1st Class James R. 'J.R.' Stright
October 30, 2009 midnight

Staff Sgt. 1st Class James R. 'J.R.' Stright

Army Staff Sgt. 1st Class James R. “J. R.” Stright, 29, was killed Friday, Oct. 23, 2009 during a special operations training exercise off the coast of Virginia.

Harold William 'Gil' Gilden Jr.
October 30, 2009 midnight

Harold William 'Gil' Gilden Jr.

Harold William “Gil” Gilden Jr., 76, of Libby died Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.

Thursday, October 29

October 29, 2009 midnight

Letter: Hamilton fan appreciates Libby's welcome

Last Saturday (Oct. 17) I traveled to Libby to watch the Hamilton boys soccer team play the Libby Loggers.

October 29, 2009 midnight

Judge's desk burned during crime spree in Eureka

A judge's office was torched and a county building damaged late Saturday night in Eureka.

October 29, 2009 midnight

Girls Soccer: Libby, Billings Central ready to rumble

When the final whistle blows on Saturday in the Class A state championship game, one team will suffer the sinking feeling of defeat for the first time this season while the other wildly celebrates perfection.

EPA's No. 2 visits Superfund site in Libby
October 29, 2009 midnight

EPA's No. 2 visits Superfund site in Libby

The City-County Health Board meeting in Libby Thursday featured a top Environmental Protection Agency official that embraced the theme of increasing the EPA’s transparency, accessibility and cooperation with the community.

October 29, 2009 midnight

Mail-in ballot election ends Tuesday

Municipal elections in Libby and Troy will wrap up this coming Tuesday when mail-in ballots are due to the Election Department at the Lincoln County Courthouse.

October 29, 2009 midnight

Letter: In favor of Three Rivers Challenge's efforts

Dear Editor:

October 29, 2009 midnight

Hunting season opens with lower numbers

Big-game hunting season opened on Sunday with 110 fewer hunters going through the Canoe Gulch.

October 29, 2009 midnight

Girls soccer finale to be played in Libby

Libby High School officials announced Thursday that Logger Stadium's turf is in good shape for this week's girls soccer Class A state championship game vs. Billings Central.

October 29, 2009 midnight

Column: Health hazards of artificial lighting

Would you have ever thought that artificial lighting – known simply as “AL” – could be considered harmful? Many hidden problems arise from improper or over-exposure to AL.

October 29, 2009 midnight

Revett officials meet with governor on Rock Creek Mine

Officials from Revett Minerals met with Gov. Brian Schweitzer and his top economic adviser last week to discuss Troy Mine’s success in the face of low metal prices, and the company’s desire to proceed with Rock Creek, a proposed silver and copper mine located in the Cabinet Mountains between Libby and Noxon.

Libby theater to screen Mission Mountain Wood Bank documentary
October 29, 2009 midnight

Libby theater to screen Mission Mountain Wood Bank documentary

The Mission Mountain Wood Band is coming to the big screen.

October 29, 2009 midnight

Boys Soccer: Libby boys fall short in title defense

When Libby goalkeeper Lewis Brossman knocked the ball out of the net during a second-half offensive by Billings Central, the head official in the Class A semifinal matchup hesitated and glanced in the direction of an assistant.

October 29, 2009 midnight

Plenty to do locally for Halloween

Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, allowing kids and adults to soak up the holiday with a full weekend of ghoulish pleasure.

October 29, 2009 midnight

Letter: Agencies already exist to battle drug problem

Dear Editor:

October 29, 2009 midnight

Troy woman's body found in Lake Pend Oreille

The body of a drowned woman discovered Thursday afternoon in Lake Pend Oreille near Hope, Idaho, was identified Monday as Joan Lyons of Troy, according to a Bonner County Sheriff’s Office release by Lt. Doug Harris.

October 29, 2009 midnight

Column: Carrying on Halloween tradition

When I was a kid, Halloween rivaled Christmas as the best holiday of the year. Sure, there were no presents, but parading around school in a pointy witch hat (thanks Kmart) and black ensemble (compliments of St. Vincent de Paul and a handful of safety pins) and spending the evening hitting up as many houses as possible for candy treasures was something I looked forward to for weeks – if not, months.

October 29, 2009 midnight

Troy chief of police cleared of wrongdoing

The state attorney general’s office recently cleared Troy’s chief of police of criminal wrongdoing related to a dispute the official had with a local gun club.

Tuesday, October 27

Formula Fabrication receives prestigious business award
October 27, 2009 midnight

Formula Fabrication receives prestigious business award

Formula Fabrication, a Libby heating and cooling business, recently received an award for installing more ductless heat pumps than any other business in Montana.

Cross Country: Falk finishes 17th at state
October 27, 2009 midnight

Cross Country: Falk finishes 17th at state

The Western News

Girls Soccer: LHS girls move on to state finals
October 27, 2009 midnight

Girls Soccer: LHS girls move on to state finals

One more win.

Troy Mine finds way to survive
October 27, 2009 midnight

Troy Mine finds way to survive

Bruce Clark shut off his truck headlights, leaving only the glow of his parking beams so as not to blind an oncoming vehicle.

October 27, 2009 midnight

Kootenai National Forest releases AARA project descriptions, locations

Kootenai National Forest officials anticipate soliciting for numerous construction, service and supply contracts throughout the fiscal year (October 2009-September 2010) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Polar Plunge: Cold water swimmers take 1st dip in Libby Creek
October 27, 2009 midnight

Polar Plunge: Cold water swimmers take 1st dip in Libby Creek

About three weeks shy of his 67th birthday, Rick Klin climbed into the 46-degree water of Libby Creek on Sunday afternoon with a wide smile accompanying his water boots and gloves.

October 27, 2009 midnight

Tragic training accident claims life of Libby soldier

Army Staff Sgt. James R. Stright was killed Thursday during a special operations training exercise off the coast of Virginia, military officials said.

Football: Libby rolls over Canadian counterpart
October 27, 2009 midnight

Football: Libby rolls over Canadian counterpart

Down 14-0 eight minutes into Friday’s season finale against Lethbridge, the Libby High School football team needed to turn things around quick before the game got out of hand.

Trojans finish strong against Bluehawks
October 27, 2009 midnight

Trojans finish strong against Bluehawks

Without a trip to state playoffs on the line, the Troy-Thompson Falls football game on Friday night didn’t hold much importance. Unlike last season, both the Trojans and Bluehawks had been eliminated from the postseason race.

George S. Patterson
October 27, 2009 midnight

George S. Patterson

George Sumpter Patterson, 70, died on Monday, Oct. 19, 2009, at St. John's Lutheran Hospital in Libby.

Obituary: Joyce E. DeShazer
October 27, 2009 midnight

Obituary: Joyce E. DeShazer

Joyce E. DeShazer, 67, of Libby died Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 at her home in Libby from natural causes.

Volleyball: Lady Trojans find groove against Plains
October 27, 2009 midnight

Volleyball: Lady Trojans find groove against Plains

With Senior Night and homecoming all wrapped up into one event, the Troy High School volleyball team had plenty of reasons to feel energized while playing on its own floor.

October 27, 2009 midnight

Volleyball: Libby pushes Polson in Northwestern A match

The first time around, Libby’s volleyball team did not walk off the court happy in a three-game sweep at the hands of Polson. Besides losing in such a lopsided manner, the match had been playing in Libby’s own gymnasium.

Rosemary Penney Hedahl
October 27, 2009 midnight

Rosemary Penney Hedahl

Rosemary Penney Hedahl, 84, died on Friday, Oct. 23, 2009 at the Libby Care Center.

Libby City Council ponders Cabinet Heights street situation
October 27, 2009 midnight

Libby City Council ponders Cabinet Heights street situation

Cabinet Heights residents could end up with better streets than they started out with once the sewer extension project is completed next summer. Libby City Council is contemplating options after hearing a proposal Monday from project engineer Ryan Jones.

Saturday, October 24

October 24, 2009 midnight

State girls soccer game site changed

The Class A state playoff soccer game between Libby and Hamilton has been moved to Troy. The game is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. at Roosevelt Park.

October 24, 2009 midnight

Sports Update: Loggers pull away to beat Lethbridge

The Libby High School football team came back from an early 14-0 deficit to defeat Lethbridge, 40-14, on Friday night.

October 24, 2009 midnight

Sports Update: Troy rolls past Thompson Falls

The Troy High School football team ended the season on a high note with a 30-14 victory over Thompson Falls.

Thursday, October 22

Spend an evening with Edgar Allan Poe
October 22, 2009 midnight

Spend an evening with Edgar Allan Poe

Hosting a party with frightful friends and heading out into the cool night to collect candy will be a part of many Halloween celebrations in the coming days. But to enhance those traditions, locals may want to check out the heart-pounding works of Edgar Allan Poe through a pair of performances by the Montana Repertory Theatre.

October 22, 2009 midnight

Libby City Council candidate: Vicky Lawrence

Editor's Note: The Western News submitted a series of questions to candidates in the Libby City Council election. This candidate is vying for one of three available full-term seats.

October 22, 2009 midnight

Libby City Council candidate: Leland 'Lee' Bothman

Editor's Note: The Western News submitted a series of questions to candidates in the Libby City Council election. This candidate is vying for one of three available full-term seats.

October 22, 2009 midnight

Letter: Schikora offers thanks to community

(Editor’s Note: The following letter was address to family, old and new friends and submitted to the Western News for publication).

October 22, 2009 midnight

Troy School Board considers options on cell phone policy

The Troy School Board is considering a new cell phone policy that would give the principal more flexibility and would recognize the multiple ways the devices are used.

October 22, 2009 midnight

Column: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Awareness? I have yet to meet a woman who isn’t well aware that domestic violence is happening or has happened to someone in their family, a friend, neighbor or even to themselves.

Memorial Service: William W. Nicholson
October 22, 2009 midnight

Memorial Service: William W. Nicholson

William W. Nicholson, 70, died on Oct. 11, 2009 at his home in Libby. 

October 22, 2009 midnight

Libby moves forward in elementary school assessment, feasibility study

The Libby School Board plans to put together a request for proposals for a needs assessment and feasibility study regarding the potential of a new elementary school.

October 22, 2009 midnight

Letter: Not happy with Tester's track record

(Note: The following letter to the editor was addressed to Sen. Jon Tester and submitted for publication in the Western News).

October 22, 2009 midnight

Column: Dog seems to enjoy new home in Montana

Looking up toward a sizeable tree behind the house, Marley Boy’s ears stand at attention. A squirrel is chattering away above as if he’s cursing the dog for glancing his way. You might even say the squirrel is taunting him … as if it knows that the canine cannot get to him.

Obituary: Tracy F. Swartz
October 22, 2009 midnight

Obituary: Tracy F. Swartz

Tracy F. Swartz, 61, died Oct. 19, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.

Historic train steams through Libby, Troy
October 22, 2009 midnight

Historic train steams through Libby, Troy

Local train enthusiasts gathered Monday morning at the rails in Libby and Troy to catch a rare glimpse of a restored steam locomotive pulling a train of vintage rail cars on its way home to Portland, Ore., from the Train Festival in Michigan.

Dorothy M. Broder
October 22, 2009 midnight

Dorothy M. Broder

Dorothy M. Border, 81, of Libby died Friday, Oct. 16, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital from natural causes.

October 22, 2009 midnight

Letter: After-school program draws praise

Dear Editor:

October 22, 2009 midnight

Libby City Council candidate: Walter McElmurry

Editor's Note: The Western News submitted a series of questions to candidates in the Libby City Council election. This candidate is vying for one of three available full-term seats.

October 22, 2009 midnight

Halloween Carnival coming to Troy elementary school

The W.F. Morrison Elementary School gym in Troy will be filled with the sounds, sights and fun of Halloween from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Ronald James Greenwood
October 22, 2009 midnight

Ronald James Greenwood

Ronald James Greenwood, 58, of Canby, Ore., died Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, at his home.

October 22, 2009 midnight

Girls Soccer: Libby girls survive first round of playoffs

With aspirations of keeping a shot at the state title alive, the Libby High School girls soccer team simply survived on Saturday afternoon in the opening round of the playoffs. The Lady Loggers got a scare out of a determined bunch from Livingston but moved on after winning in a shootout, 4-3.

October 22, 2009 midnight

Volleyball: Glacier takes match on Libby's home floor

Playing up a classification against the likes of Glacier, the Libby High School volleyball team had hopes of finding the type of rhythm that comes in handy with the stretch run approaching.

October 22, 2009 midnight

Letter: Three Rivers Challenge thankful for Tester visit

Dear Editor:

October 22, 2009 midnight

H1N1 flu vaccine clinic coming to Troy

The Lincoln County Health Department announced that it will provide an H1N1 nasal spray flu vaccine clinic for healthy children and adolescents from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the Kootenai Senior Center in Troy.

Marilyn Ann Scow
October 22, 2009 midnight

Marilyn Ann Scow

(Editor's note: The following obituary was published in the Western News as a paid ad and not subject to obituary/news guidelines).

October 22, 2009 midnight

Libby City Council candidate: D.C. Orr

Editor's Note: The Western News submitted a series of questions to candidates in the Libby City Council election. This candidate is vying to fill a seat for an unexpired position.

October 22, 2009 midnight

Column: The war between bicyclists and motorists

Most motorists courteously and safely share the roads with cyclists, but then there are all the obnoxious others, the ones who fill with rage when they see anybody on a bicycle on the road ahead.

October 22, 2009 midnight

Candidate question-and-answer pieces wrap up

Two candidates up for a pair of vacant seats on the Troy City Council during the current mail-in ballot election did not return questionnaires to the Western News.

October 22, 2009 midnight

Libby City Council candidate: Charles Berget

Editor's Note: The Western News submitted a series of questions to candidates in the Libby City Council election. This candidate is vying to fill a seat for an unexpired position.

October 22, 2009 midnight

Letter: Kootenai Pets For Life, valuable to community

Dear Editor:

Book Review: The Animal Dialogues
October 22, 2009 midnight

Book Review: The Animal Dialogues

Occasionally a book comes along substantially raising the bar within the genre in which it appears.

Tuesday, October 20

Libby family safely escapes fire
October 20, 2009 midnight

Libby family safely escapes fire

Marcia Fantozzi was teaching her grandkids – ages 2, 4 and 6 – how to make caramel apples. Amy Fantozzi, their mother, was tidying up the kitchen, her 6-month-old was napping, and her father-in-law, Al Fantozzi, sat in the family room.

October 20, 2009 midnight

Libby Mayor Candidate: Peggy Williams

Editor's Note: The Western News submitted a series of questions to candidates in the Libby mayoral election. Following are answers to those questions by each candidate.

October 20, 2009 midnight

Libby City Council candidate: Barbara Desch

Editor's Note: The Western News submitted a series of questions to candidates in the Libby City Council election. This candidate is vying for one of three available full-term seats.

Volleyball: Lady Loggers down Eureka in 4
October 20, 2009 midnight

Volleyball: Lady Loggers down Eureka in 4

The Libby High School volleyball team stepped out of the conference on Thursday to take a 25-11, 25-22, 21-25, 25-13 victory over Eureka.

Jacqueline Ann Ayers
October 20, 2009 midnight

Jacqueline Ann Ayers

Jacqueline Ann (Thomas) Ayers, 70, of Boise, Idaho, died at home on Oct. 14 , 2009. She was born on Oct. 16, 1938, to Bert and Alvina Thomas.  

Allen Ray Kelly
October 20, 2009 midnight

Allen Ray Kelly

Allen R. “Ray” Kelly, 88, died Oct. 16, 2009 in Libby from natural causes.

October 20, 2009 midnight

Libby City Council candidate (write-in): Michael Shock

Editor's Note: The Western News submitted a series of questions to candidates in the Libby City Council election. This candidate, running as a registered write-in candidate, is vying to fill a seat for an unexpired position.

October 20, 2009 midnight

Libby Mayor Candidate: Doug Roll

Editor's Note: The Western News submitted a series of questions to candidates in the Libby mayoral election. Following are answers to those questions by each candidate.

October 20, 2009 midnight

County renews pledge to economic development district

The county board of commissioners agreed during Tuesday’s meeting to renew its commitment as a member of the Northwest Montana Economic Development District for another year starting in January 2010.

Football: Ronan downs Loggers in conference shootout
October 20, 2009 midnight

Football: Ronan downs Loggers in conference shootout

Taking advantage of a power football mentality along with nifty misdirection plays, Ronan lit up the scoreboard on Friday night in a 70-36 victory over Libby.

Paint It Pink 5K staged in Libby
October 20, 2009 midnight

Paint It Pink 5K staged in Libby

Dan Rose and Shala White claimed the top individual spots on Saturday during the inaugural Paint It Pink 5K Fun Run/Walk.

October 20, 2009 midnight

Libby City Council candidate: Ron Carter

Editor's Note: The Western News submitted a series of questions to candidates in the Libby City Council election. This candidate is vying for one of three available full-term seats.

Volleyball: Troy girls drop 2 close matches
October 20, 2009 midnight

Volleyball: Troy girls drop 2 close matches

The Troy High School volleyball team lost two tough matches within the district last week. Although both Thompson Falls and Bigfork swept the Lady Trojans, each game was a battle to the end.

October 20, 2009 midnight

Libby City Council candidate: Robin Benson

Editor's Note: The Western News submitted a series of questions to candidates in the Libby City Council election. This candidate is vying for one of three available full-term seats.

Boys Soccer: Loggers go to OT to eliminate Hamilton
October 20, 2009 midnight

Boys Soccer: Loggers go to OT to eliminate Hamilton

Unable to suit up last year because of a knee injury, Crawford Dinning was forced to watch from the sidelines as the Libby High School boys soccer team captured its first-ever state championship.

Bigfork rallies to down Trojans
October 20, 2009 midnight

Bigfork rallies to down Trojans

Driving into the red zone with time ticking away midway through the fourth quarter, the Troy High School football team seemed to be in a good position to reclaim the lead in a 7B District battle against Bigfork.

Cross Country: Falk takes sixth at divisionals
October 20, 2009 midnight

Cross Country: Falk takes sixth at divisionals

Libby High School foreign-exchange student Nikola Falk continued to collect hardware on this fall’s regional cross country circuit by placing sixth at Saturday’s Northwestern A Divisional at Pablo.

October 20, 2009 midnight

Custer's Grass Band to take stage in Libby on Oct. 24

Custer’s Grass Band brings its tribute to bluegrass legends Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs to the Memorial Center stage in Libby on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, October 16

Dedrick funeral service is Saturday
October 16, 2009 midnight

Dedrick funeral service is Saturday

A funeral service for Carson R. Dedrick has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby reported.

Thursday, October 15

Robert 'Bob' Gene Garrison
October 15, 2009 midnight

Robert 'Bob' Gene Garrison

Robert “Bob” Gene Garrison, 52, of Troy died Oct.10, 2009 at his home surrounded by family and friends.

October 15, 2009 midnight

Golf: Watson places among top 15 at state

Libby’s Zach Watson wrapped up an exceptional high school golf career on Tuesday with a 12th-place finish at the Class A state tournament in Whitefish.

October 15, 2009 midnight

H1N1 flu vaccine arrives in Lincoln County

The Lincoln County Health Department announced Wednesday morning that it has received several nasal dosages of the H1N1 flu vaccine.

October 15, 2009 midnight

Letter: Universal health care is grandiose scheme

Dear Editor:

October 15, 2009 midnight

Prescription drug abuse on rise in county, state

The Montana Department of Justice is forming a special drug-diversion unit to combat prescription drug abuse in the state, a solution for an escalating problem county and statewide.

October 15, 2009 midnight

Girls Soccer: Lady Loggers to face Livingston in 1st round

Going through the regular season undefeated, the Libby High School girls soccer team enters the postseason as one of the favorites to hang a championship banner. The Lady Loggers know that anything can happen and that they must focus to avoid a letdown along the way.

October 15, 2009 midnight

Letter: Thankful for Tester's efforts

Dear Editor:

Death Notice: Joyce E. DeShazer
October 15, 2009 midnight

Death Notice: Joyce E. DeShazer

Joyce E. DeShazer, 67, died on Oct. 4, 2009 at her home in Libby. Arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later date.

October 15, 2009 midnight

Boys Soccer: LHS to battle Hamilton as well as flu

Heading into last year’s state playoffs as the No. 2 seed out of the North, Libby went on a roll and captured its first-ever boys soccer championship. As this year’s postseason gets set to begin on Saturday, the Loggers again find themselves as a No. 2 seed.

October 15, 2009 midnight

Editorial: Letters during mail-in election

The mail-in ballots for the municipal elections should be in the hands of registered voters by now and folks around the county are making their choices.

October 15, 2009 midnight

County schools superintendent turns away appeal

The Lincoln County Superintendent of Schools ruled last week that he would not hear a Troy School Board trustee’s case against the school district because she failed to file her Notice of Appeal within 30 days of the board’s decisions concerning each of the alleged offenses.

Supporters, opponents turn out for Tester talk in Troy
October 15, 2009 midnight

Supporters, opponents turn out for Tester talk in Troy

Sen. Jon Tester was greeted Saturday morning by both supporters and critics of his proposed Forest Jobs and Recreation Act as he took his place behind the podium at the Troy High School auditorium.

October 15, 2009 midnight

Troy Mayor Candidate: Edward Hanson

Editor's Note: The Western News submitted a series of questions to candidates in the Libby mayoral election. Following are answers to those questions by each candidate.

Cross Country: Loggers compete in cold at Whitefish
October 15, 2009 midnight

Cross Country: Loggers compete in cold at Whitefish

Libby’s Nikola Falk turned in a top-five finish and Jacob Thomas set another personal best on a cold course Saturday at Whitefish.

October 15, 2009 midnight

Letter: Senator does good job explaining bill

Dear Editor:

Tuesday, October 13

October 13, 2009 midnight

Libby gets good news on air quality

The positive effects of a wood stove changeout program were realized last week when the Environmental Protection Agency designated Libby as an attainment area that now meets federal air quality standards.

October 13, 2009 midnight

Golf: Weather creates problems for state tourney

The Class A state golf tournament at Whitefish has been shortened to 27 holes, organizers announced.

October 13, 2009 midnight

H1N1 flu case confirmed in Lincoln County

The first confirmed case of the H1N1 flu surfaced in Lincoln County late last week.

October 13, 2009 midnight

Guest Column: A healthy smile lasts a lifetime

Good oral health practices are important at any age. Beginning with infancy and continuing until you are a senior, there are certain techniques to focus on along the way, which greatly affect overall health.

October 13, 2009 midnight

County waives fees, taxes on junk mobile homes

A variety of situations around all corners of Lincoln County have caused many property owners to ignore the ugly, run-down mobile homes sitting on their land.

Monday, October 12

October 12, 2009 midnight

Volleyball: Troy takes down Misson in 4 games

The Troy High School volleyball team went on the road Friday for an impressive victory in four games over Mission.

October 12, 2009 midnight

Boys Soccer: Libby to play Hamilton in state playoffs

The second season now begins.

Death Notice: Robert Gene Garrison
October 12, 2009 midnight

Death Notice: Robert Gene Garrison

Robert Gene Garrison, 52, of Troy died at his residence on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009.

October 12, 2009 midnight

Girls Soccer: Loggers finish regular season unbeaten

Bringing the ball into the right corner with less than 2 minutes remaining, Libby junior Jaime Gilden kept an eye on teammate Anna Valentine. With a powerful kick, Gilden crossed the ball to her teammate over the middle. And Valentine finished with an impressive header into the net.

Volleyball: Libby wins marathon over Whitefish
October 12, 2009 midnight

Volleyball: Libby wins marathon over Whitefish

Trailing 7-3 in the fifth game of a back-and-forth Northwestern A match against Whitefish on Saturday, the Lady Loggers huddled during a timeout.

October 12, 2009 midnight

State golf meet postponed to early this week

Libby High School’s golf squads were scheduled to compete early this week in the Class A state meet on the South Course at Whitefish Lake.

October 12, 2009 midnight

Florence outlasts Troy in wild one

In what was called one of the most memorable games in recent history, Florence held on to defeat Troy, 43-30, in high school football action on Friday.

Helen Jeanette Wood Mellem
October 12, 2009 midnight

Helen Jeanette Wood Mellem

Helen Jeanette Wood Mellem, 87, of Libby died at her home with her family by her side on Oct. 8, 2009.

Mayme H. Tillman
October 12, 2009 midnight

Mayme H. Tillman

Mayme H. Tillman, 97, a longtime Thompson Falls resident, died Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009 in Libby from natural causes.

October 12, 2009 midnight

Football: Libby falls by 1 point for 2nd straight week

Despite a one-point loss on the scoreboard for a second straight week, the Libby High School football team is trying to focus on its own victories in various facets of the game.

Saturday, October 10

October 10, 2009 midnight

Guest Column: An update on 'other' flu

The first case of Novel H1N1 influenza in Lincoln County has been confirmed.

October 10, 2009 midnight

Lincoln County sees first H1N1 flu case

It’s official … the first confirmed case of the H1N1 flu has surfaced in Lincoln County.

Friday, October 9

Sports Update: Loggers win thriller over Pirates
October 9, 2009 midnight

Sports Update: Loggers win thriller over Pirates

The Libby High School boys soccer team officially punched its ticket to the Class A state playoffs on Thursday with a 2-1 thriller over Polson.

Sports Update: Libby downs Polson in girls soccer
October 9, 2009 midnight

Sports Update: Libby downs Polson in girls soccer

Chelsea Ahart scored with four minutes remaining in the game Thursday as the Libby High School girls soccer team defeated Polson, 3-2.

Delores Jean Lynn
October 9, 2009 midnight

Delores Jean Lynn

Delores Jean (Sherman) Lynn, 75, died on Sept. 28, 2009 at home in Troy.

Thursday, October 8

October 8, 2009 midnight

Letter: Openness, transparency needed on ballots

Dear Editor:

October 8, 2009 midnight

Column: Tester's bill can break logjam on forest policy

I was blessed to be born in northwestern Montana and to grow up in the middle of the majestic and towering forests surrounding Libby.

October 8, 2009 midnight

Tester to host open house on Forest Jobs bill in Troy

Montana Sen. Jon Tester will host an open house in Troy Saturday to discuss the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act.

Volleyball: Eureka takes 7-B match over Troy
October 8, 2009 midnight

Volleyball: Eureka takes 7-B match over Troy

Eureka improved to 6-1 in District 7-B on Tuesday night with a 25-13, 25-20, 25-23 victory over Troy in high school volleyball action.

October 8, 2009 midnight

Sheriff recall effort dies

A group of Eureka-area residents failed Tuesday to turn in the nearly 2,000 signatures required to hold a special election to remove Lincoln County Sheriff Daryl Anderson from office.

October 8, 2009 midnight

Letter: After-school program in Troy appreciated

Dear Editor:

Libby City Council considers skateboard park
October 8, 2009 midnight

Libby City Council considers skateboard park

Teenagers and pre-teens, some clutching skateboards, watched in awe at Monday’s Libby City Council meeting as preliminary designs for a first-rate skateboard park in Libby were projected on the wall in front of them.

Sampling chili on chilly day in Libby
October 8, 2009 midnight

Sampling chili on chilly day in Libby

An estimated 120 chili testers brought their appetites to Heritage Museum’s fourth annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, pleasantly surprising organizers who feared a low turnout would correspond with a slow-to-signup group of cooks.

Norman G. Winter
October 8, 2009 midnight

Norman G. Winter

Norman G. Winter, 81, of Libby died Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 at Libby Care Center from natural causes.

October 8, 2009 midnight

Forest Service project contracts stay close to home

The first projects put out to bid by Kootenai National Forest through federal stimulus funding attracted a healthy number of bidders.

Wednesday, October 7

October 7, 2009 midnight

Volleyball Update: Eureka wins 7-B match over Troy

Eureka improved to 6-1 in District 7-B with a 25-13, 25-20, 25-23 victory at Troy on Tuesday evening.

Tuesday, October 6

Volleyball: Lady Trojans down Noxon, Plains
October 6, 2009 midnight

Volleyball: Lady Trojans down Noxon, Plains

Trying to move past a frustrating five-game volleyball loss the previous weekend to Darby, the Lady Trojans wanted to come out before the home fans on Thursday night with a performance that would put them back into a winning groove.

Veterans gather in Libby for annual Stand-Down
October 6, 2009 midnight

Veterans gather in Libby for annual Stand-Down

A man in a red T-shirt marked “volunteer” peered around Libby’s VFW Hall Saturday morning at a line of veterans flowing from the entrance, across the parking lot, around the fence and down the street.

October 6, 2009 midnight

Tester to host open house on Forest Jobs bill in Troy

Sen. Jon Tester will host an open house to discuss the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act in Troy on Saturday, Oct. 10.

October 6, 2009 midnight

Troy Mine responds to spill into waterways

Troy Mine continued Monday to clean up a tailings spill that leaked into nearby waterways, but is so far not considered detrimental to the environment.

Monday, October 5

October 5, 2009 midnight

Golf: Libby qualifies 4 for state meet

Zach Watson and Louis Cielak for the boys, and Chelsey Oedewaldt and Candace Hendrickson for the girls qualified for the Class A state golf tournament this past Thursday with top 15 finishes at divisionals.

October 5, 2009 midnight

Volleyball: Polson defeats Libby in 3 games

Back to work.

October 5, 2009 midnight

Cross Country: Loggers compete at Thompson Falls, Eureka

Libby High School cross country runners Jacob Thomas and Will Lott each recorded the fastest 3.0-mile course times in the past two seasons last week at different meets.

October 5, 2009 midnight

Football: Columbia Falls scores late to beat Libby

The sick feeling that results from deep disappointment hung in the air for players, coaches and fans Friday night. Columbia Falls had rallied late in the fourth quarter to steal a  22-21 victory over Libby in a key Northwestern A game for both teams.

October 5, 2009 midnight

Superior downs Trojans, 40-0

Trying to battle back from a 14-0 deficit, the Troy High School football team created momentum late in the second quarter when stopping Superior on the 5-yard line.

October 5, 2009 midnight

Newsroom Journal: Life of a Small-Town Editor (Oct. 4-10)

(Note: Newsroom Journal is a collection of various notes and observations through the eyes of Brad Fuqua, managing editor of the Western News in Libby, Mont. The journal is updated periodically as the week progresses.)

October 5, 2009 midnight

Boys Soccer: Libby takes 5-1 homecoming victory

Even during last season’s state championship run, the Libby High School boys soccer team didn’t have more than seven victories during the regular season.

October 5, 2009 midnight

Girls Soccer: Lady Loggers defeat Bigfork, 3-1

Timing Jaime Gilden’s pass perfectly, Libby junior Chelsea Ahart never hesitated while burying a screamer into the net. And then she didn’t hesitate to celebrate as the Lady Loggers pulled away from Bigfork, 3-1, in front of a Saturday homecoming crowd.

Sunday, October 4

October 4, 2009 midnight

Sports Update: Libby golf qualifies 4 for state

Two boys and two girls qualified for the Class A state golf meet based on performances Thursday in the Northwestern A divisionals.

Saturday, October 3

October 3, 2009 midnight

Sports Update: Libby boys defeat Bigfork, 5-1

The Libby High School boys soccer team broke open a close game with an impressive second half in a 5-1 win over Bigfork on Saturday afternoon.

October 3, 2009 midnight

Sports Update: Polson takes down Libby in 3

The Libby High School volleyball team suffered its first loss in the Northwestern A this season with a three-game loss at home to Polson.

October 3, 2009 midnight

Live Updates: Libby vs. Polson volleyball

Live event closed (concluded at 7:01 p.m.)

October 3, 2009 midnight

Sports Update: Columbia Falls beats Libby on gridiron

Columbia Falls rallied from an eight-point deficit over the final 5:05 of regulation to defeat Libby on Friday night, 22-21.

Girls Soccer: Valentine, Gilden go wild in win over Wildkats
October 3, 2009 midnight

Girls Soccer: Valentine, Gilden go wild in win over Wildkats

Throughout this girls soccer season, Anna Valentine and Jaime Gilden have demonstrated an uncanny nose for the net. And on Tuesday in a Northern A clash with Columbia Falls, the Lady Logger pair put on their latest offensive clinic in a 6-3 victory.

John L. Luger
October 3, 2009 midnight

John L. Luger

John L. Luger, 84, longtime Libby resident, died Oct. 1, 2009 at his daughter’s residence in Spokane, Wash.

October 3, 2009 midnight

Sports Update: Lady Loggers go to 9-0 on season

The Libby High School girls soccer team improved to 6-0 in the Northern A and 10-0 overall following a 3-1 victory over Bigfork on Saturday.

Friday, October 2

Carson R. Dedrick
October 2, 2009 midnight

Carson R. Dedrick

Carson R. Dedrick, 19 days old, died on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2009 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

October 2, 2009 midnight

Skateboards, new city attorney on council agenda

Libby City Council plans to meet on Monday at 7 p.m. for its first regular meeting of the month. The meeting will include public hearings on the Millwork West Subdivision and the fiscal year 2010 budget.

Thursday, October 1

October 1, 2009 midnight

Letter: Nature manages to take care of itself

Dear Editor:

Political issues take center stage at 'tea party'
October 1, 2009 midnight

Political issues take center stage at 'tea party'

The Lincoln County Tea Party last week had nothing to do with overtaxed tea and everything, according to organizers, to do with the frustration and fear that the community feels about a range of current state and federal legislative issues.

October 1, 2009 midnight

The Calico Pen: Piano tales from Marlene to grandson

Marlene had a piano. Marlene had everything.

October 1, 2009 midnight

Golf: Watson, Benefield in top 10 at Frenchtown

The Libby High School boys golf team placed third out of six teams and Zach Watson had a top-five performance at Monday’s Frenchtown Invitational at King Ranch Golf Course.

October 1, 2009 midnight

Woman, boy rescued from island in Kootenai River

Trained swift water technicians safely rescued a 10-year-old boy and his 30-year-old aunt who were trapped on a rocky island at the mouth of Kootenai Falls early Saturday evening, according to rescuers.