Wednesday, September 30
Beverly Williams
Beverly Williams, 90, of Spangle, Wash., died Sept. 28, 2009 following a long illness.
Country music performer Schikora to play on home stage
While attending Libby High School in the early 1980s, Mike Schikora lived a double life. During the day, he attended classes leading up to his graduation in 1983. In the evenings, Schikora played in local bars as part of the band, “The Juke Box Jammers.”
Column: Blame it all on my crazy biology teacher
With fall in the air, I get this funny feeling that my homework isn’t done.
Young chef with local connections appears on TV show
Joy Skogas would always set up a space for her granddaughters to “help” in the kitchen when they visited during Christmas and summer vacations.
Boys Soccer: Loggers shutout Columbia Falls, 6-0
Despite a loss last weekend to Whitefish, the Libby High School boys soccer team controls its own destiny in a drive for the conference title.
Tuesday, September 29
Newsroom Journal: Life of a Small-Town Editor (Sept. 27-Oct. 3)
(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.)
Monday, September 28
Plains too much for Trojans, 46-6
Looking back on Saturday’s 46-6 loss at Plains-Hot Springs, veteran Troy head coach Rich McElmurry saw a little bit of Aaron Palmer in his opponent’s quarterback … an all-around player that could make things happen with his offense.
Local bar, casino owners react to smoking ban
Local bar and casino owners are begrudgingly preparing to turn their businesses smoke-free as their four-year grace period from the statewide smoke ban will expire Thursday.
Golf: Watson finishes 2nd at Polson Invite
Libby High School senior Zach Watson missed winning his second straight tournament by just one stroke Thursday in Polson. Watson finished runner-up to Whitefish’s Reed Platke with a round of 72 at Polson Bay Golf Course.
Boys Soccer: Whitefish slips by Loggers, 2-1
A victory over Whitefish will have to wait for another day.
Football: Loggers fall in Northwestern A opener
Trailing 21-17 in the second quarter, the Libby High School football team found itself in a classic Northwestern A battle Friday night at Polson.
Lawrence Mountain fire continues to burn
The Lawrence Mountain fire, located south of Lawrence Mountain on the Rexford Ranger District, as of Thursday had burned approximately 1,200 acres since it began on Sept. 2, Kootenai National Forest officials reported.
Cross Country: LHS competes at monster meet in Missoula
Participating in the largest-ever Mountain West cross country meet Saturday in Missoula, Libby High School’s results featured a couple of personal bests on a course the Loggers will see again later this year at state.
Girls Soccer: Lady Loggers rout Whitefish, 5-1
Alone at the top.
Troy School Board member disputes district actions
A Troy School Board member has accused its board and superintendent of violating a list of school policies and state laws in an array of alleged actions ranging from not following the proper bidding procedure to not gaining board approval in purchasing a new driver’s education vehicle.
Jury finds Dancer guilty in embezzlement trial
William Dancer sat stone-faced Friday afternoon as the court clerk read off three guilty verdicts that could put him in prison for up to 30 years.
Volleyball: Lady Trojans fall to Darby in five-game match
In a match that came down to a final game to 15, the Troy High School volleyball team saw its fortunes run short in a 14-25, 25-20, 14-25, 25-21, 15-10 loss to nonconference opponent Darby.
Volleyball: Libby sweeps Columbia Falls, Ronan
Jackie Mee may wear a new uniform number, but she still hits the same … maybe better.
Friday, September 25
Sports Update: Lady Loggers rout Columbia Falls
The Libby High School volleyball team took less than an hour to dispose of Columbia Falls in a Northwestern A matchup on Thursday night.
Sports Update: Libby girls soccer team wins, 4-1
The Libby High School girls soccer team remained unbeaten on Thursday with a 4-1 win at Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
Jury finds Dancer guilty of embezzlement
William Dancer’s solemn expression changed little Friday afternoon as the court clerk read off three guilty verdicts that could put him in prison for 30 years.
Sports Update: Libby boys soccer team wins at Bonners Ferry
The Libby High School boys soccer team improved to 6-1 overall with a 1-0 victory on Thursday over nonconference foe Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
Sports Update: Watson 2nd at Polson Invite
Libby High School senior Zach Watson missed winning his second straight tournament by just one stroke Thursday in Polson. Watson finished runnerup to Whitefish’s Reed Platke with a round of 72 at Polson Bay Golf Course.
Wednesday, September 23
Guest Column: Avoid does, cows to get herds back to normal
Hunting and the coming season … I have to speak out.
Column: Solace among the Crazies
I've always gone to the woods to calm or rejuvenate a spirit too easily rubbed raw by modern life.
EPA agrees to extend OU1-OU2 comment period
The Environmental Protection Agency agreed during Wednesday’s City-County Health Board meeting to extend the comment period for the proposed plans of the former export plant and former screening plant by two months.
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation celebrates 25 years
Through a 25-year period of incredible growth and hundreds of success stories, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has developed a presence around the world. From the organization’s founding in 1984, membership today stands at around 150,000.
Much-needed legal guidance to serve region
There is no question that the need is there.
Federal recovery funding allows school bus upgrades
Federal recovery funding has led to the purchase of two new school buses in Libby and another in Troy, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality reported Tuesday.
Family resource centers attempt to ease parents
Some parents are comfortable speaking to their child’s teacher or principal when they have questions or concerns. But others have never stepped a foot into the school, don’t know the names of the teachers or principal, and would feel awkward just stopping by.
Troy opts to contract out animal control to county
The City of Troy will join Libby and Eureka in contracting out animal control to Lincoln County starting in October, a new arrangement that the city council approved during this past Wednesday’s meeting.
Libby native Schikora to perform in concert
Mike Schikora is headed home.
Free preschool screening scheduled for Friday in Troy
Troy Public Schools will hold free preschool screening on Friday, Sept. 25 at the Troy Methodist Church between 8:30 a.m.-noon.
Newsroom Journal: Life of a Small-Town Editor (Sept. 20-26)
(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.)
Accident injures 2 on Bull Lake Road
A Bull Lake Road accident, about a mile inside Sanders County, on Tuesday resulted in two people being transported to the hospital.
Column: The real Libby you should go see it
When you hear the word, Libby, what do you think?
Tuesday, September 22
Zoe Virginia MacKenzie
Zoe Virginia MacKenzie, 90, of Longview, Wash., died Sept. 9, 2009 from natural causes.
Grizzly bear released near Spar Lake
A grizzly bear was released near Spar Lake, south of Troy, on Friday as part of an ongoing program to increase the Cabinet-Yaak grizzly population.
Charges against Dancer reduced as trial begins
Jury selection for the retrial of former Libby businessman William Dancer began Monday with the accused facing half of his former charges. The prosecution dropped four charges last week.
Biomass plant idea faces obstacles in Lincoln County
It’s not a new idea – a biomass power plant located in Lincoln County.
Monday, September 21
Football: Hamilton controls 2nd half to beat Loggers
Lining up against one of the top teams out of the Southwestern A, Libby High School football players found out a lot about themselves in Friday’s 35-21 loss.
Volleyball: Troy beats Valley Christian, falls to Loyola
Going into last weekend’s pair of matches in Missoula, Troy volleyball coach Sandra Jansma knew her team should be favored to beat Valley Christian but have its work cut out against Loyola Sacred Heart.
Cross Country: Thomas, Carlson make big strides on Libby squad
For the past two seasons, Libby cross country runner Jacob Thomas has steadily moved up the ladder on his own squad. Still, he had never finished with the best time on the team – until this past weekend.
Girls Soccer: Gilden scores 4 goals in win over Polson
Still perfect.
Boys Soccer: Reny scores late to lift Loggers past Polson
The Libby High School boys soccer team remained unbeaten in the Northern A region last week with victories over Bigfork and Polson.
Sports Update: Eureka downs Troy in 7-B tilt
The Troy High School football team dropped its first game of the season Friday night against District 7-B defending champion Eureka, 35-8.
Golf: Watson takes 1st at Libby Invite
Going up against an exceptional field of players on the home course at Cabinet View Country Club, Loggers senior Zach Watson wanted to go out with a bang in his final appearance at the Libby Invitational.
Volleyball: Libby downs Whitefish, wins at Bonners Ferry
Posting a Northwestern A victory in the Whitefish gym is not an easy task. Plenty of teams have experienced heartache at that particular venue over the years. So, when Libby pulled off a three-game sweep over the Lady Bulldogs, it represented a rare occurrence.
Elvis show makes return to Libby
Elvis Presley impersonator Danny Vernon will take his talents to the Memorial Center stage in Libby for two shows on Saturday, Sept. 19.
City, EPA views differ on cleanup
Libby City Council presented a professional design of its future plans for the old export plant during Monday’s meeting, a week after the Environmental Protection Agency released its proposed cleanup plan for the site.
Eureka downs Troy in key 7-B matchup
Walking toward the locker room following his team’s 35-8 loss to Eureka, Trojans head coach Rich McElmurry could only shake his head.
Sunday, September 20
Sports Update: Girls soccer team wins again
Jaime Gilden scored four goals in Libby's 5-1 victory over Polson Saturday in girls soccer.
Sports Update: Watson wins Libby Invite
Libby's Zach Watson shot a round of 77 on Saturday at Cabinet View Country Club to win the Libby Invitational.
Saturday, September 19
Sports Update: Troy splits 2 matches in Missoula
The Troy High School volleyball team split a pair of matches in Missoula on Saturday.
Sports Update: Hamilton defeats Loggers, 35-21
The Libby High School football team's record dipped to 1-3 Friday night with a 35-21 loss to visiting Hamilton.
Michael Perry Bills
Michael Perry Bills, 67, of Libby died Sept. 16, 2009.
Sports Update: LHS boys slip past Polson
The Libby High School boys soccer team remained unbeaten in the Northern A region on Saturday with a 1-0 shutout over Polson.
Friday, September 18
Sports Update: Lady Loggers sweep Whitefish
The Libby High School volleyball team swept three straight games in a victory over Whitefish on Thursday, 25-21, 25-20, 25-18.
Sports Update: Boys soccer team beats Bigfork
The Libby High School boys soccer team improved to 2-0 in the Northern A with a 3-1 victory on Thursday over Bigfork.
Grizzy relocated to Cabinet Mountains
Wildlife officials released a 400-pound female grizzly bear Friday in the Cabinet Mountains.
Sports Update: Girls soccer team blanks Bigfork
The Libby High School girls soccer team shutout Bigfork on Thursday in a Northern A matchup, 2-0.
Thursday, September 17
Newsroom Journal: Life of a Small-Town Editor (Sept. 17-19, 2009)
Thursday, Sept. 17
Wednesday, September 16
Column: Still our best idea
Dayton Duncan was an impressionable 9-year-old when he made his first journey into the West’s national parks. There, he had the kind of life-changing experience that many people have enjoyed in the parks.
BPA transmission line rebuild on schedule
Bonneville Power Administration officials expect to complete on time the rebuild of a 17-mile section of 115-kilovolt line from Libby to Troy. Early estimates called for the work to be wrapped up by the end of November and everything is on schedule.
Column: Conservationists' opposition to hunting wolves is wrongheaded
I never thought I’d say this, but wolf recovery in the West has been the most successful program ever accomplished under the Endangered Species Act.
Column: Breaking down details on HIN1 flu
“When can I get my flu shot? Will I be able to get an H1N1 shot? Is it safe to get the new vaccine?”
Letter: Moving on from Memorial Center
Dear Editor:
Dancer embezzlement trial begins Monday
The retrial of William Dancer, who is accused of embezzling more than $400,000 from his former employer, Sagle, Idaho-based Independence Home Center Inc., nearly three years ago, is scheduled to begin Monday and last six days.
Weekend previews: Troy to host speedy Eureka
Speed kills … and the Eureka football team tries its best to utilize that strength to its advantage.
School board looks to consultant on Asa Wood
Libby School Board members don’t all agree on how to address the problem of an aging Asa Wood elementary school building, but they did agree Monday that a professional would be able to provide the best and most objective answer.
Fires discovered on Three Rangers District near Troy
Two fires were discovered Tuesday on Kootenai National Forest, officials said Wednesday.
Design phase begins on Pipe Creek resurfacing project
The Montana Department of Transportation said this week that it is preparing plans to resurface a section of Pipe Creek Road. However, the project is tentatively scheduled for construction beyond 2012.
Letter: Read between lines on Tester's jobs bill
Dear Editor,
Column: A few minutes with Patrick Swayze
The interview was brief – perhaps 10 minutes on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. And afterward while returning to my vehicle, I looked back to see a smiling Patrick Swayze with his arms around two people posing for a photo.
Letter: Time to celebrate right to smoke-free air
Dear Editor:
Stimulus funds help schools complete window projects
W.F. Morrison School in Troy replaced the last of its single-pane windows on Tuesday. Libby High School expects to receive its window supplies within a week or two. And Eureka Elementary School replaced some windows that had been boarded up for the past 20 years.
Clyde F. Bowen
Clyde F. Bowen, 90, died Sept. 15, 2009 at his home in Troy.
'Dreamscapes' to entertain at Memorial Center
The Kootenai Heritage Council will kick off its 2009-10 membership season on Friday, Sept. 25, with a piano concert and art exhibit by composers and visual artists David Thomas Roberts and Scott Kirby.
Volleyball: Lady Loggers 3rd at Anaconda Invite
In a Northwest vs. Southwest showdown on Friday and Saturday, the Libby High School volleyball team won nine of 12 games and then placed third in the medal round during the Anaconda Tip-Off Tournament.
Letter: Poll numbers tell story on wilderness
Dear Editor:
Column: Hunters: Think grizzly and be prepared
Hunting season has begun and hunters are reminded that they can expect to encounter grizzly bears anywhere in northwest Montana. If you are a black bear license holder, it’s recommended that you brush up on your bear ID skills before each hunting season to prevent the mistaken identity killings of grizzly bears.
Fate uncertain for now-closed Sylvanite School
The closed Sylvanite School has been turned over to the McCormick School District, whose board will decide the fate of the one-room schoolhouse 17 miles west of Yaak.
Two veterans on elk hunt through Camp Patriot
Camp Patriot announced that an elk hunt is being provided this week to two veterans.
Golf: Libby High hosting own invite on Saturday
The Libby High School golf team will make its lone home appearance of the season on Saturday morning at Cabinet View Country Club.
Tuesday, September 15
Washington couple injured in accident
A Washington couple was seriously injured Thursday morning after striking a deer on their motorcycle as they traveled on Highway 2 south of Libby.
Boys Soccer: Loggers shutout Columbia Falls
The Libby High School boys soccer team opened play in the Northern A on Saturday with a 4-0 shutout at Columbia Falls.
Casino robbery leads to high-speed chase
The bond for two men suspected of robbing a Libby casino Friday was set at $500,000 during their initial appearance Monday afternoon in justice court.
Obama message in local schools
Libby Middle School kids and various other Libby and Troy students watched President Barack Obama’s address to schoolchildren last week – a speech that initially drew fire from conservative groups and parents.
Volleyball: Trojans defeat Thompson Falls for 7-B victory
Those timeouts can work wonders.
Troy gridders blank Mission
The Troy High School football team put on an offensive display of balance in a 46-0 victory at Mission on Friday night.
Lawrence Mountain fire up to 400 acres
The Lawrence Mountain and Parsnip fires that were caused by lightning earlier this month continue to be managed under a confine strategy, Kootenai National Forest officials reported.
Girls Soccer: Gilden scores 2 in victory
The Libby High School girls soccer team remained unbeaten with a 4-2 victory at Columbia Falls on Saturday.
Heritage Museum's chili cook-off coming
The Heritage Museum’s fourth annual Chili Cook-Off is on the horizon and entries are being accepted for the Oct. 3 event.
John W. Basham
John W. Basham, 64, died July 17, 2009 in Portland, Ore.
High-school students give 'hope' to chemo patients
Hope in a little blue bag.
Cross Country: LHS competes at Silverwood
Opting for a fun competition at Silverwood Amusement Park north of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, the Libby High School cross country team avoided the sizeable Flathead Invitational in Kalispell on Saturday.
Football: Loggers defend home turf, whip Corvallis
It’s good to be home.
Not just for boys anymore: Forster kicks up storm on gridiron
Hauling in a two-point conversion pass against Corvallis on Friday night, Libby’s No. 2 celebrated with teammates while coaches on the sidelines displayed ear-to-ear-grins.
Saturday, September 12
Sports Update: Libby sweeps Columbia Falls in soccer
The Libby High School boys and girls soccer teams both took victories at Columbia Falls on Saturday.
Sports Update: Troy blanks Mission, 46-0
The Troy High School football team improved to 2-0 on the young season with a 46-0 shutout at Mission.
Friday, September 11
Sports Update: Loggers blast Corvallis, 50-28
The Libby High School football team made a successful home debut on Friday night with a 50-28 rout over Corvallis.
Sports Update: Libby spikers win 7 of 10 games on day 1
The Libby High School volleyball team compiled a 7-3 record in pool play during the first day of the Anaconda Tip-Off Tournament on Friday.
Thursday, September 10
Aaron D. Brossman Sr.
Aaron D. Brossman Sr., 69, a longtime Libby resident, died Monday, Sept. 7, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital from natural causes.
Health officials prep for H1N1
Although health officials are bracing for the worst-case scenario when it comes to the H1N1 flu strain this winter, Lincoln County residents should not panic.
Letter: Thank you, Libby for 2 incredible years
Dear Editor:
Brent William Skramstad
Brent William Skramstad, 51, died Sept. 2, 2009 of bone cancer at his home in Havre surrounded by family and some fellow musicians.
Maxine Kay Adams
Maxine Kay (Cunnington) Adams, 69, died June 26, 2009 after a long battle with cancer.
Letter: Wilderness Bill is bureaucratic nonsense
Dear Editor:
Letter: State wrong in Vogel case
Dear Editor:
Weekend Sports Preview Capsules
Football
Watson shoots 71 for first place at Browning
Libby’s Zach Watson shot a scorching round of 71 to take first place in last weekend’s Browning Invitational at East Glacier Golf Course.
Weevils work on noxious weeds
The weevils have gone to work.
Sports Update: Troy volleyball team downs Thompson Falls
The Troy High School volleyball team won its first District 7-B match of the season on Thursday night with a 15-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19 victory over Thompson Falls.
Jack L. Cunningham III
Jack L. Cunningham III, 83, died Sept. 4, 2009 in Sacramento, Calif.
Judge OKs wolf hunts; tag sales brisk
U.S. District Court Judge Donald Molloy gave the OK Tuesday night for wolf hunts in Montana and Idaho to continue as scheduled after denying an injunction requested by environmentalists.
Bigfork downs Troy in 7-B District matchup
District 7-B’s newest member, Bigfork, won in impressive fashion on Tuesday evening in a home match against Troy, 25-8, 25-7, 25-9.
LHS volleyball squad sweeps through Eureka
The Libby High School volleyball team swept a three-game match over Eureka on Tuesday, 25-16, 25-14, 25-22.
Relocating Fifth Street Extension prompts questions
Relocating Fifth Street Extension away from the river and further south toward the railroad tracks would turn homeowners’ land into valued riverfront property and allow for the building of a safer railroad crossing.
Letter: Thugs on left, patriots on right?
Dear Editor:
Letter: Obama dealing from the bottom
Dear Editor:
Julie 'Judy' Ann Rodgers
Julie “Judy” Ann Rodgers of Lincoln, 69, died Aug. 30, 2009 at the Big Sky Care Center in Helena after a short illness.
Couple injured in motorcycle accident near Libby
A Washington couple was seriously injured Thursday morning after striking a deer on their motorcycle as they traveled on Highway 2 south of Libby.
Tuesday, September 8
Girls Soccer: Lady Loggers off to 2-0 start
The Libby High School girls may have started the season a bit later because of a game cancellation but the Lady Loggers showed no negative effects in a pair of victories over quality opponents last week.
Death Notice: Brent Skramstad
Brent Skramstad, 51, former Libby resident, died Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009 at his home in Havre. Services in Libby are pending.
Trojans open season by dominating Darby
Putting on a varsity uniform for the first time as the starting quarterback, Troy junior Mike Ormiston had the jitters early on. But he settled down quickly, threw four touchdown passes and even had two picks on defense to help the Trojans to a 42-6 season-opening victory Friday over Darby.
Highway 2 accident claims life of Idaho man
A 50-year-old Bonners Ferry, Idaho man died and two others were injured Wednesday afternoon in a collision on Highway 2, west of Troy, that caused both vehicles to roll, according to a Montana Highway Patrol release.
Walter L. Smith Jr.
Walter L. Smith, Jr., 76, died Sept. 3, 2009 at Libby Care Center.
KV Quilt Guild honor goes to Mabel Edington
The content of Mabel Edington’s booth at this weekend’s Quilt Show will reveal that quilts are not solely made of cloth, batting and thread – but also of love.
Forest manages Lawrence Mtn. fire
Lightning sparked various fires across Kootenai National Forest last week, including a blaze on Lawrence Mountain that is now under a wildfire management plan.
Football: Libby drops second straight on road
With 24 seniors and a seasoned lineup that is arguably the best in Class A, the Frenchtown football team outscored its first two opponents this season, 94-0. Playing in front of the home crowd on Friday night, the Broncs downed Libby, 52-0, in a nonconference meeting.
Henriette 'Harriet' L. Uithof
Henriette “Harriet” Louise Uithof died Sept. 4, 2009 in Yakima, Wash.
Law-enforcement agencies working way to full staffs
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Libby Police Department are working their way up to a full force, good news in a county that has experienced law-enforcement shortages.
New owners keep local bookstore open
New owners will within a week reopen Cabinet Books and Music after it faced the possibility of permanent closure.
Boys Soccer: Libby takes home opener
With the clock winding down and two tired teams reaching deep for a little magic, Livingston came up big to pull off a 2-1 victory over Libby on Saturday at Roosevelt Park in Troy.
Weekend Sports Capsules
FOOTBALL
WN Hiking Series: Lake Creek Trail
Pausing at the top of the trail and looking downward, the sight of Lower Geiger Lake proved to be moving with reflections of tree-lined slopes dancing off the water. Further on, the sunshine sparkled off the surface of Upper Geiger Lake with Ferrell’s Wall to the left and Carney Peak to the right.
Cross Country: Logger harriers host invitational
Sitting down in the grass not far from the finish line and trying to catch his breath, Libby junior William Lott knows he has a lot of hard work ahead to reach his goals in cross country.
Troy, Libby public libraries offer book discussion groups
For book lovers seeking an evening of discussion, insight, and laughter, the Lincoln County Public Libraries offers book discussion groups in the Libby and Troy.
Volleyball: Mission, Eureka post wins over Lady Trojans
The Troy High School volleyball team opened District 7-B action last week with losses to Mission and Eureka.
Nordicfest spirit continues in celebration;s 25th year
When members of a small community get together and put all their energy toward a goal, good things tend to happen.
Thursday, September 3
Dorothy M. Richey
Dorothy Mae Morrison Richey, 74, died Aug. 30, 2009 at her home built by her dad at Savage Lake.
Elmer J. Johnson
Elmer J. Johnson, 84, of Libby died Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital from natural causes.
Sept. 2 Briefly
Pick up Nordicfest parade application
Kootenai Karacter Kraziness: The Boardinghouse
Director Shanda Jennings knows that the Nordicfest crowd – a merry bunch filling up on lutefisk and Ole and Lena jokes – won’t want to retire in the evening to a theater with solemn characters and foreboding music.
William Patrick
William Patrick, 72, of Troy died Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 at the Libby Care Center from natural causes.
Harry R. 'Largo' Pearson
Harry R. “Largo” Pearson, 74, died Aug. 27, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.
Libby High golfers open season
The Libby High School golf team opened the season last weekend with an appearance in the East Glacier Tournament.
Yaak woman, 79, survives night in woods
A 79-year-old Yaak woman was found cold and wet but “in good spirits” Saturday after getting lost and spending the night in the woods, according to rescuers.
Death Notice: Fred Hartman
Fred Hartman, 68, died Aug. 24, 2009.
No major fires on Kootenai - so far
The fire season seems pretty mild in the Kootenai National Forest this year, though officials say that’s only because the past decade has seen above-average wildfire activity.
Column: Mellow time arrives with September
The apples, plucked from the tree, and from the squirrels and rabbits, are in a dark room in the basement.
Troy after-school program gets set for year 2
Heading into the second year of the New Horizons Learning Center in Troy, program director Ralph Stever and site coordinator Tracy McNew believe the after-school program can provide a well-rounded extension of education that goes beyond classrooms and textbooks.
Forest plan at fork in road
Back on Aug. 14 in Seattle when Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack took the podium during his first major address regarding the U.S. Forest Service, the former Iowa governor stressed a new direction for the agency guided by the principles of conservation, management and restoration.
Letter: Class of '69 reunion was great event
Dear Editor:
Bonners Ferry man killed in accident near Troy
A 50-year-old Bonners Ferry, Idaho man died and two others were injured Wednesday afternoon in a collision on Highway 2, west of Troy, that caused both vehicles to roll, according to a Montana Highway Patrol release.
Jean Robinson
Jean Robinson, 80, died Monday, Aug. 24, 2009 at her residence in Lakeside.
Simulated emergency serves as test for responders
A snow load collapsed the Ajax Furniture Co. roof, and many of the 26 victims died on scene or at the hospital. While emergency response crews sifted among the wreckage for signs of life, families of the victims pleaded for information about their loved ones, and the media demanded details.
John Brown Hightower III
John Brown Hightower III, 62, died Sept. 1, 2009 at home of natural causes.
Musician brings his 'slack key' guitar style to Hot Club
Embracing the finger-style genre of guitar music known as “slack key,” Jim “Kimo” West creates a unique sound while on stage. The Canadian-born entertainer with comedic connections to Weird Al Yankovic will perform Friday night at the Northwest Music and Hot Club in Troy.
Tuesday, September 1
Cross Country: Libby runs at Bonners Ferry
The Libby High School cross country team opened its season on Saturday with an appearance in the Bonners Ferry Invitational and based on the results, the Loggers appear to be off to a good start.
Hearing set on wolf hunts
U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy in Missoula has granted a request for a hearing to consider a preliminary injunction that would halt pending wolf hunts in Montana and Idaho.
Eureka's Bull Thing to feature region's top bullriders
Top bullriders from around the region will gather in Eureka on Saturday for The Bull Thing – a popular attraction during the Lincoln County Fair.
Junior high building marks 40th year
As the summer of 1969 drew to a close and fall classes were on the horizon, principal Don Waldron led local Rotarians on a tour of the new Libby Junior High building. He escorted them down hallways and into classrooms, through the commons area and over to the gymnasium.
Appointments available for free hearing screenings
St. John’s Lutheran Hospital plans to offer free hearing screenings from Sept. 21-25 as part of National Rehabilitation Awareness Week.
Girls Soccer: Libby opener cancelled
Libby High School’s girls soccer team was not able to take the field last weekend for its season opener. The scheduled opponent, Stevensville, cancelled the game apparently because of player injuries sustained in its opening game the previous day.
LHS golf tees off this weekend
Missing a placing by just one shot at the Class A State Golf Tournament last fall, Libby High School’s Zach Watson no doubt wants to improve in his final season and earn a medal by finishing among the top 15.
Volleyball: Troy opens season by winning tourney
Falling to Mission during round-robin play, the Troy High School volleyball team just couldn’t find the groove and “mentally beat ourselves” – as head coach Sandra Jansma put it.
Football: Loggers open season with loss
Embattled in a close game through the first half, the Libby High School football team could not keep pace with a dangerous Timberlake running attack in a season-opening contest at Spirit Lake, Idaho on Saturday evening.
Old cranes pass test for Stinger
As part of its plan to move forward into production, Stinger Welding in Libby on Friday successfully tested a pair of interior overhead cranes.
Boys Soccer: Libby blanks Stevensville
The Libby High School boys soccer team opened the season on a high note Saturday with a 4-0 shutout over Stevensville.
Volleyball: LHS girls play well at starter tourney
The Libby High School volleyball team had an encouraging start to the season on Saturday by winning six of eight games at the Whitefish Starter Tournament.
Letter: Health-care system must be affordable
Dear Editor:
Letter: Property restoration pleases homeowner
Dear Editor:
