Stories for September 2009

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Wednesday, September 30

September 30, 2009 midnight

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.

Beverly Williams
September 30, 2009 midnight

Beverly Williams

Beverly Williams, 90, of Spangle, Wash., died Sept. 28, 2009 following a long illness.

September 30, 2009 midnight

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.

September 30, 2009 midnight

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.”

September 30, 2009 midnight

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.

Tuesday, September 29

September 29, 2009 midnight

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

September 28, 2009 midnight

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.

September 28, 2009 midnight

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.

September 28, 2009 midnight

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.

September 28, 2009 midnight

Volleyball: Libby sweeps Columbia Falls, Ronan

Jackie Mee may wear a new uniform number, but she still hits the same … maybe better.

September 28, 2009 midnight

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.

September 28, 2009 midnight

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.

September 28, 2009 midnight

Boys Soccer: Whitefish slips by Loggers, 2-1

A victory over Whitefish will have to wait for another day.

September 28, 2009 midnight

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.

Local bar, casino owners react to smoking ban
September 28, 2009 midnight

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. 

September 28, 2009 midnight

Girls Soccer: Lady Loggers rout Whitefish, 5-1

Alone at the top.

September 28, 2009 midnight

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.

September 28, 2009 midnight

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.

Friday, September 25

September 25, 2009 midnight

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.

September 25, 2009 midnight

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.

Jury finds Dancer guilty of embezzlement
September 25, 2009 midnight

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.

September 25, 2009 midnight

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.

September 25, 2009 midnight

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.

Wednesday, September 23

September 23, 2009 midnight

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.

September 23, 2009 midnight

Much-needed legal guidance to serve region

There is no question that the need is there.

September 23, 2009 midnight

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.

September 23, 2009 midnight

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.

September 23, 2009 midnight

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.

September 23, 2009 midnight

Guest Column: Avoid does, cows to get herds back to normal

Hunting and the coming season … I have to speak out.

EPA agrees to extend OU1-OU2 comment period
September 23, 2009 midnight

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.

September 23, 2009 midnight

Column: The real Libby … you should go see it

When you hear the word, Libby, what do you think?

Family resource centers attempt to ease parents
September 23, 2009 midnight

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.

September 23, 2009 midnight

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.)

September 23, 2009 midnight

Libby native Schikora to perform in concert

Mike Schikora is headed home.

September 23, 2009 midnight

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.

September 23, 2009 midnight

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.

Tuesday, September 22

Grizzly bear released near Spar Lake
September 22, 2009 midnight

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.

September 22, 2009 midnight

Biomass plant idea faces obstacles in Lincoln County

It’s not a new idea – a biomass power plant located in Lincoln County.

September 22, 2009 midnight

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.

Zoe Virginia MacKenzie
September 22, 2009 midnight

Zoe Virginia MacKenzie

Zoe Virginia MacKenzie, 90, of Longview, Wash., died Sept. 9, 2009 from natural causes.

Monday, September 21

September 21, 2009 midnight

Girls Soccer: Gilden scores 4 goals in win over Polson

Still perfect.

Golf: Watson takes 1st at Libby Invite
September 21, 2009 midnight

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.

September 21, 2009 midnight

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.

Football: Hamilton controls 2nd half to beat Loggers
September 21, 2009 midnight

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.

September 21, 2009 midnight

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.

September 21, 2009 midnight

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.

September 21, 2009 midnight

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.

September 21, 2009 midnight

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.

September 21, 2009 midnight

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
September 21, 2009 midnight

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.

September 21, 2009 midnight

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.

Sunday, September 20

September 20, 2009 midnight

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.

September 20, 2009 midnight

Sports Update: Girls soccer team wins again

Jaime Gilden scored four goals in Libby's 5-1 victory over Polson Saturday in girls soccer.

Saturday, September 19

September 19, 2009 midnight

Sports Update: Troy splits 2 matches in Missoula

The Troy High School volleyball team split a pair of matches in Missoula on Saturday.

September 19, 2009 midnight

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
September 19, 2009 midnight

Michael Perry Bills

Michael Perry Bills, 67, of Libby died Sept. 16, 2009.

September 19, 2009 midnight

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

September 18, 2009 midnight

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.

September 18, 2009 midnight

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.

September 18, 2009 midnight

Grizzy relocated to Cabinet Mountains

Wildlife officials released a 400-pound female grizzly bear Friday in the Cabinet Mountains.

September 18, 2009 midnight

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.

Thursday, September 17

September 17, 2009 midnight

Newsroom Journal: Life of a Small-Town Editor (Sept. 17-19, 2009)

Thursday, Sept. 17

Wednesday, September 16

September 16, 2009 midnight

Letter: Read between lines on Tester's jobs bill

Dear Editor,

September 16, 2009 midnight

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.

September 16, 2009 midnight

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.

September 16, 2009 midnight

'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.

September 16, 2009 midnight

Fires discovered on Three Rangers District near Troy

Two fires were discovered Tuesday on Kootenai National Forest, officials said Wednesday.

Clyde F. Bowen
September 16, 2009 midnight

Clyde F. Bowen

Clyde F. Bowen, 90, died Sept. 15, 2009 at his home in Troy.

September 16, 2009 midnight

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.

September 16, 2009 midnight

Letter: Poll numbers tell story on wilderness

Dear Editor:

September 16, 2009 midnight

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.

September 16, 2009 midnight

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.

September 16, 2009 midnight

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.

September 16, 2009 midnight

Letter: Moving on from Memorial Center

Dear Editor:

September 16, 2009 midnight

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.

September 16, 2009 midnight

Weekend previews: Troy to host speedy Eureka

Speed kills … and the Eureka football team tries its best to utilize that strength to its advantage.

September 16, 2009 midnight

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?”

September 16, 2009 midnight

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.

September 16, 2009 midnight

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.

September 16, 2009 midnight

Two veterans on elk hunt through Camp Patriot

Camp Patriot announced that an elk hunt is being provided this week to two veterans.

September 16, 2009 midnight

Letter: Time to celebrate right to smoke-free air

Dear Editor:

September 16, 2009 midnight

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.

September 16, 2009 midnight

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.

September 16, 2009 midnight

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.

Tuesday, September 15

September 15, 2009 midnight

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.

September 15, 2009 midnight

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.

John W. Basham
September 15, 2009 midnight

John W. Basham

John W. Basham, 64, died July 17, 2009 in Portland, Ore.

September 15, 2009 midnight

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.

Football: Loggers defend home turf, whip Corvallis
September 15, 2009 midnight

Football: Loggers defend home turf, whip Corvallis

It’s good to be home.

Not just for boys anymore: Forster kicks up storm on gridiron
September 15, 2009 midnight

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.

Volleyball: Trojans defeat Thompson Falls for 7-B victory
September 15, 2009 midnight

Volleyball: Trojans defeat Thompson Falls for 7-B victory

Those timeouts can work wonders.

September 15, 2009 midnight

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.

September 15, 2009 midnight

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.

High-school students give 'hope' to chemo patients
September 15, 2009 midnight

High-school students give 'hope' to chemo patients

Hope in a little blue bag.

September 15, 2009 midnight

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.

September 15, 2009 midnight

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.

September 15, 2009 midnight

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.

September 15, 2009 midnight

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.

Saturday, September 12

September 12, 2009 midnight

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.

September 12, 2009 midnight

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.

Friday, September 11

September 11, 2009 midnight

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.

September 11, 2009 midnight

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

Julie 'Judy' Ann Rodgers
September 10, 2009 midnight

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.

Aaron D. Brossman Sr.
September 10, 2009 midnight

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.

September 10, 2009 midnight

Letter: Thugs on left, patriots on right?

Dear Editor:

September 10, 2009 midnight

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.

September 10, 2009 midnight

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.

September 10, 2009 midnight

Letter: State wrong in Vogel case

Dear Editor:

September 10, 2009 midnight

Letter: Thank you, Libby for 2 incredible years

Dear Editor:

September 10, 2009 midnight

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.

Brent William Skramstad
September 10, 2009 midnight

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.

September 10, 2009 midnight

Letter: Wilderness Bill is bureaucratic nonsense

Dear Editor:

Maxine Kay Adams
September 10, 2009 midnight

Maxine Kay Adams

Maxine Kay (Cunnington) Adams, 69, died June 26, 2009 after a long battle with cancer.

September 10, 2009 midnight

Letter: Obama dealing from the bottom

Dear Editor:

September 10, 2009 midnight

Weekend Sports Preview Capsules

Football

September 10, 2009 midnight

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
September 10, 2009 midnight

Weevils work on noxious weeds

The weevils have gone to work.

September 10, 2009 midnight

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.

Jack L. Cunningham III
September 10, 2009 midnight

Jack L. Cunningham III

Jack L. Cunningham III, 83, died Sept. 4, 2009 in Sacramento, Calif.

September 10, 2009 midnight

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.

September 10, 2009 midnight

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.

September 10, 2009 midnight

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.

Tuesday, September 8

Cross Country: Logger harriers host invitational
September 8, 2009 midnight

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.

Boys Soccer: Libby takes home opener
September 8, 2009 midnight

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.

WN Hiking Series: Lake Creek Trail
September 8, 2009 midnight

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.

Girls Soccer: Lady Loggers off to 2-0 start
September 8, 2009 midnight

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.

Nordicfest spirit continues in celebration;s 25th year
September 8, 2009 midnight

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.

September 8, 2009 midnight

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.

Henriette 'Harriet' L. Uithof
September 8, 2009 midnight

Henriette 'Harriet' L. Uithof

Henriette “Harriet” Louise Uithof died Sept. 4, 2009 in Yakima, Wash.

September 8, 2009 midnight

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
September 8, 2009 midnight

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.

September 8, 2009 midnight

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.

Volleyball: Mission, Eureka post wins over Lady Trojans
September 8, 2009 midnight

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.

Death Notice: Brent Skramstad
September 8, 2009 midnight

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.

September 8, 2009 midnight

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.

September 8, 2009 midnight

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.

September 8, 2009 midnight

Weekend Sports Capsules

FOOTBALL

Walter L. Smith Jr.
September 8, 2009 midnight

Walter L. Smith Jr.

Walter L. Smith, Jr., 76, died Sept. 3, 2009 at Libby Care Center.

Trojans open season by dominating Darby
September 8, 2009 midnight

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.

KV Quilt Guild honor goes to Mabel Edington
September 8, 2009 midnight

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.

Thursday, September 3

September 3, 2009 midnight

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.

Kootenai Karacter Kraziness: The Boardinghouse
September 3, 2009 midnight

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.

Death Notice: Fred Hartman
September 3, 2009 midnight

Death Notice: Fred Hartman

Fred Hartman, 68, died Aug. 24, 2009.

September 3, 2009 midnight

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.

Troy after-school program gets set for year 2
September 3, 2009 midnight

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.

September 3, 2009 midnight

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.

John Brown Hightower III
September 3, 2009 midnight

John Brown Hightower III

John Brown Hightower III, 62, died Sept. 1, 2009 at home of natural causes.

Elmer J. Johnson
September 3, 2009 midnight

Elmer J. Johnson

Elmer J. Johnson, 84, of Libby died Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital from natural causes.

Simulated emergency serves as test for responders
September 3, 2009 midnight

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.

September 3, 2009 midnight

Libby High golfers open season

The Libby High School golf team opened the season last weekend with an appearance in the East Glacier Tournament.

September 3, 2009 midnight

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.

September 3, 2009 midnight

Letter: Class of '69 reunion was great event

Dear Editor:

Musician brings his 'slack key' guitar style to Hot Club
September 3, 2009 midnight

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.

September 3, 2009 midnight

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.

Jean Robinson
September 3, 2009 midnight

Jean Robinson

Jean Robinson, 80, died Monday, Aug. 24, 2009 at her residence in Lakeside.

September 3, 2009 midnight

Sept. 2 Briefly

Pick up Nordicfest parade application

William Patrick
September 3, 2009 midnight

William Patrick

William Patrick, 72, of Troy died Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 at the Libby Care Center from natural causes.

Harry R. 'Largo' Pearson
September 3, 2009 midnight

Harry R. 'Largo' Pearson

Harry R. “Largo” Pearson, 74, died Aug. 27, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.

Dorothy M. Richey
September 3, 2009 midnight

Dorothy M. Richey

Dorothy Mae Morrison Richey, 74, died Aug. 30, 2009 at her home built by her dad at Savage Lake.

Tuesday, September 1

September 1, 2009 midnight

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.

Old cranes pass test for Stinger
September 1, 2009 midnight

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.

September 1, 2009 midnight

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.

Cross Country: Libby runs at Bonners Ferry
September 1, 2009 midnight

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.

September 1, 2009 midnight

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.

September 1, 2009 midnight

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.

September 1, 2009 midnight

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.

September 1, 2009 midnight

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.

September 1, 2009 midnight

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.

September 1, 2009 midnight

Letter: Property restoration pleases homeowner

Dear Editor:

September 1, 2009 midnight

Letter: Health-care system must be affordable

Dear Editor:

September 1, 2009 midnight

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.

September 1, 2009 midnight

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.

Junior high building marks 40th year
September 1, 2009 midnight

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.