Wednesday, March 31
Theresa C. Cole Merritt
Our loving wife and mother passed away March 29, 2010.
Tuesday, March 30
Cynthia Lee Dean
Cynthia Lee Dean, 54, departed this life Saturday, March 27, 2010.
Four vie for 2 spots on Troy School Board
Four people are vying for two full-term positions on the Troy School Board.
LHS tennis boys down Stevi; girls play to tie in season opener
The Libby High School boys tennis team opened the season on Saturday with a 4-3 victory over Stevensville. The girls played to a 3-3 tie against the host school.
McDougall appeal denied by state
The Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction dismissed a Troy School Board trustee’s case against the school district, upholding the Lincoln County Superintendent of School’s October decision.
Eileen I. Vaughn
Eileen I. Vaughn, 91, of Libby died Friday, March 26, 2010 at the Libby Care Center from natural causes. Eileen was born Sept. 4, 1918 in the oil fields near Sperry, Okla., to Robert and Elizabeth Sawyer Hale. Her early years were spent in Sperry, Okla. At age 12, she moved to Missouri where she attended high school.
High numbers turn out for Libby track
On the football field and the wrestling mat, the Berget boys have made a name for themselves while wearing the Libby High School uniform. Just because spring has arrived, don’t expect cousins Kody and Dylan Berget to miss out on any competitive action.
Montanore Mine plays waiting game on permits
A sort of eerie silence hovers in the air at the Montanore Mine site. Underground mining trucks are lined up waiting for drivers and operators. Little activity is found in an exploration adit while a nearby $1.2 million water treatment plant hums at a steady pace. A handful of employees complete various tasks to maintain the site.
Rest of Fishtrap wolf pack to be removed
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks ordered the entire Fishtrap wolf pack of the McGinnis Meadows area to be removed since it recently carried out its fourth confirmed livestock depredation since the beginning of January.
THS track team preps for season
Driving in and out of town, Troy High School track coach Neil Newton can only smile when he sees Jacob Lopez putting in roadwork. The Trojan junior experienced a taste of success in long-distance running last season and hopes to elevate his performance this year.
Monday, March 29
Five lives lost in car accident near Libby
By Canda Harbaugh, The Western News
Wednesday, March 24
LHS tennis finds positive start to season
A year ago at this time, Libby High School tennis players couldn’t pick up their racquets and practice backswings and serves until snow had been removed from the courts. But thanks to a mild winter and warm early spring, this year’s sizeable Logger contingent has been able to focus more on the game.
Major law firm working with citizens group
With membership that’s growing daily and legal representation working pro bono, the recently formed Citizens for a Healthy Community and Environmental Justice is working toward two goals – to stop asbestos exposure and to protect private property rights in the cleanup.
Baucus to help kick off CARD project
Sen. Max Baucus plans to host a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, March 31 at the Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby.
Column: Learning to live land-locked
When I lived in southern Alaska, everything revolved around the ocean. Our island was reachable only by plane or boat, and you couldn’t get anywhere dry or metropolitan without hopping an Alaska Airlines jet.
Ticks make appearance; check after time outdoors
Warm weather has brought an early arrival of a not-so-welcome critter – ticks.
Conditions could lead to bad fire season
Low snowpack and a forecasted warmer than average spring could lead to a bad fire season, though summer rain will be the final indicator.
Time to renew personal-use firewood permits
New personal-use firewood permits from the U.S. Forest Service will be available beginning on Thursday, April 1.
Letter: Flood plain project is waste of money
Dear Editor:
Column: Health-care reform's impact on hospital difficult to assess
I have been receiving many questions regarding the recently passed insurance reform bill and have been asked to give my opinion of the legislation. And more importantly, I have been asked to summarize how this new law will affect St. John’s.
Letter: Death of a republic occured on March 21
Dear Editor:
Hageness earns pitcher honor after hurling shutout
Brooke Hageness, a 2008 Libby High School graduate and now a pitcher for the University of Mary, was recently named the Northern Sun Conference’s Player of the Week.
Kiwanis struggles to keep local demolition derby alive
Kootenai Kiwanis Club members discussed at their meeting Tuesday the possibility of not hosting the annual demolition derby anymore because they say the fundraiser has experienced a decline in participation and profits over the years.
Tuesday, March 23
Rock Creek mine ruling could be close
A status conference last week in federal court appeared to indicate that, after a two-year break in proceedings, a ruling to determine whether the proposed Rock Creek mine can begin developing is only weeks away.
Crace joins Team Montana for event in Iowa
With Iowa developing a reputation as the center of the wrestling universe, qualifying for a tournament within its borders carries with it a high degree of prestige.
Sweet 16 calcutta benefits Legion baseball
The Libby Loggers American Legion baseball team is raising money through a calcutta for the Sweet 16 of the NCAA men’s basketball playoffs on Wednesday, March 24 at 7 p.m., at Treasure Mountain Casino.
Revett, government regulators reach settlement
A settlement reached last August between Revett Minerals and government regulators concerning fines levied after a Troy Mine worker’s death in 2007 has been approved.
Maffit decides not to seek re-election
Following a 28-year career in teaching, it seemed natural to serve on the local school board. And for the past nine years, Sylvia Maffit did just that with the Troy School Board of Trustees.
Woman charged in hit-and-run death of Parsons
More than two years after Troy native Bronson Parsons was killed in a hit-and-run in East Missoula, a Stevensville woman faces felony charges related to his death.
WN Hiking Series: Alexander Mountain Trail
With the sun shining bright and Lake Koocanusa’s water so blue, it seemed like the perfect time and place to take a hike.
River on wheels offers education
Purchasing a piece of property on the banks of a river or creek to serve as the perfect spot for a home is not an uncommon dream. Scenery in all directions, wildlife of every type and the relaxing sounds of a nearby stream sound pretty good to a lot of folks.
Landmark bill to aid asbestos victims
The landmark health-care reform bill that was expected to be signed into law by President Barack Obama on Tuesday is slated to expand Medicare coverage to locals suffering from asbestos-related health conditions.
Care center, teen win special awards
Emily Banich of Libby was honored as Young Adult Volunteer of the Year on March 16 during the Montana Health Care Association Convention in Bozeman.
Lady Logger Mee makes all-state hoops team
Libby High School senior Jackie Mee wraps up her impressive Lady Logger basketball career with inclusion on the Class A all-state team.
Monday, March 22
Valentine Rose Crotteau
Valentine Rose Crotteau, 84, formerly of Libby, died Sunday, March 14, 2010 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena.
Thursday, March 18
Phyllis Joy Teschler
Phyllis Joy (Armstrong) Teschler, 88, former Libby resident, died March 5, 2010, in Billings.
Troy Food Pantry stays put for now
Troy city councilmembers agreed at Tuesday’s work meeting that the food pantry housed in city hall is not a burden to the city and should not be forced to move.
Three candidates for Troy School Board
An early glance at school board candidates in Troy reveals that longtime member Sylvia Maffit does not plan to seek re-election. Darren Coldwell’s seat is also up this term and he also does not plan to run.
County finds way to keep project on schedule
A blasting project to improve safety at a tight corner on Kootenai River Road appears to be on schedule.
Leonora Rosalind Fuhlendorf
Leonora Rosalind Fuhlendorf, 89, of Libby, died March 14, 2010 at the Libby Care Center.
Letter: Nothing false about wildlife population data
Dear Editor:
Memorial Service: Pete O. Nelson
Pete O. Nelson, 74, of Libby, died on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.
Larson, O'Neil, Keiper take 1st in archery league
The Libby Archery Club’s indoor league at Lincoln Lanes wrapped up recently with season champions announced.
Our Town: LMS Jitterbug Dance Contest
Carrying on a tradition that is believed to have started at Libby Middle School in the early 1980s, students in grades 5-8 showed off their dancing moves in front of judges, parents, teachers and classmates on Thursday during the annual Jitterbug Dance Contest.
Winslow places 3rd in regional hoop shoot
Jared Winslow, Montana Champion in the 12-13-year-old boys division, took third at the Elk’s Regional Hoop Shoot Tournament on March 6 in Rapid City, S.D. He made 19 out of 25 free throws in the finals.
Libby tackles concerns with medical marijuana providers
Current city ordinances prohibit medical marijuana providers from working within Libby, Mayor Doug Roll told councilmembers at Monday’s meeting.
Youth fight hunger in unique way
As the final seconds of a 30-hour fast approach at 11:30 p.m. on March 27, Libby teens raising money to help the hungry might just break into an animated countdown to the moment when they can stuff food into their mouths.
Column: Good fences don't mangle, destroy wildlife
This winter a small tragedy took place on a ridge above the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana near where I live. I was nearly home when two neighbors out for a walk frantically flagged my truck down.
Column: Interoperability: Big word bigger project
Mention the word “interoperability” and you’re likely to hear, “inter … what?”
Tuesday, March 16
WN Photo: Irish Fair takes over Memorial Center
Brad Fuqua/The Western News
WN Photo: Community mourns loss of local teen
Paul Sievers/The Western News
Report shows mild increase in wolf numbers
Montana’s wolf population saw a mild increase last year even with the state’s first hunt, a state conservation and management report released Thursday revealed.
Event covers conservation easements
The Montana Forest Stewardship Foundation and the Montana Association of Land Trusts are teaming up to bring “A Forest Owner’s Introduction to Conservation Easements” workshop to Libby on Friday, March 26.
Dora 'Louella' VanHoose
Dora “Louella” (Bowling) VanHoose died Saturday, March 13, 2010 at her home in Libby.
Flood safety-related events scheduled this week in Libby
Local officials are recognizing Flood Safety and Awareness Week with three events.
Primary election picture complete
The filing deadline to run for county and state elected positions ended Monday, beginning the 12-week countdown to the primary election.
EPA to set up ambient air stations in 6 spots
The Environmental Protection Agency plans to set up ambient air stations in six locations around Libby in an ongoing effort to test for asbestos.
Friday, March 12
Margaret Heath
Margaret Heath
Tuesday, March 9
Prison escapees caught near Troy plead innocent
Two federal prisoners captured outside of Troy after allegedly escaping from the Mineral County Jail a year ago pleaded not guilty in federal court last week.
Letter: National Guard extends symphathies
(Editor’s note: The following was addressed as a letter to the community):
Guest Column: People with disabilities are 'Just Like You'
In this world of ours, we often feel like we are just dust in the wind. Sometimes feeling like we are important to someone is what keeps us going.
LHS hopes to find ways to reduce dropout rates
School officials had hoped to glean insight from survey results of Libby High School dropouts that would help steer the district’s efforts in increasing graduation rates.
Lack of snow forces local ski area to close early
A lack of snow forced the Turner Mountain Ski Area to close, cutting the ski season a month short and prompting the annual Crazy Days celebration to be canceled for the first time in over a decade.
Mountain snowpack low; not enough time to recover
Mountain snowpack in northwestern Montana and the rest of the state is now considered “very low” and it’s not likely to recover.
Testing finds no asbestos in mill fire ash
Lincoln County commissioners gave the Environmental Health Department the go-ahead Wednesday afternoon to set up a hotline for residents to request their yards be cleaned of debris from the mill fire.
Letter: Martial arts training can be fascinating
Dear Editor:
U.S. Census Bureau workers hand-delivering forms
U.S. Census Bureau workers began hand-delivering census forms to Lincoln County residents last week with the goal of handing out the last batch by the end of next week, according to Western Montana’s Census Office Manager Bill Knowles.
Man pleads guilty to 2008 wolf killing
A Kalispell man will be sentenced in May after pleading guilty to killing a wolf in 2008 in the McGinnis Meadows-Fisher River area.
Letter: More comments on wolves, elk issue
Dear Editor:
Monday, March 8
Kay B. Tarbert
Kay B. Tarbert, 58, of Libby, died on March 5, 2010 at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula.
Jacob K. Colclough
Jacob K. Colclough, 17, died Saturday, March 6, 2010, from injuries sustained in a motor-vehicle accident while returning from National Guard duty.
Memorial Service: Kay B. Tarbert
Kay B. Tarbert, 58, of Libby, died on March 5, 2010 at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula.
Sunday, March 7
Families take action to prevent subdivision
Two local families finalized conservation easements on their properties recently to control future development and prevent subdivision.
5 Questions: Levi Neubauer, Libby HS Student Body President
1. Why did you want to represent your classmates as student body president?
Tragic accident claims 4 lives
A 17-year-old Libby boy, a 59-year-old Columbia Falls woman and her two grandchildren were killed Saturday evening in a two-vehicle collision near Happy’s Inn.
Officials continue followup on fire
The mill fire in Libby is no longer smoldering, but the aftermath is keeping people busy.
Primary care appeals to med student from Troy
Troy native Sarah Reichert began a monthlong rural medicine rotation in Libby last week while working toward a degree from Kansas City University of Medicine, Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Injured car accident victim survives freezing temps, long wait
A Libby woman who endured freezing temperatures overnight after her vehicle slid off a steep embankment on a dirt road near Happy’s Inn was found alive Sunday morning, law-enforcement officials said.
Revett seeks clarity on Rock Creek mine status
A status conference is pending in federal court to determine if developers of the proposed Rock Creek mine can initiate development of the project.
Saturday, March 6
Collision near Libby kills 4 people
A 17-year-old Libby boy, a 59-year-old Columbia Falls woman and two children were killed Saturday evening in a two-vehicle collision near Happy’s Inn.
Thursday, March 4
County begins debris cleanup following plywood plant fire
The Lincoln County Environmental Health Department intensified cleanup efforts on Friday in the aftermath of the Libby plywood plant fire.
Tuesday, March 2
Past comes alive in program coming to Troy
The past will come alive this coming Tuesday in Troy through an evening of “Living History” with author Jack Nisbet and historian/entertainer Richard Baker.
Letter: Let council hear facts on food pantry situation
Dear Editor:
County issues info on fire debris
The Lincoln County Environmental Health Department on Wednesday issued a release asking Libby residents to not disturb plywood plant fire debris. But if any debris must be moved, the county has advice on how to handle it.
The Calico Pen: No such word as 'can't' for youth or elders
The 2010 Winter Olympics reminded me that both the haves and the have-nots can hope for a place on the podium, but I suspect that those going home with a medal believed most in their impossible dreams.
Music, food, crafts all part of annual Irish Fair in Libby
Forget Boston and Chicago, the storied tradition of the Irish in America is well represented in Butte. With an influx of Irish immigrants in search of hard-rock mining jobs, Butte once had the highest percentage of Irish residents among any city in the United States.
Bighorn sheep find new home near falls
For a second it was surreal, like a scene out of “Jurassic Park” … a group of bighorn sheep dangling from the bottom of a helicopter, like a delicious treat for a hungry Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Getting in their kicks: Tae Kwon Do becomes popular activity for family
With their bare feet lined up in a neat row, 11 Tae Kwon Do students listen attentively to their instructor. They’ve been anticipating this day for weeks and training for it for months – the test that will determine if they’ve gained enough knowledge and skill to move up to the next level.
Letter: View on wolf population statistics
Dear Editor:
Law enforcement finds challenges with medical marijuana
Medical marijuana has put law-enforcement agencies in a sticky situation – and Libby is no exception.
Guest Column: Help prevent spread of RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus – also known simply as RSV – has been active in Lincoln County for the past few weeks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost all children will have contracted RSV by their second birthday.
Letter: For crime, don't rely on cameras
Dear Editor:
Grant expands local recycling options
Recycling options in southern Lincoln County will soon expand since the Montana Department of Environmental Quality awarded the county a $25,000 grant to put toward recycling infrastructure.
Letter: In agreement on food pantry thoughts
Dear Editor:
