Ellington

Sharon G. Parker 64, of Libby

Sharon G. Parker, 64, of Libby passed away Dec. 21, 2011, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital of natural causes. 

Justin Green

Justin Green stands next to his property line just off Granite Lake Road, south of Libby. On the other side of the fence is a narrow logging road, which was a bone of contention between the Green and Welch families. Green detailed repeated confrontations with Kristina Welch, who is accused of killing her husband on Dec. 8.

TOL Sponsor

Lisa Hinchman, left, Service Rep. for medical supply company NORCO presents SJLH Hospice Volunteer, Laura Sedler a check for $500.

Eagles 63

Last Saturday was a good day for bird watchers at the Lincoln County Landfill. As many as 30 bald eagles, young and old, and golden eagles could be seen in flight as well as among the trees.

Wrestle Leir

Kyle Leir by pin in first period vs Whitefish at 145

Nurse Marci Johnson

Marci Johnson, the communicable diseases officer at the Libby office, has been retained for six months.

Rick Bass

Rick Bass has been recognized for his prowess in poetry, prose, fiction, literary non-fiction, screenwriting.

GBT Williams

Junior Jordan Williams drives past T-Falls' Logan Beckman to score in first quarter.

GBT Lundiin

Sophomore guard Kelli Lundin brings the ball down court vs T-Falls in Thursday's contest.

Choo Choo 77

Sheila Etienne retrieves a penny she placed on the track as Ron Carter guides the Shay the last few inches into the engine house.

Choo Choo 45

Dave Etienne, center, observes as Doug Adams (red cap) and Lloyd Holcomb place a pair of chocks behind the wheels of the old Shay to slow its descent as it neared the slope in front of the cook house. Ron Carter coming up the hill and Dynalift operator August Hardgrove, rear.

Choo Choo 02

Once inside, Lloyd Holcomb, left, takes one last look and smiles as he passes the old Shay while Doug Adams checks the track.

Choo Choo 14

With only a few yards to go a small crowd gathers on the cook house porch to watch as the old Shay passes on its way to the original engine house, which will be the locomotive's home during restoration. At left, Lloyd Holcomb stands ready with a "brake" as Dave Etienne guides the tow operator, behind.

Vote for the Top Story of 2011

The Western News is looking for your votes. Pick from some of the Top 10 Stories of 2011. If you wish to add a story you believe should be of the Top 10, please send us an email. 

Tucker has 1st birthday

Tucker Richard Allen James celebrated his first birthday Tuesday, Dec. 20.

Birth: Kenneth A. VanHoose

Kenneth Alexander VanHoose, son of Amber Jones and Chris VanHoose of Libby, was born at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital on Dec. 11, 2011.

Birth: Hayden J. Gullingsrud

Hayden Jane Gullingsrud, daughter of Jennah Stansberry and Chad Gullingsrud of Libby, was born at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital on Dec. 9, 2011.

EMA updates old sirens with 360-degree devices, plans tests

Emergency Management Agency (EMA) worked to update emergency sirens at the Libby Water Treatment Facility and at the Asa Wood property on Dec. 15.

Randall gets nod for the Naval Academy

Shock, disbelief and excitement were the reactions from the Randall family of Troy when they received news their son, Troy High School senior, Justin Randall, was nominated for an appointment to the Naval Academy for 2012.

Resident reports run-in with wolf pack

Reports of wolf sightings and tracks have been circulating throughout Northwest Montana recently, avid hunters and Montanans are claiming to have seen more wolves than they have seen before.

Sheriff's Office seeks Wilde on felony warrant

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information leading to the arrest of William James Plaut Wilde on felony warrants.

Cable TV franchise purchased

Troy Trojans devastate Plains; Ladies face defeat

The Ladies have a new coach this season, although Coach Tony Smith is not new to coaching after 34 years.

Libby matmen outduel Wildcats

Miners donate part of bonus to aid three area food pantries

After a great year, Troy Mine Inc., employees chose to give back to those in need this holiday season by donating a portion of their bonus checks to the local food pantries.

Reader calls into question Forest Service leadership ability

Letter to the Editor,

Recently retired County Nurse stresses importance of office, asks health questions

Letter to the Editor,

Reader appalled by talk on Islam, asks for tolerance and understanding

Letter to the Editor,

Dr. Zurcher joins ER staff at St. John's Lutheran Hospital

Persons visiting the emergency room at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital likely will see a new face in the mix of health-care providers. 

Kootenai Kiwanis present 'Terrific Kids' awards

Emblematic of the Kiwanis’ desire to help children, the group’s motto is “Serving the Children of the World.”   

Engagement: Nelson-Leseye

Ernest Nelson, formerly of Libby, and Jenny Nelson of Smithfield, Va., announce the engagement and wedding of their daughter Lorianne Sandra Nelson of Smithfield, Va., to John Wayne Leseye, son of John and Barbara Leseye all of Suffolk, Va.

Knute R. Young 76, of Libby

Knute R. Young, 76, of Libby died peacefully  Monday Dec. 12, 2011, at his home in Libby from natural causes. 

Charles B. Welch 50, of Libby

Charles Bryan Welch, 50, of Libby died Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, at his home in Libby. 

Shay Locomotive will be moved to receive a needed facelift

Kindergarten class welcomes tree

Foreign students excelling

Road closures narrowed

Scoreboard

For the first minute and ten seconds the Lady Loggers were well in the lead...kinda, sorta!

Randall

Justin Randall

Messiah Santa Solo

Carl Linn was a soloist for “Thus Saith the Lord.”

Messiah Lee Tonner

String players Jasmen Larsen, left, Rene Rose, Katie Horelick and Lee Tonner.

GBT Lundin

Sophomore guard Katie Lundin is fouled on her way to the hoop and went 2 for 2 from the charity stripe third quarter vs Libby Tuesday.

GBL Tangen

Kim Tangen pulls down a defensive rebound fourth quarter vs Troy.

Elks Santa Kid

Dominic Condit, 3, came ready to see Santa as he fueled up.

Elks Santa

Jacey Offenbecher, 8, daughter of Jessica Herb enjoyed her time with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Elks Kitchen

Noel Broden, left, Mike Mason and Bobbie Broden served children a meal of a hotdog on bun, chips and a huge cookie.

Elks R and B

Ric Kesling and Bob Malyevac worked behind the scenes preparing food.

Elks Bean Bag

Athena Blue-Fischer, 8, was helped by her mother, Angel Fischer, in the bean-bag toss.

Chorus 29

The Middle School Choir performed its Christmas Concert on Monday at the Memorial Center.

BBT Orr Cory

Elias Lapka looks on as Cory Orr on a steal lays it up for 2 making it 49-24 advantage Troy 4th quarter. By quarter is was Troy all the way: 15-9, 34-17, 47-22 and 54-27 at the buzzer.

BBT Orr Cody

Phil Nelson, center, and Justin Randall compete as senior guard Cody Orr pulls down a defensive rebound second quarter. It was Troy all the way by quarter: 15-9, 34-17, 47-22 and 54-27.

BBT Hickman

Phil Nelson, left, and Dalton Krause compete as sophomore guard Gabe Hickman takes control of a defensive rebound first quarter vs Libby. It was Troy all the way by quarter: 15-9, 34-17, 47-22 and 54-27.

BBL Lapka

Senior Elias Lapka scores on a steal first quarter vs Libby.

Vincent Silvestri 63, of Libby

Vincent (Vince) L. Silvestri, 63, of Libby died Sunday Dec. 11, 2011, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital from natural causes. 

Dolores Youso 84, of Libby

Dolores (Dee) Parsons Youso passed away Dec. 18, 2011, at the Libby Care Center in Libby surrounded by her loving family.

THS grad and hip-hop artist Traff will perform on Friday

Eclectic hip-hop artist and 2004 Troy High School graduate Brian O’Neill, 26, aka Traff the Wiz, will perform as “Zoo Effort” on Friday, Dec. 23, at the Home Bar in Troy.

Gallery plans March opening

DNA report: Fatal shot first hit grizzly

Suspect delayed 911 call

Hepatitis outbreak grows

Wrestle Haugen

Mitch Haugen over Mat Cat Colton Grove 16-3 at 130

Wrestle Dolezal

Zach Dolezal over C-Falls' Wayde Motichka at 285

Wrestle Chapel

Referee Dean Thompson slaps the mat signifying a pin by Garret Chapel over Mat Cat Adam Richardson at 140 weight class.

Winner Too

James McBride, winner of $50 Rosauers gift certificate.

Old Photo Too 12-21

Messiah Violinist

Linda Pepper played the viola on Sunday during “Messiah.”

Messiah Tommy Cook and Trio

Basses Tommy Cook, left, Orville Habeck and Carl Linn belted it out.

Messiah Soloist

Soloist Penny Smith sang “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth.”

Messiah Lorraine Braun

Lorraine Braun was the conductor for “The Messiah” on Sunday at the Memorial Center and then came back Monday and led the Middle and High School Choral Concert.

Messiah Ladies Singing

Sopranos Penny Hook, Tina Rasmussen and Sarah Kirschenmann performed “Hallelujah!”

Messiah Bassoon

Bassoon player Becky Wernham performed throughout.

GBT Silva

The Plains defense was tough Friday night as Alanah True-Silva looks for a way around Kelsey Beagley in second quarter action.

Claus

A little reluctant at first, Justin Mahurin, 5, thought Santa was  pretty neat. Justin is the son of Heather Kelly.

Claus & Stella Sharp

VFW Auxiliary Officer Stella Sharp was game for a sit on Santa’s lap after most of the children got their chance.

BBT Orr

Senior guard Cory Orr stretches for an offensive rebound first quarter vs Plains.

Messiah Piano and Choir

Members of the Libby Community Choir and Chamber Orchestra performed George Frideric Handel’s “The Messiah” on Sunday evening at the Memorial Center. An estimated 250 people heard the peformance the holiday classic conducted by Lorraine Braun. A Photo Gallery appears on Page 5 of today’s edition.

Wrestle

Libby Loggers Greenchain wrestling team competed in the Superior Tournament on Saturday, taking first place. The tournament was comprised of 12 teams — six of the 15 total Greenchain wrestlers were champs. Libby claimed first place with 189.5 points; Frenchtown 158.5 points; St. Ignatius/Charlo 142.5 points, and Eureka 114 points. The Greenchains will duel the Columbia Falls Wildcats at 6 p.m. on Thursday.

Kyes Wrestle

Robin Kyes at 171 lbs looks for the pin on Saturday at Superior Invitational Tournament

Kiwanis Give Group

Kootenai Valley Christian School students receiving Terrific Kids certifications include, from front left, Hannah Wolfe, Kayla Hoff, Jace DeShazer, Savanah Lucas, Katelyn Schmitt, Jayden Bower, Izack Howe, Thomas Roark, Tyler Andersen, Landyn Kendall, Steven Hilliard. In the middle row, from left, are Anna Marie Kebschull, Hannah Schertel, Hunter Bower, Nick Stoick, James Warner, Carlos DeAlvardo, Emily Walters, Aleah Ford, Skye Anderson, Bethany Thomas, Yeshara Robertson. In the back row, from left, are Kiwanis members, Pam Peppinger and Kate Huntsberger, Laurynn Lauer, Kenzie Wolfe, McKenzie Cosgriff, Niklaus Neumann and Kiwanis President Donna Hall.

GBL Tangen

Senior Kim Tangen drives to the basket first quarter vs Bonners Ferry 12-13-11. Badger Jenna Gust left and Savannah Woods right.

GBL Regh

Staci Regh steals the ball, makes the hoop, gets fouled, 1 for 1 from the line second quarter makes it 6-16 Badgers

Exchange Students

Aurelie Henno, left, Bruna Cordoso are foreign-exchange students at Libby High School

GBL Libby

Badger Jenna Gust pours on the pressure as senior guard Jenny Johnson looks to pass first quarter vs Bonners Ferry 12-13-11.

Christmas Tree Kinders

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Elks' Club Hoop Shoot

Girls, top left, Shannon Reny and Sidney Stevenson and boys, bottom left, Ryggs Johnston and Jay Beagle participated in the district Elks Hoop Shoot on Saturday in Pablo, Mont.

Libby Lady Loggers basketball

Libby Loggers baskeball team played Ronan Chiefs on Friday to lose by one point, 54-55. Libby junior Elias Lapka takes a shot in the first quarter of the game. Loggers will travel to Flathead to face the Braves on Saturday.

Libby Loggers basketball

Libby Loggers baskeball team played Ronan Chiefs on Friday to lose by one point, 54-55. Libby senior Elias Lapka takes a shot in the first quarter of the game. Loggers will travel to Flathead to face the Braves on Saturday.

FWP seeks elk panel members

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking up to 12 individuals to serve on a working group charged with developing elk management options in areas where the transmission of brucellosis between elk and livestock is a concern.

Dealing with Alzheimer's, dementia can be tough at holidays

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in eight people older than 65 suffered from Alzheimer’s disease in 2011, with that statistic rising to almost half of individuals older than 85 (that’s 5.4 million Americans overall).

Doctor offers five tips to beat holidays

Temperatures are dropping and the holidays have arrived.

On Nat Geo WILD

A film made by a group of graduates of Montana State University’s Science and Natural Filmmaking program has led off National Geographic’s second annual Big Cat Week on the  Nat Geo WILD channel and will air in March.

Missoula campus rated safest among state colleges, universities

The University of Montana ranked No.1 in Montana for campus safety in a recently released ranking of the safest colleges and universities in the U.S. by StateUniversity.com.

BIRTH: Ryker and Graydon Urdahl

Ryker and Graydon Urdahl, twin sons of Jessica and Tyler Urdahl, were born at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital on Dec. 6, 2011.

BIRTH: Isaiah Daggett

Isaiah Remmington Daggett, son of Maygen Reid and Curtis Bunch of Libby, was born at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital on Nov. 29, 2011.

L. Gene Nowell 92, formerly of Libby

L. Gene (Bud) Nowell, 92, passed away peacefully Dec. 6, 2011, at his daughter’s San Diego home. 

Roy S. Seekins 76, of Libby

Roy Stanley Seekins, 76, of Libby was called to his eternal home on Nov. 30, 2011. 

City plans extensive water main repairs after spring thaw

With a state-of-the-art screw press facility costing $1.15 million to treat sewage and a nearly $5 million water-treatment plant that was completed in 1998, Libby officials have turned their attention to two water issues — a new dam a the city’s Flower Lake Reservoir and repairing water leaks in the distribution mains.

Montanore gets safety certificate

Mines Management, Inc., the company that operates Montanore Mine, has received the Sentinels Safety Certificate of Achievement for its Silver-Copper Project in 2010.

Revett Minerals gets $20 million in funding

Revett Minerals Inc. announced Monday its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Revett Silver Co., has entered into a revolving credit agreement with Société Générale as administrative agent.

Centenarian keeps friends, family laughing

More than a century ago, on Nov. 29, 1906, in Rosebud, Mont., Hazel Walch was born. Walch of Troy, celebrated her 105th birthday this year with two cakes, family and friends.

Woman, 52, faces homicide

Basketball Lapka

Elias Lapka vs Ronan 12-9-11

Woman, 52, faces deliberate homicide charges for shooting husband

Justice of the Peace Jay C. Sheffield on Friday afternoon denied bail for Kristina Welch, the 52-year-old woman who is accused of killing her husband at their Granite Lake Road home.

Newest member takes dip

Ron Klin, 69, and twin brother of “Polar Bear” Rick Klin, took the plunge in the Kootenai River at 2 p.m. Saturday and became an official member of the Polar Bear Club. Klin was born with Cerebral Palsy, a disorder of groups that can involve brain and nervous system functions. Klin resides at the

Postal cuts not decided

Alcohol check nabs club

Boy, 13, boldly battling leukemia

Troy Santa

Santa stands guard every evening over Gambles Hardware in downtown Troy.

Troy Crafters

Morrison Elementary's gym was crowded Saturday for the Christmas Craft Show

Prayer 45

A basket of Teddy bears keep watch as Mariel Cole crochets her next project Saturday at Morrison Elementary during the annual Christmas Craft Show.

Prayer 29

The busy hands of Angelique Bolling crocheting a prayer shawl Saturday during the Christmas Craft Show at Morrison Elementary in Troy.

Prayer 24

Jeanie Winstrom, right, looks on as Mariel Cole puts the finishing touches on a crocheted Teddy bear Saturday during the Christmas Craft Show at Morrison Elementary in Troy.

Birth Snow

Jayson Snow born 11-28-11 at St. John's Lutheran Hospital at 2:33 p.m. weighing 6 lbs, 4 ounces and 20.5 inches long.

Multiple events make for a busy weekend

This weekend in Libby will be a festival of holiday events, coordinated by both the city and St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.

Gragert Group

Former junior Libby Logger running back, 2004, Jordan Gragert is a sophomore at Colorado State University. Gragert currently plays on the offensive line as a starter guard. Gragert stood with loved ones: Leila Beals, Ray Wolford, Linda Phillips, Byron Phillips, Jack Graham, Paula Bailey, Jay Graham, Judy Graham, Jordan Gragert, Sharon Gragert, Cheri Gragert, Pat Gragert, Hunter Gragert, Todd Bailey, Terrin Mann, Steve Bertelsen, Deb Bertelsen, not picture Charley Gragert.

Fitness Gurus

Montana Athletic Club instructors Devi McCully, from right, Tracy Vranizan, and Bonnie Morrow attended a fitness workshop by fitness presenter Robert Sherman at The Summit Medical Fitness Center in Kalispell recently.  Sherman has 29 years of experience in fitness and was named one of the top 100 fitness trainers in America by Men’s Journal and Allure Magazines. The 10 hour workshop included instruction on: group cycling riding techniques, aging strong, flexibility techniques and strength training with weighted bars. 

Discussing alcohol with your teen may save pain, heartache, their life

What is your kid going to do during the holidays?

Early signup for FVCC local campus is now through Dec. 21

Early registration for new and returning students to enroll in spring semester 2012 credit classes at the Lincoln County Campus of Flathead Valley Community College is taking place now through Dec. 21.

SJLH 'Jeans Day' contributes to 'Koats' effort

The Libby Chapter of Kiwanis annually donates more than 1,000 coats to needy persons in Lincoln County through its Koats 4 Kids campaign.

Benefield Bags Big Buck

Cody Benefield, 15, bagged a 4-by-4 whitetail with a 16-inch spread on the last morning of the hunting season using the .25-06 his grandfather, Don Benefield, bought for him.

Rehberg opposes restrictive shooting

U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont) has sent a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Bureau of Land Management Secretary Bob Abbey asking them to revise a draft policy that empowers federal land managers to prohibit “recreational shooting” on public lands. 

Lincoln Lanes Leagues

'The Nutcracker' - A Review

Ballet is a funny thing. It asks us to be innocently impressionable, and, fearlessly cerebral, both, at the same time.

Schultz: LVA concerned about staffing, falling calls, revenue

High-speed chase ends as teens flee

Mottsman, aka Sam Rose

"Sam Rose" addressing those gahtered at the Ponderosa Room Oct. 25

Troy Xmas House

The home belonging to Jeff and Jennifer Bonifas at 4th and Missoula in Troy.

Sam (Mottsman) and Lynne Haley Rose

"Sam" and Lynne Haley Rose at rally Sept. 28 in Chamber parking lot.

Old Photo 12-7

Trojan Tackle Josh Patterson and Jeff Taylor stop WolvesÕ running back Rhett Laden. The Trojan defense held Cut Bank twice inside the Trojan 10 yard line. Troy won the state championship game 22-14 in overtime. Susan Monahan photo from the Nov. 27, 1991, files of The Western News.

Ambulance Pres

Craig Schultz

High-speed chase ends in Libby on Wednesday

Robin Miller 3

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Robin Miller 2

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Harry Paul Mottsman

aka Sam Haley Rose

Mottsman, aka Sam Haley Rose, arrested for forgery