Ellington

Old Photo 2-1

Memento for Logger WrestlersÐ Lee Gehring, right, dry kiln operator for St. Regis Paper Co., presents the specially carved ÒGreen ChainÓ plank to Libby Logger wrestlers, Kurt Spencer, left, John Vignali and Kenny Foss. New wrestling coach Jim Heikes figures ÒThe Green Chain, notoriously the toughest job in a sawmill, would be an appropriate name for a wrestling team, so he dubbed his grapplers with that name. He and Coach Mike Burgess have been working hard to drill the Logger wrestlers to live up to the reputation of the men on the green chain. The lettering in the larch plank has been routed in and painted green, and the entire plank refinished with several lasting coats of shellac. The plank will be displayed in the Ralph Tate Gym. Photo from the Dec. 29, 1971, files of The Western News.

Time Out

Lady Loggers time out during the matchup with Columbia Falls

Kim Tangen

Senior KimTangen pulls down a defensive rebound in fourth quarter action in Thursday's contest with the Columbia Falls Wildkats.

Shyla Stevenson

Freshman Shyla Stevenson drives on C-Falls' Madison Sandefer in the first quarter vs. Wildkats

Taylor Quinn

Sophomore Taylor Quinn pull down a defensive rebound in the fourth quarter vs. Columbia Falls

Huddle

Lady Loggers' pre game huddle before the tip against the Columbia Falls Wildkats.

Louis Cielak

Louis Cielak

Dylan Berget

Greenchain Dylan Berget, right, struggles to free himself from a take-down. Berget won by Technical decision — wrestling the 160-pound weight class against Frenchtown opponent Sam Gordon.

Bonifas arraignment

James Louis Bonifas and Kalispell public defender, Courtney Nolan

Cory Orr

Troy senior guard Cory Orr drives low for the lane past Libby's Nolan Broden in fourth quarter action Friday night. Broden was responsible for keeping Orr's 3-point hoops to a minimum.

Guthneck

GE DIGITAL CAMERA

Forest Plan 32

Commissioners Ron Downey, left, Tony Berget and State Rep. HD2 Mike Cuffe (R)

Forest Plan 01

Malcolm Edwards

Caribou

Caribou habitat designated in North Idaho and eastern Washington.

Law-Enforcement Blotter: Jan. 3 - Jan. 23

Lincoln County

Ralph B. Stever, Jr. 61, of Troy

Ralph B. Stever, Jr., 61, died Jan 18, 2012 peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Birth: Gracie L. Jones

Gracie Lynn Jones, daughter of Jaime and Ryan Jones of Kalispell  was born Sept. 29, 2011.

'Seemed like the right thing to do'

Local Kootenai Kiwanis member Pam Peppenger found herself in tears Friday — tears of joy.

District, EPA seek early start to Asa razing

Since Libby School District 4 Board members last week have decided to raze the West Wing and the Library of the Asa Wood School, progress is being made with the EPA to coordinate that effort and demolition could be the initial project for the agency this spring.

DEQ to decide on Payne site

Lincoln County Commissioners, during their meeting Wednesday in Eureka, unanimously voted to ask the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to render a decision on whether Robert Payne should be granted a vehicle-wrecking business on his property just outside Libby.

Kinniburgh home burglarized

Two curious young men who told police they “just wanted to see” inside the Dale and Catherine Kinniburgh home at 1217 Main Ave. now face burglary charges of that residence.

Trojans victory

The Troy Trojans gain two more wins at home this season — beating the Eureka Lions 70-60 on Friday and outscoring the Bulldogs by a narrow 69-61.

Crushing defeat for the Ladies

The Ladies were destroyed by the Eureka Lions in the second half Friday night.

Frey named Site Manager of the Year

USDA Rural Development’s Rural Housing Service in Montana has named Libby resident Deborah Frey as the Multi-Family Housing Site Manager of the Year for Elderly Housing in 2011.

First Birthday: Fisher Twins

Fisher twins

Military: Siefke

Siefke finishes

James A. Underwood 77, of Bigfork, Mont.

James Arnold “Jim” Underwood, 77, passed away on Friday, Jan. 6, 2012, at his residence in Bigfork, Mont.

Ella Hutchinson 89, of Libby

Ella “Phoebe” Hutchinson went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Jan.  11, 2012.

Richard F. Stehlik 73, of Yaak

Richard Frank Stehlik, 73 of Yaak, died Jan. 15, 2012 at home with his wife and friends.

Lady Loggers JV Basketball Results

JV Lady Logger

Lincoln Lanes Leagues

Lincoln Lanes

Loggers drop pair at home

The schedule was tough for the Libby Loggers boys basketball team last week, losing their last two games to the Bulldogs and the Broncs.

Wrestle Kyes

Robin Kyes wrestles Jacob Forrest on Thursday at Whitefish 1-19-12

Weather 100 Years

Weather for Thursday, Jan. 25, 1912

Temperature 1-23-12

Sunny and 52 degrees

Sutton

Aaron Sutton, Jan. 14, 2004

Speech and Drama Champs

Back row: Eli Miller, left, Devan Fuhlendorf, Makana Shriner, Anthony Dewey, Kari Lindgren, Billy Topaz, Coach Shelley Fisher, Jordan Stephenson, Asst. Coach Carla Fisher. Front row: Asst. Coach Cynthia Curtiss, Brittnie Mahmood, Jolee Holder, Gabrielle Deleo, Jordan Holder and Cheyenne McInnis.

Old Photo 1-25

T-bar Ceremony State Highway Commissioner Stan Halvorson, Kalispell, and Libby Mayor Anne B. Brockway snip the ribbon officially opening the Turner Mountain T-bar lift in a ceremony Sunday. Halvorson represented Gov. Tim Babcock. Among spectators are ÒFrosty FreddieÓ Wenk (wearing dark glasses at HalvorsonÕs right), Dr. R.D. MacKenzie (wearing dark glasses at HalvorsonÕs left), and Jerry Rawles, president of Kootenai Winter Sports, Inc., at extreme right. MillerÕs photo from the Feb. 13, 1962, files of The Western News.

Williams

Junior Jordan Williams brings the ball down court in the third quarter Saturday vs the Lady Red Devils.

Smith

Lady Trojans Coach Tony Smith directing traffic during third quarter action vs. Noxon.

Lundin

Sophomore guard Kelli Lundin drives past Noxon's Alana Dettwiler to score in third quarter action Saturday.

Michaela Curry

Junior Michaela Curry attempts to wrest the ball away from Kimberly Marich in fourth quarter action vs. the Lady Red Devils Saturday at Troy's Activity Center.

Curry

Junior Michaela Curry shoots over senior guard Kimberly Marich to score in the fourth quarter vs. Noxon Saturday at the Troy Activity Center.

Rayson

Senior Ryan Rayson deep in the corner looking to pass in the third quarter vs. Noxons Red Devils.

Hickman

Junior guard Gabe Hickman drives in low with less than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter vs. Noxon.

Garrison

Junior cheerleader Cindy Garrison kept the crowd fired up during the Troy/Noxon doubleheader Saturday at the Activity Center.

Garcia

Senior guard Creede Garcia looks for a hole in Noxon's defense in fourth quarter action vs. the Red Devils.

Time Out

Third quarter time out vs T-Falls

Wally Winslow

A jubilant Coach Wally Winslow over Kraig Nelson's three point play in the third quarter Friday vs T-Falls Bluehawks

Lapka

Senior Elias Lapka stretches for an offensive rebound in the third quarter. It was Loggers over the Bluehawks Friday 51-25.

Jones

Cheerleader Asia Jones kept the crowd fired up Friday during the Libby/T-Falls tilt.

Foote

Senior Josh Foote with a one-handed hoop in the third quarter puts Libby up 25-8 vs T-Falls

Alspaw

Senior guard Nick Alspaw takes control of a Thompson Falls turnover in second quarter action Friday.

Obit Thompson

Riley Thompson

GBL Walker

Senior guard Alyssa Walker with Nicole Heavirland in tow, readies to pass in first quarter action against the Glacier Wolfpack Tuesday.

Gragert

In his senior year in high school Jordan was #65, 6'3" and weighed 230 (OT/DT)

BBL Germany

Micah Germany for two on a long pass fourth quarter makes it 36-48 Glacier

BBL Alspaw

Senior Nick Alspaw on the drive in the fourth quarter against the Wolfpack Tuesday.

Accident

Sgt. Terry Watson, Libby Police Dept.

Residents oppose car-wrecking site

Robert Payne’s neighbors lauded the owner of Payne Logging Co., for his attempts at cleaning up his property at 99 My Road, but that praise stopped short of endorsing his plan for a motor-vehicle wrecking facility on the 12.7-acre site.

Outbreak of family tragedies

City Council calls special meeting to discuss Cabinet View

Libby City Council members, seeking to avoid the possibility of litigation with the Cabinet View Golf Club over a disputed $1.5 million loan, has scheduled a meeting to discuss options and a plan of action.

Collision takes life of man, 29

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed the identity of the 29-year-old man who stepped in front of an oncoming train as William Escudero, Sr.

William E. Escudero, Sr. 29, of Libby

William E. Escudero Sr., 29, of Libby died Sunday Jan. 15, 2012 near Libby. 

Forum on Forest Draft Plan Tuesday

The first of four public forums for comment on the U.S. Forest Service’s Draft Forest Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Kootenai National Forest is 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Ponderosa Room located in Libby City Hall.

People Profile: Shanda Jennings

Occupation: New Executive Director of Libby Area Chamber of Commerce

Board OKs razing

Libby School Board on Tuesday approved partial demolition of the Asa Wood building and to present a contract to Superintendent Kirby Maki for the 2012-’13 school year.

Council ponders Cabinet View

Extending an olive branch in an attempt to avoid potential costly litigation, Libby City Council members have taken a step toward beginning anew in its dispute with Cabinet View Golf Club.

Wrestling Results

2012 Western Montana

Libby Girls JV Basketball Results

Season Summary

Lincoln Lanes Leagues Jan. 4

Lincoln Lanes

Loggers drop pair at home

The schedule was tough for the Libby Loggers boys basketball team last week, losing their last two games to the Bulldogs and the Broncs.

January Senior Menu

Friday, Jan.  13: Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Dinner Rolls, Vegetable, Salad Bar and Dessert.

SJLH program helps establish healthy lifestyle

Prevent,  a St. John’s Lutheran Hospital program, is a successful weight-loss and exercise program designed to assist and motivate individuals to reach and maintain a healthy lifestyle through group activities, educational sessions, and individual guidance from their life coaches.

Three juveniles, adult face felony 'car-hopping' charges

Libby Police arrested four persons Sunday morning after the suspects allegedly were caught stealing from cars in Libby neighborhoods.

Police and Law Enforcement Blotter Dec. 27 - Jan. 2

Lincoln County

On Islam, try Bhutto's book

Letter to the Editor,

Congress should be most scrutinized for insider-trading laws

Letter to the Editor,

Ham club ready to assist Libby, always seeking members

Letter to the Editor,

So far, mild winter is assisting Weed District's insect program

Lincoln County residents may think the mild winter thus far just means less snow-shoveling, but that’s only one of the benefits, as the Lincoln County Weed District is silently applauding the warmer than normal climes for another reason.

Birth: Crager Davis

Cragar Davis

Birth: Jace A. Plattes

Jace A. Plattes

Board rehires coaches, teachers to get pay raise

Troy School Board members decided Monday to rehire many of the winter-sports coaches, and teachers will see an increase in their base-pay salaries this year.

Daniel E. Jordan 52, formerly of Libby

Daniel Evan Jordan, 52, of Roberts, went to join God early Friday, Jan. 6, 2012.  Dan died of a heart attack while working at a drilling site near Douglas, Wyo.

Local man among accident survivors

As soon as Andy Escudero saw his wife Roxanne, he had forgiven her for misleading him.

Patten to leave hospital

Bill Patten, CEO at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital, has resigned his position at the hospital.

Revett staffer closes trading

Troy resident and Revett Troy Mine employee, Jerry Cummings, was chosen to ring the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Wednesday.

Young athletes awarded for their Fall '11 seasons

2011

Lady Trojans fall short in near triumph attempt

The Lady Trojans were conquered on Saturday by Ronan, 36-40.

Greenchain crush the competitors

Libby Greenchain wrestlers triumphed over the Polson Pirates in their match in Polson on Jan. 5, winning 51-33.

Lady Broncs top Lady Loggers, 51-21

The Frenchtown Lady Broncs kept their undefeated 7-0 girls basketball season intact Saturday as they beat the Lady Loggers, 51-21.

Time Out

Time out with Coach Cory Andersen, right, in the second quarter of the St. Ignatius/Mission Bulldogs game Saturday. Players Cody Orr, left, Creede Garcia and Gabe Hickman listened intently to their coach, achieving another win 69-61.

Craig Rowan

Here is a picture of Craig Rowan, who was named the STATE winner of the VFW's National Citizenship Education Teacher award yesterday at a short assembly.Ê The men presenting the award are local, regional, and State leaders (sorry I don't know their names).Ê I nominated Craig for the award in early October, he won the local contest and was awarded $50 on Veteran's Day.Ê Today, they announced that he won the state contest and was awarded $100 and a plaque.Ê He will be entered into the national contest now.Ê I don't know when those results will be announced.Ê I lightened up the pic (because it was in the gym) but it hasn't been edited otherwise.Ê Hope youÊcan use it!

Old Photo 1-18

Foxfire Participants These Troy children from Walter F. Morrison Elementary School and their teacher are participants in a national program which has enjoyed phenomenal success on the east coast. Teacher Kathleen Pierce said the children will soon be publishing a newspaper as part of that program. Here are the participants from left to right, Sierra Owen, Nathan Prieve, Jeremy Turnbull, Kathleen Pierce, Jacob Lind, Josie Leisz, Sarah Henson, Kathlene Williams and Deisa Baillie. Staff photo from the Jan. 7, 1992, files of The Western News.

Obit Stehlik

Dick Stehlik

GBT Opland

Junior forward Breanna Opland passes to Kelli Lundin in first quarter action vs Eureka.

GBL Quinn

Sophomore Taylor Quinn heads for the key with T-Falls' Kelsey Fitchett in tow during fourth quarter action Thursday evening.

GBL Stevenson

Freshman Shyla Stevenson passing to Kim Tangen with less than a minute in first quarter vs T-Falls

GBL Craig

Hailey Craig controls a defensive rebound in the fourth quarter vs T-Falls Thursday evening.

GBL Klin

Sophomore guard Kelsey Klin runs a gauntlet of blue as she brings the ball down court in the fourth quarter during Thursday's contest with T-Falls.

Brazil and Spain

The countries of Brazil and Spain were presented by seventh-grade students Braydon Thom, right, represented the South American aspects of the gaucho culture and Cody Wood, left, wore a traditional poncho with his project.    

BBT Rayson

Ryan Rayson stretches for an offensive rebound in first quarter action vs. Eureka.

BBT Hickman

Sophomore guard Gabe Hickman speeds past Alex Shmelev on a fast break in first quarter action vs Eureka.

Seefeldt

Aaron Seefeldt

Ryggs Johnston

Ryggs Johnston, 11, competed at the U.S. Kids Hawaiian Classic Golf Tournament from Dec. 19 to 21. He has been faring well in various tourneys throughout the area.

Suzanne K. Campbell, 41 of Troy

Suzanne Kay Campbell, 41, of Troy, Mont., passed away Friday, Jan. 6, 2012, at Troy.  

Catherine B. Kinniburgh 55, of Libby

Catherine B. Kinniburgh, 55, died on Jan. 3, 2012, at her home in Libby.

Arts, Denton sworn in to City Council

Ringing in the New Year, Troy City Council started the year with the inaugurations of Crystal Denton and Joe Arts.

Big Winner

Rusty DeShazer was the winner of the Libby Sports Center Christmas giveaway. DeShazer won a Remington model 870, 12-gauge shotgun.

Five Generations

With the recent birth of Kory Peltier, his family gathered for a five-generations photograph. Those family members include Matt McLain of Libby, standing, who is Kory’s grandfather, Barb Robbins of Kalispell, who is the great-grandmother holding Kory.  Sitting at left is Jean Struck of Libby, who is the great-great-grandmother, Kelsey McLain of Libby, who is Kory’s  mother and Truman Struck of Libby, who is Kory’s great-great-grandfather. 

Beverly R. Steiner 83, of Shelby, Mont.

Beverly Rae Steiner, 83, passed away at the Marias Medical Center in Shelby, Mont.,  on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011.

Wesley R. Johnson 63, of Ronan, Mont.

Wesley Richard Johnson, 63, of Ronan, Mont., passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 31, 2011, at Community Medical Center in Missoula surrounded by his family.

Georgia L. Wilson 43, of Petal, Miss.

Georgia Lee Wilson, 43, of Petal, Miss., died Jan. 2, 2012.

Jordan G. Chandler 25, of Libby

Jordan G. Chandler, 25, of Libby died Jan. 2, 2012, at his home in Libby. 

Reader refutes Letter defending Islam as a peaceful religion, cites personal investigation

Letter to the Editor,

Broadband expansion necessary in Montana, reader says

Letter to the Editor,

America is on the verge of 'most important elections,' reader contends

Letter to the Editor,

Reader differs - mostly - with Commissioner Downey's assessment

Letter to the Editor,

Day of shooting

The Libby Rod and Gun Club and its Scattergun Committee on Saturday sponsored its annual Trap and Skeet League registration at the Libby Shooting Complex Clubhouse.

Zimmerman is selected to play in All-Star game

Libby Logger football star, defensive lineman Sawyer Zimmerman, a senior at Libby High School, will be among the top players chosen for the 66th Annual Montana East-West Shrine Game.

Young athletes awarded for '11 season

2011

Lady Trojans fall short in near triumph attempt

The Lady Trojans were conquered on Saturday by Ronan, 36-40.

Greenchain crush the competitors

Libby Greenchain wrestlers triumphed over the Polson Pirates in their match in Polson on Jan. 5, winning 51-33.

Lady Broncs top Lady Loggers, 51-21

 The Frenchtown Lady Broncs kept their undefeated 7-0 girls basketball season intact Saturday as they beat the Lady Loggers, 51-21.

Frontier Communications names new GM in Libby

William Thompson has accepted the position of general manager of Frontier Communications North Idaho/Montana market.

Hare takes new post at Care Center

Jackie Hare has been appointed as Libby Care Center’s Admissions and Marketing Director. 

Pamida will become a Shopko during summer conversion

Beginning in mid-summer, there will be a new sign going up at the Pamida store located at 1600 U.S. Highway 2, and with it the local store will see its share of an anticipated $80 million improvement in Pamida stores nationwide.

Breathing easier: Stove Changeout Program was key to improved air

Air quality in Libby has steadily improved during the last five years as residents are reaping the benefits of a Wood Stove Changeout program initiated five years ago.

Hospice caringly leads families on final journey

Improving the quality of life for a terminally ill patient is just the beginning of the work done by the St. John’s Lutheran Hospital Hospice and Home Health Services (HHHS).

Father, 75, charged in death

GBT Lundin

Katie Lundin driving on Ronan's Angela North Piegan in second quarter.

Jackie Hare

Jackie Hare has been back in Libby for two years. He previously has worked at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital for 17 years. She moves up to the admissions and marketing director at Libby Care Center.

Jones

Gracie Lynn Jones

Old Photo 1-11

Bridge Work The old Kootenai River Bridge in Troy will be closed from Jan. 23 to mid-May for repairs. Once the bridge repairs are finished the weight limit of the bridge will be raised to its original specifications of 18 tons, not Ò9 Dons,Ó as depicted in picture. Staff photo from the Jan. 8, 1992, files of The Western News.

Girls Hoops

The Lady Loggers’ Hannah England attempted a three-pointer in the second half against the Frenchtown Lady Broncs. Libby dropped the contest desoite a valiant effort.

Zimmerman

Sawyer Zimmerman joins fellow-nominated players in the 66th Annual Montana East-West Shrine Game in Great Falls, July 21.

BBL Winslow

Sophomore guard Jared Winslow drives past Whitefish's Christopher Forrest in the fourth quarter.

BBT Garcia

Senior guard Creede Garcia penetrates a tough Ronan defense to score in the third quarter vs the Chiefs.

BBL Sutton

Aaron Sutton, left, Wally Winslow and Nik Rewerts

Welch enters not-guilty plea

Welch, Kristina

Kristina Lynn Welch, right, looks at court bailiff Kris Bowers as Regional Deputy Public Defender John Putikka, left, looks on.

Most reliable source for weather forecast?

11-year-old neighbor boy gets unique viewpoint

In the picture window of an attic bedroom, Trevor Koch, 11, recounts the story that unfolded before him during the eight-hour Kinniburgh standoff on Tuesday.

Husband kills wife

A Year of News: Second-tier stories highlight events of the year

Forest Service seeks comments on drafts

ATF probes miner in theft

Neighbor tells tales of alleged altercations

McLeods detail loss of their pet

Clyde E. Foote 64, of Hamilton

Clyde E. Foote, 64, of Hamilton passed away Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. 

Darrylyn J. Ninneman 59, of Libby

Darrylyn Jean “Darri” Ninneman, 59 of Libby, Mont., passed away Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.

Rose Marie Foote 79, of Libby

Rose Marie Foote, 79, died Monday, Dec. 26, 2011, at Libby Care Center.

At home in Libby, the 'City of Eagles'

Second in size of North American birds of prey only to the California Condor,

Former representative urges against Tester bill

Letter to the Editor,

Reader urges residents to research mining project

Letter to the Editor,

Writer stresses need to end foreign aid; turn money toward the homeland

Letter to the Editor,

Commissioner Downey urges public to contact senators about land access

Letter to the Editor,

Benefiting SJLH

NORCO Libby Service Representative, Lisa Hinchman, right, recently presented St. John’s Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, Laura Sedler, with a check for $500.

St. John's HR Coordinator achieves certification

Erin Leighty, Human Resources Coordinator at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital (SJLH) is now a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). 

Gubernatorial Candidate

Republican Gubernatorial candidate Neil Livingstone, left, and Ryan Zinke a candidate for lieutenant governor were in Libby recently. The pair have been traveling the state listening to constituents. The pair stopped by

Winner DeShazer

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Troy City Council Member, Crystal Denton

Crystal Denton, who works for the county, also was sworn in.

Troy City Clerk, Tracy Rebo

Tracy Rebo is new City Clerk

Troy City Council Member, Joe Arts

Joe Arts, a retired teacher, was sworn in Monday, Jan. 2.

Bird's-Eye View

Trevor Koch, 11, had a view of the Kinniburgh home from an upstairs attic window. He watched as the day’s events unfolded.

LCAC - standoff (2)

Lincoln County Animal Control was called to remove animals from the Kinniburgh residence after the eight-hour standoff. There dog was found after it had run from the home after the incident.

LCAC - Standoff

Lincoln County Animal Control was called to remove animals from the Kinniburgh residence after the eight-hour standoff.

SRT

An SRT member stood sentry on the street as the events of the day unfolded.

Standoff 26

After the standoff was concluded on Tuesday, Lincoln County Sheriffs and the Libby Police Department congregated briefly, in the front yard adjacent to the front of the Kinniburgh residence, to exchange the events of the long day.

Flood 1169

By early afternoon flood victims began pumping water out of their basements. Don Emery, whose rental home is pictured, also began packing his belongings into a moving truck.

Flood 1122

Jason Place, front, and other Libby volunteer firefighters take a pizza break at the fire hall at noon Monday after the flooding began to subside.

Flood 1099

Dr. Jay Maloney and his son Cree dig through the ice and snow that buried the basement entrance to Randy Wiza's house on Nevada Avenue. When the ice jam broke up, it threw chunds into Wiza's yard and filled his basement with water.

Flood 1015

Logan Neubauer hands his brother, Levi Neubauer, a sandbag on West Bush Street just off of Nevada Avenue.

Flood 0992

Workers travel Nevada Avenue by way of back hoe. City and county crews, as well as a few contractors, helped break up the stream's ice with excavators in order to prevent further ice jams.

Flood 0962

Roger Johnston watches as Frank Burkett helps a driver move his pickup out of the flood's path on Nevada Avenue at about 9:50 a.m. on Monday. After a few tries, the tires gained traction but had to back up with the current of the water.

Flood 0893

Rosie Roberts looks outside her window on West 10th Street before evacuating her home. Minutes later, a stronger current of water broke through, causing authorities to close the street.

'Dawn on Kootenai' by L. Schikora

Photographer Linda Schikora captured this sunrise on the day after Christmas 2011. The Western News will publish local photographer’s photos. Just send them to agerstenecker@thewesternnews.com.

One Year Old Schneider

Luke Thomas Schneider

Jenkins

Dan Jenkins

Stuff 3623

Jacob William Stufflebeam

Stuff 3591

Jacob William Stufflebeam

Retirees

After newcomers took the oath to replace them in office last Thursday, retired County Commissioner John Konzen, Sheriff Daryl Anderson, and 19th District Judicial Court Justice Michael Prezeau were honored at a retirement party. Konzen and Anderson served 12 years in office and Prezeau nearly 16 years.

Oath Prezeau

Outgoing 19th District Judicial Court Justice Michael Prezeau administers the oath of office last Thursday to his successor, Jim Wheelis. Prezeau served nearly 16 years on the bench.

Oath Bowe

Retiring Sheriff Daryl Anderson pins the new sheriff, Roby Bowe, after Bowe took the oath of office last Thursday. All elected county officials took their oath one at a time in a standing room only district courtroom that day.

Oath Downey

District Court Judge Michael Prezeau, right, swears in Ron Downey on Thursday as the new Lincoln County commissioner for District 2.

Two dead after standoff

An eight-hour standoff on south Main Avenue ended in a murder-suicide ended Tuesday afternoon when law enforcement officials entered the home to find two bodies.

Lady Trojans bow; Boys stay unbeaten

Troy High School Lady Trojans Basketball Coach Tony Smith, has got his hands full so far this season, losing their first two varsity conference games, but Smith is confident his team will do better.

Libby matmen post two crucial victories over rivals

Blotter: Dec. 9 - Dec. 20, 2011

State Award for Artists

Blanche B. Ward 79, of Libby

Blanche B. Ward passed away on Dec. 21, 2011, at her home in Libby. 

Rosy M. Hodges 93, formerly of Libby

Rosy Mae Hodges entered this world on April 24, 1918,  in Bowen, Ill., as Rosy Mae Junk and was called Home on Dec. 19, 2011, in Careywood, Idaho.

Travis T. Westfall 43, of Libby

Travis Todd Westfall, 43, of Libby passed away Dec. 20, 2011. 

City Council to pursue 'Safe Routes' program

Troy City Council Members voted Dec. 21 to move forward with the application submission for the “Safe Routes to School” program and the Community Transportation Enhancement  Project.

Asa Wood fate to be put on agenda

Mottsman declares innocence

Welch bond is set at $500,000

County will keep local Health office