Ellington

Troy Mine layoffs, area impact make for top 2013 story

GOP can count ways to Senate majority

WASHINGTON — Republicans count enough competitive races to challenge Democrats for control of the Senate in the 2014 elections, if only they can figure out what to do with the tea party.

Tax reduction for business equipment

HELENA — An estimated 17,000 small businesses in Montana will be exempt from paying the state’s business equipment tax under a new law that takes effect on Wednesday.

Baucus' retirement tops '13 state stories

HELENA — U.S. Sen. Max Baucus’ surprise announcement that he will not seek a seventh term in 2014 was Montana’s top news story of 2013, according to The Associated Press’ annual poll of state editors.

Area briefs

The Cabinet Mountains

Yvonne Resch recently took this photograph of the Cabinet Mountains. If you've got a photo that captures images around Lincoln County that you want to share, send them to agerstenecker@thewesternnews.com.

Police blotter

Kerry's return to Mekong addresses environmental degradation

United States Secretary of State John Kerry has been politicking through Southeast Asia recently.

Let's be mindful of pets as gifts during this time of year

At the time of the year when new pets may arrive under the tree as gifts, we must give special consideration to the habits and concerns of cats.

Smart food choices can add years to life

I have worked as a nutrition educator, teaching adults and children throughout Lincoln County, for the past 10 years. I am writing because I am truly frightened at a trend I see that only seems to get worse.

County jobless number highest

County's unemployed climbs to 13.5 percent

While Montana’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.2 percent in November, the jobless rate in Lincoln County climbed to the highest in the state at 13.5 percent.

Troy park board overdrawn

Early figures show panel overtaxed residents $177,374

Troy Park and Recreation District has received more than $177,000 in excess tax money during the last 15 years. According to board members, the district has been notifying the county for years concerning increases in funding.

Mayor disciplines chief, clerk on final days on job

Mayor Brown offers verbal reprimand of Chief McLeod, Clerk Rebo

The final days of Mayor Tony Brown’s administration in Troy were a rousing affair, including multiple reprimands and what one city councilperson called a boycott of City Council meetings. With a new mayor and two new City Council members prepared to be sworn in, one last round of in-fighting marked the administration’s final chapter.

Libby City Council to consider DUI breath-test refusal fine

Libby City Attorney James Reintsma has drafted a proposed ordinance that would make it punishable by fine within city limits to refuse a breathalyzer test when suspected of driving under the influence.

Danny J. Powell, 55, formerly of Libby

Danny James Powell went to celebrate Christmas with his Heavenly Father on Dec. 25, 2013.   

Howard Metcalf, 90, of Lakeside, Ariz.

Howard Metcalf, 90, of Lakeside, Ariz., passed away Dec. 23, 2013.

Gale Enwiller, 84, of Libby

Gayle Enwiller, 84 of Libby died peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013, at her home in Libby.  

Alison celebrates her 1st birthday

It was a birthday party Alison Anne Irwin may be too young to remember, but it was a day her relatives surely will tell her about.

RP Falls Becker

Took the photo of the falls on Dec. 31, 2012.Ê As I recall the temperature was approximately in the mid to low 30's.Ê It was late in the day just before dark set in.

One Year Old Irwin

Alison Anne Irwin celebrated her 1st birthday on the 4th on July with family and friends in Troy. Her parents are Cliff and Lindsay Irwin of Missoula. Grandparents are Ron and Kathleen Pierce of Troy and Jeff and Nancy Larson of Missoula. She has a big sister, Brynn.

Old Photo 12-31-13

Screaming all the way Down Bobby Gillespie, Brandon Barnes and Dennis Sheridan race down the sledding hill behind Libby Middle School on Sunday. Photo from the Jan. 12, 1994, files of The Western News.

Apollo VIII's 'Earthrise' photo almost didn't happen

BILLINGS — On Christmas Eve of 1968, three men captivated the American public as they became the first humans to orbit the moon and snapped what would become one of the most iconic images of the modern era.

Judge rejects residents' suit against ARCO

BUTTE — A lawsuit against Atlantic Richfield Co. by nearly 100 residents of Opportunity seeking to have the company clean hazardous materials from their property has been rejected.

CDBG loan goes to brewery

CDBG aids financing for local micro-pub

Libby could soon have a beer to call its own. Two area women plan to open a brewery, Cabinet Mountain Brewing, Co., downtown sometime next summer. They plan to hire seven employees and brew six regular beers.

Savage changes plea to guilty

Agreement allows him to be released on own recognizance

Dan James Savage, Jr., the Troy man who fled town after an Aug. 29 altercation with his girlfriend resulted in an assault charge and his capture in Portland, Ore., has accepted a plea agreement that would allow him freed on his own recognizance.

Police blotter

Area Briefs

Bill allows U.S. to become competitive again

Letter to the Editor,

Use your voice to get behind Fair Tax HR 25

Letter to the Editor,

Story reveals all that is wrong with the Troy Area Dispatch

Letter to the Editor,

Stinger management official offers insight

I was employed by Stinger Welding, Inc., as shop superintendent and later as senior project manager three years prior to Carl Douglas’ death in December 2012.

Former LCSO staffer faces charges

Detectives' assistant accused of embezzling $11K

A former Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office detective’s assistant, fired from her position in June, faces a charge of felony embezzlement brought by a special prosecutor from the Montana Attorney General’s Office.

War-time memories make book

Richard Blackburn always wanted to convert his World War II diaries, journals and other remembrances of combat into a single story for his family.

Daniel B. Dedman, 50, formerly of Libby

Daniel Blaine Dedman, loved brother, son and friend,  went to be with the Lord on Dec. 19, 2013, while in the care of the Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a short illness.

Kalispell man, 38, jailed for burglary, kidnapping

A 38-year-old Kalispell man spent Christmas in jail after being charged with burglary, kidnapping and unlawful restraint after an overnight altercation at a Troy mobile home.

Savage

DJ Savage, Nov. 19, 2012

Sunset

Sunset in Libby Dec. 17.

Bank Donation

Jackson Garrison, left, Barbie Coldwell, Susan Nikolaus and Cam Foote.

Author

Dave Blackburn left, and Jerry Berry.

$10 GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR $5

Hav A Java

It means the most to give when we have the least

It had been a difficult year for the 56 remaining employees at the Troy Mine. Their company had halted operations due to geological shifting. Three-fourths of their co-workers had been laid off. And their initial efforts to carve a new, safer passage to the ore bodies proved unsuccessful.

Wrestlers take it on the chin

Four travel to Coeur d'Alene; Crace gets six pins

The Libby Greenchain put in a double shift of mat work this past week. On Thursday the grapplers traveled to Columbia Falls. The Wildcats dominated the competition and won the dual 66-16.

Trojans fall, 62-53; Ladies top Noxon

Loggers fall to 'Dogs, 55-46; Ladies whip Whitefish, 49-30

Burke takes reins as KRDC director

Assumes top full-time duties

Turner Mountain now open daily until Jan. 5

Turner Mountain Ski Area is open, and sufficient snowfall couldn’t have come at a better time.

Downey calls for full audit

Commissioner seeks meeting on Troy Area Dispatch District

Lincoln County Commissioner Ron Downey of Troy called for a full, itemized audit of the Troy Area Dispatch District after the revelation of an error that cost taxpayers nearly $1 million during the past 15 years.

District cuts lead to end of a Christmas concert

Budget cuts and a desire to continue an emphasis on education and technology has led Libby Elementary School to cut the fourth- and fifth-grade Christmas concert.

County to take over the ERS program beginning on Jan. 1

Lincoln County will assume responsibility beginning Jan. 1 for the Environmental Resource Specialists (ERS) program that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated in 2006 to support local property owners with management of Libby amphibole asbestos before and after removal activities.  

Carmen Hench, 77, formerly of Libby

Carmen Hench of San Jose, Calif., died Dec. 18, 2013, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Rodney Thompson, 68, formerly of Libby

Rodney “Rod” Eugene Thompson, 68, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, at his daughter’s home in Bonners Ferry.

Old Photo 12-24-13

Snowshoe Ski Haus Einard Mattila, owner of Snowshoe Ski Haus, mounts a binding on a ski recently at his shop behind the Pacific Power building at California Avenue and Fourth Street. Einard is certified to mount bindings, tune and wax skis, sharpen edges and perform any other service work. He also sells tools and wax for the do-it-yourself skier. Photo from the Dec. 24, 1993, files of The Western News.

Food Pantry Troy

Carole Armstrong, Tom Grabinski and Sue Grabinski.

Brigid Burke

With degrees in accounting, Executive Director Brigid Burke of the Kootenai River Development Council looks toward any and all interests to develop the Industrial Park.

Bridge Pic

Haul bridge from Hwy 37 Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013.

Basketball Stevenson

Junior Shyla Stevenson pulls down a third quarter defensive rebound vs. Whitefish Saturday.

Basketball Pierce

Double high 5's for Sarah Pierce during the match-up with Stillwater Christian Thursday, Dec. 12. Coach Justin Young, left.

Basketball Johnson Three

Collin Johnson's layup won't go, fouled, 1 for 2 from the line, makes it 16-12 Bulldogs 12-21-13. E.J. Havens, left, Johnson and Alex Wilson.

Basketball Johnson Two

Junior guard Collin Johnson scores on a layup in first quarter vs. Whitefish.

Basketball Johnson

Junior Collin Johnson first quarter layup attempt vs. Whitefish.

Basketball Gallagher Two

Devon Gallagher drives on Katie Fyall in first quarter vs. Whitefish. Gallagher started the scoring with a 3-pointer.

Basketball Gallagher

Junior Devon Gallagher lays it up for 2 in the first quarter Saturday evening vs. Whitefish. The Lady Loggers prevail 49-30.

Gragert grabs big stage

Libby High graduate Jordan Gragert and his Colorado State Rams (7-6) will take on the Washington State Cougars (6-6) in the New Mexico Bowl on Saturday at noon.

Wrestlers grab and pull their way to 36-18 victory at home

The first wrestling dual anyone could recall in Troy went the Greenchain’s way Tuesday. In a head-to-head contest with Eureka, Libby held their own as four grapplers earned pins on the way to a 36-18 victory.  

Local Briefs

Schweitzer tells Iowans he has same background

ALTOONA, Iowa — Former Democratic Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer isn’t saying whether he’ll run for president in 2016. But he sought to connect with Iowa voters Wednesday night with a speech that touched on his rural roots, passion for education and his opposition to the Iraq War.

Hunting photos should not be in the newspaper

Letter to the Editor,

EPA Region 8 official thankful for cooperation

Letter to the Editor,

Red Cross volunteer gratefull for Troy fire assistance

Letter to the Editor,

It's time to wake up, America: We must return to our Constitution

Letter to the Editor,

Hiking backcountry can humble an outdoorsman

I’ve had the privilege of living in a drift boat on the Kootenai River for 17 summers. I’ve spent 550-575 days guiding fishermen — some of whom have become good friends, others who are fond memories and a small handful who need to expire so I can write the book.

Police Blotter

Linda Thede, 64, of Libby

Linda D. Thede, 64, of Libby died Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Man thought to be Gacy victim is found in Montana

CHICAGO — A man presumed dead for decades as a potential victim of serial killer John Wayne Gacy has been reunited with his family after investigators found him alive and well in Montana.

Water-rights filings are non-consumptive, deadline nears

Lincoln County residents have just six days remaining to file objections to the water-rights claims on three area streams.

Libby men arrested for vehicular trespassing

Two Libby-area men each have been charged with 46 counts of vehicular trespassing and other charges, culminating an investigation by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department.

Baucus tabbed to be ambassador to China

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama intends to nominate Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., as ambassador to China, Democratic officials said Wednesday, turning to a lawmaker well-versed in trade issues to fill one of the nation’s most sensitive diplomatic posts.

Judge lifts order; cranes go to Stinger

$1.4 million bond secures release

Employees of Stinger Welding Inc. are planning to visit Libby soon to take possession of six industrial cranes now that a judge has lifted a temporary restraining order filed in November by the Lincoln County Port Authority.

Wrestle Higareda

Skyler Higareda by pin in 1st period over Eureka's Lance Brannon at 138. (Ref Dean Thompson)

Wrestle Bowers

Josh Bowers by pin in the 3rd, over Eureka's Joe Feher at 170.

Troy Dispatch overdrawn

Records indicate taxpayers overpaid $986,000 during 15 years

The agency that acts as the central hub for emergency calls in Troy collected nearly $1 million more in taxes than it was supposed to during the past 15 years due to what county and district officials are calling a budgetary oversight.

Gragert Jordan

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

Cop Shop Ruddock

Talon Miguel, left, gets acquainted with his shopping partner Deputy Cathy Ruddock during Shop With a Cop day Thursday at Libby Elementary.

Cop Shop Bowe

Sheriff Roby Bowe helps 8-year-old second-grader Lexi Afseth pick out a necklace for her mom at Hometown Variety Thursday during Shop with a Cop Day.

Cop Shop Afseth

Sheriff Roby Bowe, left, wanders the aisles of Hometown Variety with 8-year-old second-grader Lexi Afseth, right, as Chelsea Bowe keeps the budget, during Shop with a Cop Day Thursday.

Baucus

Gary Roberts, left, and Sen. Max Baucus at CARD Clinic, Oct. 24, 2012.

Snowden: NSA's indiscriminate spying 'collapsing'

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden wrote in a lengthy "open letter to the people of Brazil" that he's been inspired by the global debate ignited by his release of thousands of NSA documents and that the agency's culture of indiscriminate global espionage "is collapsing."

Lady Trojans get doubled up by Stillwater Christian, 41-21

The Lady Trojan basketball team stumbled out of the gates Thursday in their season-opener at home.

Police Blotter

Lady Loggers fall to Maidens, 44-19

The Lady Loggers struggled to get much going offensively Friday thanks to 27 turnovers. Taylor Quinn led with six points and six rebounds.

Trojans break, cannot hold off Cougars

A hot start belied a tough shooting night for the Troy Trojans as they lost their first basketball game of the season, 40-35.

Loggers drop first two; Stevensville pounds Libby, 63-15

The Libby Loggers dropped their opening basketball game of the season Friday 64-55 at Ronan despite a 33-point performance by senior Jared Winslow.

Greenchain finish third at tournament

The Libby Greenchain grapplers had an impressive showing Saturday at the Superior Invitational. Behind title-winning days for Zach Crace at 138 pounds and Josh Bowers at 170 pounds, the team placed third out of 12 teams.

Area Briefs

Mill fire judgement upheld

Montana Supreme Court mostly favors Wheelis' 2012 ruling

The Montana Supreme Court has decided that the Lincoln County Port Authority will receive a multimillion-dollar judgment against the insurer of the property formerly known as the plywood plant. However, the justices also lowered the amount of money that the insurer would have to pay.

FWP advisory committee is public's liaison to agency

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks organized the Citizen Advisory Committees from the 1995 Charter: “to more fully involve citizens, sportsmen, sportswomen and non-traditional constituents in decision-making, policy development and communication based on the regard for the resource, mutual respect and personal relationships.

For the season: A poem for Christmas

A morning’s blanket of snow tucked itself around tree wells, as I meandered through the old clear-cut edges in search of the perfect Christmas tree.  

Hayes: Wolves make for good business

A fifth of his work is predator mounts

When John Hayes started studying taxidermy he didn’t think it one day would be his livelihood.

Fire makes 14 victims homeless

Troy rallies to aid those affected by fire

One day after an apartment fire displaced eight families in Troy, the Rev. Cam Foote of Troy Community Baptist Church sat in the church’s activity center surrounded by shoes, hats, gloves and toys. The donated items came in such abundance and so quickly that efforts to organize were abandoned when there were no more tables on which to sort items.

Local high school soccer player gets Olympic camp invitation

A local high school soccer player is one step closer to achieving his lofty dreams.

Anita L. Banning, 69, of Libby

Anita L. Banning, 69, of Libby died Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, with her family by her side.

Porter Schiller celebrates his first

Porter Michael Schiller is one year old.

Judge dismisses assisted-suicide complaint

HELENA — A state judge has dismissed a complaint against the state Board of Medical Examiners over a position paper about assisted suicide that a group says implies the practice is legal in Montana.

Wreck Two

John Heinlein discusses how the rollover occurred with MHP Bryce Ford Monday morning after rolling his 2002 Chevy S10 at about the one mile marker on River Road. Heinlein hit a bit of black ice as he rounded the corner on his way to work at about 8:20.

Wreck One

John Heinlein searches for personal belongings Monday morning after rolling his 2002 Chevy S10 at about the one mile marker on River Road. Heinlein hit a bit of black ice as he rounded the corner (background) on his way to work at about 8:20.

Old Photo 12-17-13

Shady Characters Sheriff Ray Nixon, County Clerk of Court Lucille Briggs and KLCB Radio announcer Roger Shields enjoy a day in the Libby Food Pantry jail courtesy of pantry warden Velma Fenimore. Nixon, Briggs and Shields were raising money and food donations for the pantry. Greg Van Tighem photo from the Dec. 10, 1993, files of The Western News.

Davidson headshot

Johnny Davidson heads to Belgrade this weekend to being training.

Buck Doe

Sara Radabah and her spike doe. Shot with a 7mm-.08

Basketball Winslow

Jared Winslow's hasty jump shot in the second quarter won't go vs Thompson Falls. 1-10-13

Basketball Tallmadge

A wild Gage Tallmadge drives in, shot won't go, 4th quarter with 6 minutes remaining vs. Stillwater Christian Cougars, 12-12-13.

Basketball Roach

Olivia Roach on the drive in third quarter vs. Stillwater Christian Cougars 12-12-13.

Basketball Rebound

Shyla Stevenson, left, Hailley Moe and Taylor Quinn vs. Bonners Ferry 12-10-13

Basketball Metz

Bruce Metz in third quarter heavy traffic vs. Stillwater Christian 12-12-13.

Basketball Andersen

Time out during Stillwater Christian game with Bruce Metz, left, Nathan Olds and Coach Cory Andersen.

Troy apartment fire halts highway traffic

Victim taken to Utah burn center

A late Wednesday night call kept Troy firefighters working long into Thursday afternoon as they extinguished a fire that destroyed the Pine Tree Plaza apartment complex.

Local Briefs

Libby native earns Eagle rank in Alaska

Like many boys, Keegan Halsey of Wasilla, Alaska, was a Cub Scout. He joined with his friends, and like many of those friends as he grew, Halsey felt the allure of a paycheck and the desire for a car, distractions from achieving Scouting’s highest accomplishment.

Head Start holiday policies differ

Alexandra Eanes could not believe it when she heard Kootenai Valley Head Start would no longer celebrate holidays in their classrooms. Like many people, Eanes found the decision misguided if the aim was inclusion. After all, her Early Head Start program acknowledges holidays.

Schools receive grants

Libby and Troy school districts are among 36 schools statewide to receive a share of $738,044 in grants through the Montana Department of Commerce’s Quality Schools Planning Grants Program.

Commissioners agree to move forward on land swap

With three Libby School Board members in attendance, Lincoln County commissioners on Wednesday agreed to move forward with a land swap that would exchange equal-sized tracts of land the county owns for land the school district owns.

Resolutions OK'd that may cut superintendent, justice of peace

Lincoln County commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved two resolutions that could eliminate  one of the county’s two justices of the peace and the position of Lincoln County Superintendent of Schools.

Reader urges public to accept free calendars

Letter to the Editor,

Sprays and dips are still among the safest ways to remove troublesome ticks

This valley is a delightful place to live for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.  Since we are immediately surrounded by wooded mountains, we are never far from brush and undercover.  

The holiday season should be about love, not spending

It’s a magical time of year filled with lights, joy, food and family, but it’s often over scheduled and exhausting.  

Fed spending: Two steps sideways, one back

After the meaningless theater of the March 2013 “sequester” and October’s anti-climactic two-week “shutdown,” you knew the third act was coming.

Spousal shooting case advances; wife pleads

Libby police continue to investigate Jenna Camille Lewis Hanson, 31, for the shooting of her husband, Scott Hanson.

Local speech and drama team takes second place in regionals

Libby High’s Speech and Drama team earned second place in a competition last weekend that featured fierce theatric fervor.

Girls' Night Out slated for Wednesday, Dec. 18

Usually, a girls’ night out conjures images of something different, but the Girls’ Night Out in Libby set for Wednesday, Dec. 18, is all about shopping.

Region 1 hunters take more deer

More hunters in the woods does not always mean an increase in hunting success, but that was the case in Region 1 for the recently completed deer and elk season.

Dolores McConnell, 80, formerly of Libby

Former Libby resident Dolores (Dodie) McConnell, 80, of Vancouver, Wash., went to be with our Lord on Nov. 18, 2013.

Hospice Tree of Life set for tonight

The Home Options Hospice Tree of Life is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight, Friday, Dec. 13,  at the Libby Christian Church.  

County funding restored

Secure Rural Schools dollars to come at 95 percent of 2012 tally

The collective sigh of relief coming out of the Lincoln County Courthouse this week is a result of notice that the county will receive 95 percent of the Secure Rural Schools funding it received last year, or about $4.8 million.

Obit McConnell

© Mike Brewington 2013

Seizure of nuns stokes Syrian Christian fears

DAMASCUS — Syrian Christians offered prayers Sunday for a group of more than a dozen nuns and orphanage workers held by rebels for nearly a week, fueling fears in the minority community that they are being targeted by extremists among the fighters seeking to oust President Bashar Assad.

South Africans pray for Mandela

Gay benefits expand in Fortune 500

SAN FRANCISCO —

Newlywed bride goes to trial in Glacier Park death case

HELENA —

MSU routs Walla Walla

BOZEMAN — Stephan Holm went 5-for-7 on 3-pointers and scored 21 points as Montana State had six players score in double figures and routed NAIA Walla Walla 109-54 on Saturday night.

Johnson, Coyle named Grizzlies' MVPs

MISSOULA — Quarterback Jordan Johnson and linebacker Brock Coyle shared the Steve Carlson Award given to the most valuable player on the Montana football team.

MSU's Daly is a finalist for Hendricks Award

BOZEMAN — Montana State senior Brad Daly is one of six finalists for the 2013 Hendricks Award, which goes to the top defensive end in NCAA football.

Greenchain grapplers open season with two earning places

The Libby Greenchain wrestlers attended their first meet of the season Saturday in Havre. Juniors Zach Crace and Garret Chapel, both returning after placing in last year’s state tournament, led the way.

Regional Briefs

Petition seeks stop signs returned

About 40 signatures request return of Mineral Avenue signs

Almost as soon as the stop signs on Mineral Avenue came down last week, shopkeepers up and down the street sought their return.

Help conserve state's wild, natural wonders

Letter to the Editor,

More people experience the negatives of Obamacare

Take an active role in local education, now

Why support Libby schools? This is the easy question. One that can be answered in a million, or at least a few hundred, ways. For the sake of simplicity, how about supporting Libby schools because a quality education is the key to economic prosperity for Libby’s children, young adults and the Libby community itself. 

A few gift suggestions for the outdoors type

The legend of Santa Claus has its roots in tales of Sinterklaas, a Dutch figure who’s own noteworthiness was based on historical hagiographies. The term “hagiographies” generally refers to stories of the lives and miracles of divine beings, saints, shamans, medicine people, gurus, prophets and other individuals believed to be gifted with sacred powers. 

Referee trio reflects on their lifetimes of making the calls

A combined 106 years on the mat

USFS forest plans receive 60 objections

MISSOULA — Hundreds of pages of objections by 60 individuals or organizations have been filed against a U.S. Forest Service draft management plan concerning two national forests with borders stretching into northern Idaho and northwestern Montana.

Judith A. Jones, 78, of Libby

Judith (Judy) A. Jones, 78, of Libby was peacefully called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, at her home.  

Madeline Johnson, 89, of Libby

Madeline M. Johnson, 89, a longtime Libby resident, died Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at her home in Libby.  

Wrestle Spencer

Kurt Spencer vs. Polson Dec. 22, 1971

Wrestle Crace Two

Zach Crace by pin in second period vs.Frenchtown 1-19-13.

Stop Sign

It's true, the north-south stop signs on Mineral Avenue and Fifth Street are...............gone.

Wrestle Crace

Zach Crace vs. Polson Jan. 24, 2013 (Crace by pin in the third)

Old Photo 12-10-13

Super Service Headquarters of Libby Motor, Inc., new Direct Dealers for Dodge and Plymouth in Libby. E.W. Oyler, president and manager of Libby Motor, Inc., invites you to attend the companyÕs ÒOpen HouseÓ and to see the new Dodge and Plymouth cars and Dodge trucks now on display. Photo from the Feb. 27, 1936, files of The Western News.

Cancer-stricken Libby boy bags big bull elk in Dillon area

The holiday season the past two years has been a solemn affair for the Haines family, but this year there were smiles all around as 11-year-old Zachary bagged his first elk, a fine 5x5 bull, with his dad nearby, on a southwest Montana ranch near Dillon.

Lady Trojans look for small improvements

Troy’s Lady Trojans basketball team hopes this will be the year things turn around. Behind first-year Head Coach Justin Young, Troy’s hopes and expectations are tempered.

Loggers look to overcome last year's injuries

Head Coach Jim May taped four ankles before the start of a practice Wednesday because after last year’s injury-plagued season, he wasn’t going to take any chances.

Greenchain grapplers look to improve on 2012

The sound system paused, Head Coach Kelly Morford talks about burying the head, securing the knee in the saddle and executing a butcher. In the blue and yellow padded room, sweaty young men circle around and catch their breaths as they listen intently. Painted on the walls are the infallible demands to “Expect Pain, Endure Pain, Never Complain.”

Local Briefs

Hunter pleads not guilty

Charged with three misdemeanors in shooting of man, 60

Michael Wagner, the 48-year-old Libby man who critically wounded another man while hunting near Libby Creek Road, has pleaded not guilty Tuesday to three misdemeanors in Lincoln County Justice Court.

Head Start's revised curriculum may lead to pupil exodus

Parents vow to withdraw students if change OK'd

Recent changes at Kootenai Valley Head Start have some parents wondering what happened to the holiday cheer.

Let's preserve our state's wild places for generations, call congressmen

Letter to the Editor,

Tree Board grateful to Vicky Lawrence for her service

Letter to the Editor,

'Shop with a Cop' sends the right message

'Mike & Gabe's' plans Jan. 1 opening

Southwest, Tex-Mex cuisine will be its forte

When Matt and Nichole Hollingsworth open their restaurant to the public on Jan. 1, the date will culminate a journey that has spanned the last decade — both literally and figuratively.

Country music's Fairchild to perform Saturday, Dec. 14

The Kootenai Heritage Council and International Special Attractions are teaming to present, “A Country Christmas” with Barbara Fairchild and Roy Morris slated for 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Libby Memorial Events Center.

KNF considers district merger

The Kootenai National Forest is considering consolidating the Rexford and Fortine Ranger Districts and is seeking public input regarding that proposal.  

Hellen P. Rayson, 76, of Libby

Hellen Pauline (Pat) Rayson, 76, a longtime Libby resident, died Friday Nov. 22, 2013, at the Libby Care Center.  

Lillian Martinez, 80, formerly of Libby

Lillian Martinez, formerly of Libby, died Nov. 16, 2013, in Reno, Nev., at Renown North Hospital of complications of lung cancer.

Mike Wagner

Mike Wagner

Mike and Gabe's Ray

Ray Hollingsworth smiles as he shows off the Lodge Room of Mike and Gabe's.

Mike and Gabe's Pizza

Matt Hollingsworth and his wife Nichole explain how the pizza oven works, spitting out pizzas in 2.5 minutes at 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mike and Gabe's Nichole Two

Matt and Nichole Hollingsworth of Mike and Gabe's.

Mike and Gabe's Nichole

Matt and Nichole Hollingsworth.

Mike and Gabe's Two

The man behind Mike and Gabe's, Matt Hollingsworth, standing in the Smoke House Room.

Mike and Gabe's Matt

The man behind Mike and Gabe's, Matt Hollingsworth, standing in the Smoke House Room.

Basketball Quinn

Basketball practice with Dayln Germany left, and Taylor Quinn.

Nelson Mandela, South Africa's peacemaker, dies at 95

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Nelson Mandela was a master of forgiveness.

Area briefs

Utility ordered to refund up to $3 million to customers

HELENA — The state Public Service Commission has ordered NorthWestern Energy to refund to customers nearly $3 million it collected after overestimating how much revenue it lost from energy-conservation programs.

FWP to refund $25,000 for river project

HELENA — The director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has ordered the agency to return about $25,000 to an account used to benefit the Smith River after a conservation organization complained about how the money was spent.

DCI to aid investigation into drug-bust shooting

HELENA — State investigators say an undercover Missoula police detective was shot during a drug sting when the suspect pulled a gun and tried to take the contraband, the state Department of Justice said.

Some states want delay in wolverine listing

SALT LAKE CITY — An organization of wildlife officials for Western states is asking the federal government to delay a possible listing for wolverines as a threatened species, which could mean an end to trapping outside Alaska for the animal’s fur.

Trojan hoops loaded with senior leadership

It is not often a high school team returns five starters, but Head Coach Cory Andersen’s Troy basketball team does just that. Behind the play of six seniors, the Trojans hope to significantly improve on last season’s 7-11 record.

Police blotter

Troy welcomes season with lighting

Parker McLeod climbed the waist-high steps as quickly as his little body allowed. Atop the summit, he cast a focused gaze toward a man he’d waited a year to see.

Koats 4 Kids well under way in 13th season

With temperatures soon expected to drop below zero, the demand for winter clothing from the Kootenai Kiwanis Koats 4 Kids Kloset at Asa Wood is growing. Since it opened Oct. 7, the charitable group this season has given away 800-plus articles of winter clothing.

Laverdure: Patrolling woodlands

Warden says public is her eyes and ears

Without fail, Libby Game Warden Tamie Laverdure begins her conversations with hunters one way.

Science museum concept employed to assist learning, teaching at KVCS

Kootenai Valley Christian School teacher Chrys Marchant knows among the best ways to learn is by doing. So, when her third-grade students studied vertebrates last week, she invited them to research a specific topic and then pass that knowledge on to other students.

Troy Middle/High Honor Roll

The first quarter honor roll for Troy High School consisted of 67 students with another 32 students from Troy Junior High School. Students, by grade are:

Bill failure leaves many in a downward spiral

Letter to the Editor,

Holiday season is time to give thanks: Let's be grateful for our wilderness

Letter to the Editor,

Art education develops a student's mind in so many ways

While the fine arts does involve creating “pretty pictures,” Libby High School students discover that their courses encompass much more.

Two great events. One night. Why choose?

The annual Turner Mountain Fun Night usually signals the unofficial start of the ski and snowboard season. Snow bums pack the Red Dog from wall to wall, stuffing down pizza and telling stories of past glories on the mountain.

Local hunter found safe

A mother's unselfish wish for Thanksgiving realized

Judy Lundstrom will long remember Thanksgiving 2013, not for how it began but for how it ended.

Eagle Scout project restores pavilion on Asa Wood property

Another Boy Scout from Troop 1971 in Libby has completed his Eagle Scout community service project and another landmark has been restored.

Wellert

Matthew Wellert

Voices Meyer

A Traditional Christmas at Libby's Memorial Center Sunday evening included soloist Julie Meyer singing "Blue Christmas."

Voices Smith

Tony Smith, left, and Julie Meyer sing "Mary Did You Know" with Nita Smith on paino and Dr. Bill Cuskelly on mandolin.

Voices Choir

Under the direction of Lorraine Braun the Libby Children's Select Choir sand "Santa Fever."

Regional Wolveriine

FILE - This undated file image provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows a wolverine. An organization of wildlife officials for Western states is asking the federal government to delay a decision on a possible listing for wolverines as a threatened species. It's estimated there are fewer than 300 of the elusive carnivores in the Lower 48. A threatened listing could mean an end to trapping the animals for their fur outside Alaska.(AP Photo/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, file)

Old Photo 12-3-13

Photo from the April 8, 1921, files of The Western News.

Gun Drawing

Terry Andreessen, left, and Sheriff Roby Bowe.

Basketball Opland

Sean Opland