Ellington

Montana's coal opportunity could be held up by the federal government

Letter to the Editor,

Alice A. Priest, 84, of Libby

Alice Arlene Priest, 84, died on Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at Libby Care Center.  

County jobless rate hits 14.8 percent

Montana’s unemployment rate continued to drop in December, falling 0.1 percentage points to 5.7 percent, but it was little consolation to the jobless in Lincoln County who are still looking for work.

Lady Loggers cruise over Troy

Troy had trouble making shots in Ralph Tate gymnasium Friday night, and the Lady Trojan basketball team gave up a bitter loss to the Libby Lady Loggers 29-18.

Cherry Voss benefit is Feb. 9

A benefit spaghetti dinner for liver-transplant patient Cherry Voss is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9.

Engagement: Roy-Cummings

Terry and Cindy Cummings of Troy announce the engagement of their daughter, Danielle Lou Anne Cummings, to Levi Lewis Roy, son of Mary Hanson and Steve Roy of Frenchtown.

Dorothy Dunning, 82, of Libby

Dorothy Dunning, 82, passed away peacefully Jan. 26, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby with her dear friend, Cindy Wagner, at her side. 

We should give U.S. teachers some credit for fourth

Letter to the Editor,

Loggers slip on senior night; then crush Whitefish

An aggressive, well-conditioned Polson team spoiled Libby Greenchain’s senior night Thursday, pinning the Loggers 49-31.

Helen's Huckleberries: Goodbye to a Libby institution

Loggers use paralyzing defense to rout rival Trojans 48-33

In case anyone in the Kootenai Valley had any doubts about who was the little brother in the Libby-Troy rivalry, the Loggers gave a heavy reminder Friday night, beating the Trojans 48-33.

February Senior Menu

Library will offer tech support

The Libby library is pleased to offer one-on-one technology sessions; one-hour periods set aside to help with any computer skills needed. Covered topics include basic computer use to Microsoft Word, using Nook, Kindle, or iPad, or searching on the Internet.  

Questioning the sanity of background checks

Letter to the Editor,

St. John's fills interim chief finanacial officer post

Jacobson has background at various Montana centers

Loren Jacobson has been named the interim chief financial officer at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital. 

Stand up, Libby, for what's right

Letter to the Editor,

Crews rescue injured hiker stranded on mountainside slope

A grateful Keith Meyers was scheduled for surgery Monday at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital to insert a rod in his right leg to reinforce the fractures sustained in a mountainside fall Saturday.

America's house divided; can we ever be one 'We the people?'

Letter to the Editor,

Fissoris celebrate their 35th anniversary

Michael W. and Sydney Fissori celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary this month.

City will host comment hearing

The City of Libby will host a public hearing to get comments regarding community developmental needs (public facilities, economic development, housing needs) as well as reviewing the needs of low- and moderate-income persons.

Wrestle Haugen M.

Mitch Haugen vs. Polson's Rhett Burland.

Wrestle Bailey

Austin Bailey grapples with Polson’s Josiah Edington at the 189-pound division. Bailey won a major decision 15-3.

Wrestle Haugen

Mitch Haugen vs. Polson's Rhett Burland.

Old Photo 1-29

Pet Teacher Puckers Libby Middle School teacher Jerry MeeÕs popularity with the students was rewarded last Friday when he got to kiss a pot-bellied pig. Students voted for Mee over four other teachers by donating money in his name to a fundraiser for the Champion Group Home. Although the fundraiser netted $55, the LMS community council donated $300 to the home. Roger Morris photo from the Jan. 20, 1993, files of The Western News.

Helen's Candy Tray

The final batch of huckleberry candies were shipped from Helen’s Huckleberry Candy Factory in Libby Libby to Spokandy on Jan. 22.

Helen's Huckleberries

Kendra Gaustad, who owned Helen’s Huckleberry Candy Factory for 23 years, reminisces over candy-making utensils on Jan. 21. The next day, the candy factory closed its storefront in Libby and all of its equipment and inventory was shipped to Spokane.

GBT Curry

Senior Michaela Curry looks for a shot above the outstretched arms of Hailley Moe in the fourth quarter.

GBL Harmon

Zumba girl, Emily Harmon, 4, showed everyone her moves Friday as dozens of the half-pint dancers performed during halftime of the Libby-Troy matchup.

GBL Cheer

Give me a "G." LHS cheerleaders spell out L-O-G-G-E-R-S Saturday evening prior to the matchup with Columbia Falls.

BBL Reichel

Libby’s senior guard Will Reichel has his shot tipped away by Jared Trinastich in first-quarter action vs. Columbia Falls Saturday evening. 

BBL Sax

Pep Band saxaphone players Zac Rebo, left, Errik Westlund and Cody Barrick keep the crowd fired up Friday night during Libby's matchup with rival Troy. Two altos and a tenor.

BBL McElmurry

Ryker McElmurry scores a Mountain Dew Saturday evening during the halftime pop shoot.

BBL Johnson

Libby guard Collin Johnson has his shot blocked by Troy’s Bruce Metz, but draws the foul from freshman Sean Opland, behind. Johnson made one-of-two from the line.

Meyers Loading

A relieved Meyers was grateful for the assistance down the mountainside.

Troy students still in running for Samsung STEM grant

Six enterprising Troy students have taken strides toward a $110,000 grant from South Korean technology giant Samsung.

Obama is undoing the accomplishments of Ronald Reagan

Letter to the Editor,

Commissioners OK $20K loan for airport fuel

Libby Airport Board Chairman Ron Denowh’s request for funds to purchase fuel for the airport was granted Wednesday, although the revenue is less than he initially requested and comes with strings attached.

Police Blotter Jan. 8 - Jan. 15

Council OKs pit water meter project

Libby City Council members on Tuesday, abiding by a Rural Development loan requirement for water improvements, approved a mandate to require those homes and businesses that are not metered to install curbside pit meters.

Libby throws support to Zach Haines

10-year-old boy battles brain cancer

Zach Haines has always been one to beat the odds.

Bothman-Grotjohn Engagement

Rocky and Georgia Bothman of Libby are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Erin Bothman, to Nick Grotjohn, son of Jeff and Ann Grotjohn of Libby.

Truman L. Struck, 93, of Libby

Truman Leonard Struck, 93, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, surrounded by three of his daughters. 

Lawrence Visger, 83, formerly of Libby

Lawrence Lester Visger, a three-year resident of Colville, Wash., passed away Jan. 15, 2013, in Colville at the age of 83. 

Troy's Wendt to resign

Internship complete, he quits school post

Troy Superintendent of Schools Dan Wendt tendered his resignation from the Troy School District at Wednesday’s budget meeting. It will go into effect June 30.

Trotters hold off Troy's rally 30-29

The Lady Trojans basketball team got within a basket of upsetting a talented Plains Trotters squad, but late-game fouls and the quick Plains defense shut that down, 30-29.

Both Libby squads beat Bluehawks

Trojans rally to beat Horsemen in overtime, 61-59

Troy’s boys basketball team won a thrilling overtime game against conference rival Plains on Friday night, 61-59.

Greenchain falls to Broncs

Libby Scatterguns Trap and Skeet League Results

Police Blotter Jan. 7 - Jan. 8

City leaders, we're tired of engineering studies, high water rates, city parks

Letter to the Editor,

Remembering Jan. 22, 1973: 40th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade

Alcohol, smoking, poor lifestyles cause up to 36 million deaths worldwide

Letter to the Editor,

Consider spaying/neutering your pets for their health

Everyone who owns a pet knows the love, joy and companionship that the pet brings.  

Florence Virginia Pintok, 86, of Troy

A vigil and Rosary services will be held for Florence Virginia (Ginger) Pintok, 86, of Troy at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at  St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.  

Beverly Lou Tuin, 83, of Bonners Ferry

Beverly Lou Tuin, 83, passed away on Jan. 15, 2013, at the Boundary County  Nursing Home in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, surrounded by loving family members and caring nursing home staff.

Nickel auto dealership closes

Nickel Auto Group, the budget car dealership on the west end of Libby located on U.S. Highway 2, has closed.

Family man: Rewerts scales back workload family

Retiring LHS principal’s wish is for quality time with family members

Libby beats Troy in routs

Libby High School's boys basketball team shut down Troy's offense until the fourth quarter, beating the Trojans 48-33.

Taylor Two

The proper Australian school attire was modeled Tuesday by story teller Paul Taylor to an audience of forty-one sixth graders. When the students were asked if they would like to dress in the same manner there was a resounding "NO" from all present.

Taylor Three

Proper use of the bullroarer, an ancient ritual musical instrument, is demonstrated by sixth grader Colton Howard Tuesday during Paul Taylor's visit to Libby Elementary.

Taylor Six

The didgeridoo, a wind instrument developed by indigenous Australians from the termite-eaten branch of a eucalyptus tree, is shown to forty-one sixth graders Tuesday by story teller Paul Taylor in Libby Elementary's music room.

Taylor One

Australian storyteller Paul Taylor and sixth grader Madison Johnston engage in a bit of heel and toe polka Tuesday at Libby Elementary.

Taylor Four

Forty-one sixth grade students were present Tuesday in Libby Elementary's music room for Paul Taylor's visit. When it was time for recess all present opted for a bit more time with the famed story teller from Australia.

Taylor Five

Australian story teller Paul Taylor demonstrates the use of a lagerphone, a traditional percussion instrument.

Keystone

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D, walks toward a illustration of the Keystone Pipeline and proposed expansions, after a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013. A key approval of a revised route for the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast puts the long-delayed project back in the hands of the U.S. government. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Bench

The bench reacts to a trey by Jared Winslow to tie the game at 40 with 19.1 left on the clock vs. Bonners Ferry. Lane Luscher, left, Tarasik Krisanov and Collin Johnson.

Dirkes

Bill Dirkes addresses the Libby City Council Tuesday evening.

Zach Fishing

Zach Haines, who is getting cancer treatment in Seattle, says fishing is just about his most-favorite thing to do, and he looks forward to when he might do it again.

Zach Family

Zach, surrounded by sister Belle, mother Carmella Pederson and father Tatum Haines take a family photo.

Samsung

Troy students are working on a grant from Samsung that could bring the district as much as $110,000.

Mayor: SJLH job does not violate law

Construction site noise is reasonable is within reason

Libby City Council members, acting upon the recommendation of City Attorney Jim Reintsma, will not take action against Swank Enterprises construction crews for what some see as a violation of a city noise ordinance.

Revett miners back to work

Underground staff resumes; however, ore extraction on hold

Underground work at Revett Minerals, Inc., Troy Mine has resumed, but those miners are doing more preparatory tasks for ore extraction than actual mining, according to Revett CEO John Shanahan.

Libby residents, Rosauers 'Help Bag Hunger' here

Catch the latest virus: Turner Mountain Fever

It was another great weekend at Turner Mountain. On Saturday, Jan. 12, there were 72 skiers/boarders on the mountain, and the next day there were 76. 

Let Montana Legislature show D.C. how to truly serve people

Council's trial-and-error approach to governing is hurting its residents

Letter to the Editor,

Sometimes, especially with animals, things have a way of working out

Birth: James Mason Smith IV

James Mason Smith IV, son of Audrey Frederickson and James Smith of Libby, was born Jan. 9, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.

Birth: Orion Rameses Saiz

Orion Rameses Saiz, son of Mindy Saiz and Randall Johnson of Libby, was born Jan. 11, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.

Birth: Hannah Lily Marcoe

Hannah Lily Marcoe, daughter of Pamela and Natheniel Marcoe of Libby, was born Jan. 10, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.

Birth: Colter Canfield

Brooke Lemer and Casey Canfield of Eureka welcomed their first child at 6:40 a.m. Jan. 1, 2013.  

Bronwen Anne Stebbins Faul, 44, formerly of Libby

Display focuses on abortion issue

A display showing the number of babies aborted each day has been erected at St. John Lutheran Church.  

Troy School District approves schedule change

Troy School District No. 1 voted unanimously to approve a plan to change Troy High School’s schedule from the current block to a 6.5-period schedule.

Wrestle Roach

Ricky Roach vs Frenchtown's Jack Nerison at 145.

Range Two

Excavator operator Jon Moe removes a load of logs from the area being cleared for the new pistol shooting range.

Wrestle Crace

Zach Crace vs. Frenchtown's Ryan Stenerson at 125.

Range Three

Cole Spencer limbs a recently felled pine tree Thursday afternoon as county crews clear an area for the new pistol range.

Range Four

Excavator operator Jon Moe loads the bucket of a front end loader Thursday afternoon as county crews clear a space for the new pistol range.

Range One

Excavator operator Jon Moe loads the dump truck driven by Dave Sichting Thursday afternoon as work progresses on construction of the pistol shooting range.

Old Photo 1-22

Elvis Debuts Locally Number one fan Linda Braley, dressed in her Elvis ÒEarly YearsÓ stamp sweatshirt, was first in line to buy the new stamp Friday in Libby from postal clerk Carol Decker as Sky Braley waits her turn. Photo from the Jan. 13, 1993, files of The Western News.

GBT Johnston

Junior Caitlin Johnston guarded by Plains' Jessica Hansen in fourth quarter.

BBT Opland Sean

Sean Opland drives on Jeremiah Crawford in fourth quarter vs. Plains.

BBT Opland

Freshman guard Sean Opland ties the score at 53 with this free throw and sends the game into over time vs. Plains

BBT Metz

Bruce Metz jump shot in third quarter won't go vs. Plains.

BBT Andersen

Coach Cory Andersen reacts to a foul called on Gabe Hickman in the third quarter vs. Plains.

Rewerts

Most Libby High School students may not prefer a view of Principal Rik Rewerts’ office. However, the inner sanctum is loaded with family mementos of Rewerts’ life and time spent with family members. The black-and-white photograph is an image of a 10-year-old Rewerts who hunted pheasant with his father and uncles. Other images are of skiing and fishing trips, Cabinet View Golf Course and a rainbow trout putter. 

Frenchtown bests Logger Greenchain 45-18

In the first home match in well over a month, Libby faced off yet again with the Frenchtown Broncs and came up short, losing at home 45-18.

Aussie artist, musician performs Tuesday

The Western News

Trojans win overtime thriller over Plains

The Troy boys basketball team held off a much-improved Plains squad to win in overtime 61-59.

Libby schools in transition

Principal Rewerts to retire; Board split on Maki contract extension

• Libby High School Principal Rik Rewerts, citing a desire to spend more time with family, will retire from District 4 service at the end of the current school year. Rewerts, 56, tendered his resignation during Monday’s school board meeting, which board members accepted.

Police Blotter: Jan. 5 - Jan. 6

T-Falls, Plains, Frenchtown to meet local squads

Another weekend full of local sporting events means sports junkies will be able to get their fill of home events.

Librarian expresses interest in Asa Wood

School board panel member says discussion is ‘very preliminary’

The Asa Wood property may have found an interested tenant if County Librarian Rick Ball has his way.

RP Becker

Kootenai Falls

College Panel

Troy High School’s counselor Kelly Palmer introduces the panel of recent Troy graduates at the college student fair for junior high students Jan. 4.

Bag Hunger

Raelene Hayden, Rosauers service manager, unloads boxes of food to volunteers Kim Siefke and Don Ellwood. The three unloaded five pallets of food that were contributed to the pantry from Rosauers customers through the “Help Bag Hunger” program. In addition to the food, Rosauers donated $10,000 to the local pantry.

BIZ Fiscal Cliff Tax Breaks

FILE - In this March 11, 2009 file photo, a wind mill, rear center, supplies water to a stock tank, surrounded by wind turbines of the Smoky Hills Wind Project near Wilson, Kansas. Tucked into the "fiscal cliff" tax package approved by Congress are billions of dollars in tax breaks, including a tax credit for the production of wind, solar and other renewable energy. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, file)

BIZ Economy

In this Wednesday, Dec. 12 2012 photo, Taneshia Wright, of Manhattan, fills out a job application during a job fair in New York. U.S. employers added 155,000 jobs in December, a steady gain that shows hiring held up during the tense negotiations to resolve the fiscal cliff. The solid job growth wasn’t enough to push down the unemployment rate, which remained 7.8 percent last month, the Labor Department said Friday, Jan. 4, 2013. The rate for November was revised up from an initially reported 7.7 percent. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

2013 likely will witness Japanization of the American economy

Letter to the Editor,

Troy Activity Center may just have the cure for winter blahs

Climbing, hoops and racquetball

County gives 22 acres behind museum to Troy

City clerk received quitclaim deed Thursday

Lincoln County commissioners have agreed to give about 22 acres of land behind the Troy Museum to the city for the purpose of a recreational area.

Planning Committee to review deer issue

The Western News

Bonners Ferry park has a veterans memorial

Letter to the Editor,

Microsoft Marvel

Libby native plays crucial role in new software

If the overused stereotype of the computer nerd hadn’t died, as it should have decades ago, Sam Moreau gave it the coup de grace. 

Rewerts to retire at end of year from Libby High School

The Western News

Mission Lady Bulldogs top Lady Trojans, 38-21

Lady Trojans Coach Kara Sevalstad used three defenses against the Lady Bulldogs of Mission on Saturday, but it was the defense Mission employed that was the difference in the game.

Bulldogs outduel the Trojans, 52-33

The Trojans got a stiff dose of the long ball from the Mission Bulldogs of St. Ignatius on Saturday as Troy fell 52-33 in basketball action at home.

Libby ties for 25th with Ferris at Rocky Mtn. Classic

Greenchain capped off another tough weekend with a 25th place finish at the Jug Beck Rocky Mountain Classic in Missoula Friday and Saturday, tying Ferris (Wash.) with 41 points.

First half lead isn't enough for Libby

A solid first-half lead for Libby’s girls basketball team was beaten down by a Polson team that won 52-37 after a huge fourth quarter. 

Scotchman Peaks hike series under way

Varying difficulty walks available

Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness has big plans for its eighth annual winter hike series, an even dozen chances to get out into the beautiful landscape of the proposed wilderness on the Montana/Idaho border east of Sandpoint. 

Stinger work resumption is good; questions still persist

It’s safe to say all of Libby breathed a sigh of relief when the 50 or so Stinger Welding employees returned to work last week. 

By volume, cars kill more than guns: Should we begin an assault on vehicles?

Letter to the Editor,

Watch city leaders, go to meetings, pay attention to your City Council

Letter to the Editor,

Racquetball Court

Troy High School Principal Jacob Francom looks over the racquetball courts at the Troy Activity Center. The center also includes a climbing wall as well as free time on the hardwood gym.

Troy Museum Land 2

A Great Northern Railway caboose sits on the Troy Museum site. The city still is in the planning stage for the property.

Birth: Hudson D. Covey

Hudson Daniel Covey, son of Eythana White and Caleb Covey of Libby, was born Dec. 28, 2012, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.

Family

Sam and Darci Moreau with their children Silas and Joy.

Old Photo Too 1-15

Mrs. Ann Kensler and Jeff Burns Photo from the Jan. 31, 1963, files of The Western News

Roland M. Powell, 89, formerly of Libby

Roland Milton Powell was born on Feb.13, 1923, in his grandmother’s house by Sweat House Creek near Victor, Mont., died Jan. 5, 2013.

Moreau

Microsoft’s Sam Moreau, a Libby High graduate, dropped out of college to take care of a cancer-stricken mother. She urged him to see the world, and he headed to Stanford to design web pages. Now, he’s the brains behind Microsoft’s Windows 8 software.

Birth: Elijah Huff

Elijah Huff, son of Candi Jo Gibson and Clifford Huff of Libby, was born Dec. 12, 2012, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.

GBL Gilder

Senior guard Kaitlyn Gilder in third quarter action vs. Polson 1-12-13

GBL Germany

Dayln Germany passes to Hannah England in third quarter action vs. Polson 1-12-13

BBL Winslow

Jared Winslow's hasty jump shot won't go, second quarter vs Thompson Falls 1-10-12

Kraig scores

Senior center Kraig Nelson scores on a pass from junior guard Jared Winslow in the first quarter of the win against Polson.

BBL Leggins

Dan Leggins did a great job keeping Polson's Will Davey in check. Here he steels it away in the second quarter.

100 Jensen

Edna Jensen-Thornock turned 100 years old last Wednesday, Jan. 9. She celebrated her birthday surrounded by friends and family, including sons and several grandchildren, at a residence on Kootenai River Road.

First three weeks draw big crowds to Turner Mountain

The first three weeks of Turner Mountain’s ski season drew about 1,500 skiers and snowboarders to the slopes, marking a significant increase compared to years past. 

Program aims to take sting out of shots

Treasure Chest is a box of goodies aimed at pleasing children

St. John’s Laboratory is implementing a practice aimed at making some of its patients just a tiny bit happier. The targeted patients are local children.  

Rita K. Kyzar, 60, of Libby

Rita K. Kyzar, 60, died on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2013, at Libby Care Center.  

Commissioners agree to purchase Blue Mountain repeater

Jasper L. Knight, 90, of Libby

Jasper L. “Larry” Knight, 90, died on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013 at Libby Care Center. 

Paralyzing tale of calving and being bogged down in the mud

It had been a long day and the telephone’s ring was not a welcome sound. The call, however, was urgent. A large Charolais cow had calved just hours before and was now down. The owner said that the cow was totally paralyzed.

A snow princess is rescued and offers a different tale

Police Blotter: Jan. 1 - Jan. 4

SJLH anesthesia team gets new team member

St. John’s Lutheran Hospital welcomes Kent Bryan Gustin, CRNA, to its anesthesia and surgical teams.  

Birth: Swayze Marie Cooper

Swayze Marie Cooper, daughter of Juli and Brent Cooper of Libby, was born Dec. 19, 2012, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.

Faraday Browning is New Year's baby

Libby had to wait until Jan. 4 for the first baby of 2013 to be born, but it came with much fanfare as St. John’s Lutheran Hospital welcomed Faraday Browning, daughter of Michelle Bryant.  

Commissioners to consider fuel purchase

Stinger CEO Douglas purchased, stored fuel at Libby Airport

Libby Airport had a problem keeping enough fuel on hand to satisfy all the aviators who came through.

BBL Winslow

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

Sheriff Tour

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Kirk Kraft explains the intricacies of the county’s dispatching center to newly elected Commissioner Mike Cole and commissioners Ron Downey and Tony Berget. The commissioners annually make the tour of the facility, and this was the first for Cole. Commissioners also toured the jail, booking, interview and evidence areas.

Bullock Swears In

Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike McGrath, right, swears in Gov. Steve Bullock as Bullock's family looks on, Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, in Helena, Mont. Bullock's inauguration was followed by the opening of the 2013 legislative session. (AP Photo/Matt Volz)

MOS Thompson

Tim Thompson

MOS Schedlbauer

Anthony Schedlbauer

MOS Rach

Catherine Rach

MOS Johnson

J.R. Johnson

MOS Harlow

Jennifer Harlow

MOS Holzhauser

Ellen Holzhauser

Shots

Jennifer Hock checks a vein in the arm of Matthew Hock as St. John’s Lutheran Hospital implements the Treasure Chest idea for children. 

New Year Baby

Seated is new mom Michelle Bryant holding New Year’s baby Faraday Browning.  Standing behind her are Cathy Wolfe, vice president of nursing services; Bruce Whitfield, CEO; Dr. Anne Camber, OB/GYN, and Jada Schnetter, RN.

Blue Mountain Repeater

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Troy to consider 6/7 period change

Troy High School is considering moving away from its block scheduling to a six, six-and-a-half or seven period schedule.

Veterans group weighs its options

The veterans group that has proposed building a monument in Libby will meet Jan. 16 to decide whether to move forward with plans to place the monument at Riverfront Park or consider other locations. 

Noise variance decision put off

In the interim, crews continue early work

Libby City Council members on Monday decided to put off a decision on whether to grant St. John’s Lutheran Hospital a variance on a city noise ordinance during construction of a new facility.

Revett decision next week

Federal officials review mine; Shanahan is less optimistic

Admitting he is less optimistic than he has been, Revett Minerals, Inc., CEO John Shanahan said a decision about the mine will come at the end of next week.

Benefits of the MIECHV program are funded by grants, don't cost county, help residents

Letter to the Editor,

Troy man found dead in apparent suicide

Pirates beat Libby twice last week

A weekend of close matches and near misses ended for Greenchain with a sixth-place finish at the Western Montana Duals wrestling tournament in Ronan.

St. John's Hospital should be more understanding of local couple's rights

Letter to the Editor,

Forget guns; equip our schools with bear spray to deter intruders

Letter to the Editor,

Sometimes a gift should just be accepted - gratefully

Have you ever received a present from someone whom you forgot to include on your gift list?

Are there are two standards for ordinance enforcement in the city of Libby?

Letter to the Editor,

City Council tables variance for hospital

   Libby City Council members on Monday decided to put off a decision on whether to grant St. John’s Lutheran Hospital a variance on a city noise ordinance on which the health facility has been criticized as it builds a new hospital.

Bigfork squads stump Troy teams

Despite keeping the game close in the first quarter, the quickness of the Bigfork Lady Vikings was too much for Troy High School’s girls basketball team Friday. Bigfork won 43-15 in a walk.

Thomas Siefke, Sr., 68, formerly of Libby

Thomas (Tom) Siefke Sr., 68, passed away at St. Patricks Hospital on Jan. 4, 2013, because of complications from a cardiac arrest. 

Bruce E. Lamkins, 60, formerly of Libby

Bruce Edward Lamkins, 60, of Boise, Idaho, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2012. 

Rose M. Enders, 93, of Libby

Rose Marie Enders, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, at Libby Care Center.  

Veterans secure incorporation, appear ready to move on statue

After six months of trying to secure a site for a tribute to service members, the Lincoln County Veterans Memorial Committee has cleared the final two hurdles standing in its way for a memorial to honor their own at Riverfront Park.

Flu is making rounds, communicable diseases official warns

The Western News

Municipal Judge Dye resigns spot on bench

Troy Municipal Judge Allen Dye has resigned, possibly creating another bout of turmoil for Troy’s justice system.

Winterizing

David Henry, who works for Glass & Home under the supervision of Town & Country Properties, installs wafer board over a window at Rodeway Inn on Monday. The 42-room hotel has closed its doors, putting its eight employees out of work. 

Old Photo 1-8

New License Plates The sale of the somewhat coveted 56-1 goes on the block Tuesday morning to get new auto license sales going in 1973. Min Anderson, county treasurer, reminds that those seeking new plates must have a 1972 Montana automobile registration and title number with them. In addition to the courthouse, facilities will also be set up in Eureka at the old Iowa Flats School located at the Lincoln Electric grounds for residents in that area. Photo from the Dec. 21, 1972, files of The Western News.

Opland

Bigfork's Riley Coleman and Shelby Scoggins have Troy's Breanna Opland all tied up in the fourth quarter Friday.

BBT Olds

Junior guard Nathan Olds drives past Bigfork's Christian Evans to score in fourth quarter.

Helmrick

The slide trombone of Troy pep band's Craig Helmrick kept the crowd fired up.

Haggerty drives

Luke Haggerty in fourth quarter action, Bigfork's Austin Jordt right.

BBT Andersen

Coach Andersen calls a time out in fourth quarter.

BBT Grable

Senior Austin Grable in first quarter action vs. Bigfork

Leggins from downtown

Senior guard Dan Leggins takes a shot vs. Whitefish 

Rodeway Inn closes doors

Closure means loss of eight jobs; could affect summer events

Libby’s Rodeway Inn, a chain hotel that employed eight people, shut down at the turn of the new year. The reason for the closure is as of yet unknown.

Desensitizing of our culture to death is reason for tragic acts

Letter to the Editor,

President Obama's communist agenda is philosophically changing our country

Letter to the Editor,

It's not an asbestos park; veterans should have their statue

Letter to the Editor,

Police Blotter: Dec. 26 - Dec. 31

Why another eagle? What about raising funds to save the movie theater?

Letter to the Editor,

Kootenai Forest issues dominate agenda

Commissioners hear from KNF Supervisor and Stakeholders group

A new Board of Lincoln County Commissioners convened Wednesday with Tony Berget as its presiding commissioner, and the panel then heard from two Kootenai Forest entities.

New-home felines need careful consideration til they get feet on the ground

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

A New Year's resolution and paying kindness forward

Wolf season resumes near Yellowstone Park

Associated Press

GOP leaders make predictions for the state legislature

The two top Republican leaders in the Montana Legislature describe a fluid and developing picture for priorities and expectations in the legislative session that gets under way.

Pete Erickson, 80, formerly of Libby

Pete Erickson, 80, passed away of asbestos-related mesothelioma cancer on Dec. 17, 2012, in Edmonds, Wash., where he recently moved to be closer to his daughter.

Roy G. Lucas, 73, formerly of Libby

Roy George Lucas peacefully left this world on Dec. 21, 2012, dying of natural causes. 

Colleen K. Gidley, 59, of Libby

Colleen K. Gidley, 59, of Libby, died on Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, at Libby Care Center.  

Sides offer BLFD testimony

Christopherson, Jeresek make cases on Bull Lake Fire District

Interested parties in the Bull Lake Fire District case against Lincoln County entities will have to wait at least 55 days before 20th Judicial District Court Judge C.B. McNeil of Polson could hand down a decision in the case.

Sign of the times

No, it isn’t the door to the underworld, but the sign might as well read “abandon hope ye who plunge here.”

But...it's cold

Savannah Wooden, Klin’s grandaughter, tentatively approaches the 42-degree water.

Freezin for a reason

Rick Klin welcomes Steve Sonju and Annette Sauby as the first “polar bears” besides himself to plunge into 2013.

Papa Bear

The polar bear himself, Klin splashes in the frigid water that was actually warmer than the air above. Thirteen brave souls took the dip into the Kootenai from the boat-ramp at Riverfront Park.

A gem of a volunteer

Ted Jewell, diver with David Thompson Search & Rescue, waits downstream in case a plunger gets too far out from the bank.

They can bearly stand it

An inflatable pair of polar bears welcome those crazy enough to hop in the cold river.

Miles to go before I sleep

Wooden lies down with water lapping at her feet before the plunge into the Kootenai River.

No gloves, no plunge

Klin and Sonju prepare for the dip in the 20-degree weather.

Stating Case

 Kim T. Christopherson, attorney for Bull Lake Fire District, makes her case for the district Thursday as 20th Judicial District Judge C.B. McNeil iistens. 

Court Attorneys

Attorneys representing Lincoln County include Jinnifer Jeresek Mariman and Sean Goicechea confer during Christopherson’s statement.