Ellington

Poll director: Federal shutdown hurt Montana political delegation

HELENA — Montana’s entire congressional delegation may have taken a hit in their approval ratings because of the 16-day federal government shutdown, the director of a new Montana State University-Billings poll said Friday.

Feds offer to help in Blackfeet dispute

HELENA — The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs is offering to mediate in a dispute that has split the governing body of the Blackfeet Indian tribe into two factions, but the tribal chairman said Friday he hopes to resolve their problems internally.

Expect oil trains to flourish

SEATTLE — Hundreds of trains carrying crude oil could soon be chugging across the Northwest, bringing potential jobs and revenues but raising concerns about oil spills, increased train and vessel traffic and other issues.

Family of missing woman still hope for resolution

GRAND FORKS, N.D.  — Relatives of a North Dakota woman who went missing two years ago say they’ve given up hope that she will be found alive.

Montana Fallen Soldier Memorial at UM receives special dedication

MISSOULA — The Fallen Soldier Memorial at the University of Montana has been dedicated as the state’s official Iraq and Afghanistan veteran memorial.

Top federal law enforcement agents tour oil-rich areas

FARGO, N.D. — Top federal law enforcement agents who spent the last several days touring the oil patch in North Dakota and Montana came away comparing the scope of the crime problem to the cocaine cowboys of south Florida in the 1970s and ’80s and the heyday of street gangs in Washington and Los Angeles in the early ’90s.

Motorcylist killed on Highway 12

MISSOULA — A 41-year-old man from the Missoula area has died in a motorcycle crash west of Lolo on U.S. Highway 12.

Nature Conservancy gives land to USFS

BUTTE — The Nature Conservancy of Montana has donated about 40 acres of land to the U.S. Forest Service to add to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

Evergreen man pleads guilty

KALISPELL — An Evergreen man has pleaded guilty to negligent homicide following an altercation that led to another man’s death.

Lolo National Forest supervisor to retire

HAMILTON — The supervisor for the Lolo National Forest in western Montana is retiring.

Whitefish man killed by California cops

WHITEFISH — A 32-year-old Whitefish man was shot and killed last week during a confrontation with law enforcement officers in northern California.

Trojans top Bulldogs, 34-21; finish season 4-4

The Troy Trojans (4-4, 2-2) closed their football season with a road win against St. Ignatius (1-7, 0-4), 34-21. The Trojans found themselves down 14-0 midway through the first quarter after allowing a long pass on their first defensive series and fumbling the ball away on their first offensive possession.

Loggers lose 35-14 to Whitefish, close season on late-game rally

Defeated, muddied and teary-eyed, the Libby Logger senior football players walked hand-in-hand for the final 200 yards of their high school football careers, washed by the cool mist in the night air and the applause from the home stands and their opponent.

Lead levels close DEQ office

HELENA — The state Department of Environmental Quality closed its downtown Helena building Monday after finding lead levels up to 40 times higher than federal standards in the ceilings throughout the former National Guard armory.

Igniters Car Club presents Blomdahl with Street Rod Association plaque

The president of the Igniters Car Club, Gary Rantala, presented this year’s MSRA (Montana Street Rod Association) award to Rick Blomdahl of Troy.

Lady spikers defeat Whitefish, Eureka

The Lady Loggers celebrated Senior Night by downing the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs 25-13, 25-17, 21-25, 25-22 Saturday night.

Police Blotter

Vaccination can now stave off dreaded feline leukemia virus

Cats are our most popular animal friends. They very often simply arrive on our doorstep and proceed to take over our homes and our hearts.  

Striving Readers grant helps with technological advances

Libby Elementary School is currently in the third year of a federally funded grant entitled Striving Readers.  

Domestic violence calls in county double

On Sept. 29, Tracee Peterson was bludgeoned with a baseball bat until it was thought she was dead. Miraculously, she is alive.

Bridges Home free concert is Nov. 2

Bridges Home will be in concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Little Theatre.

Boyds accept 2007 Habitat home

The Kootenai Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity announces it has found a new family for the  home it built in 2007 at 1307 Idaho Ave.

Long Lost Hall tours will begin at 5 p.m

All Hallows’ Eve is the day that initiates the triduum of Hallowmas, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs and all the faithful departed believers.

Christmas gifts abound at Holiday Bazaar

So, are you looking to get a jump on holiday shopping? Come to The Heritage Museum’s Holiday Bazaar.

Debra E. Powers, 50, of Troy

Debra E. Powers, 50, died on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby.

Terrence L. Ren, 63, of Columbia Falls

Terrence (Terry) Ren, 63, passed away at his home in Helena on Oct. 12, 2013.

Joshua Peterson free on bond

Joshua Junior Peterson has been free on $500,000 bond since Thursday. He is charged with attempted deliberate homicide, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon after allegedly beating his wife with a baseball bat.

Tracee Peterson continues her recovery

With a calm voice and dry eyes, Tracee Peterson’s eight-year-old daughter, Sadie, held her mother’s hand for the first time in a month and said, “Mom, you’re OK. You’re gonna pull through.”

Judge lifts crane restraining order

Warns of subsequent removal of overheads

A judge has lifted a temporary restraining order that prohibited Steel Girder Inc. from removing any additional cranes from the building that once housed Stinger Welding, but he warned the company that penalties may apply if any of the six remaining cranes are removed before ownership rights are decided in court. 

Motion may affect election

Reintsma motion could delay results of mayoral balloting

Volleyball Gallagher

Devon Gallagher blocks for game point (25-17) of second game vs. Whitefish 10-26-13

Old Photo 10-29-13

Home by the Dump Whitey McAllister and his two dogs, who live next to and off the Troy Dump have found their lifestyle cramped in recent years due to regulations on garbage and dumps. Photo from the Oct. 4, 1973, files of The Western News.

Kennedy

Nov. 28, 1963

Johnson

Nov. 28, 1963

Football Winslow

Quarterback Jared Winslow with a gain of 4 in second quarter vs. Whitefish. Bulldogs Brian FauntLeRoy center, and Logan Wynn on the tackle.

Football Jones

Pass complete to Isaak Jones in thrid quarter, rushes to the Whitefish 27-yard line 10-25-13.

Football Waldron

Austen Waldron on the carry vs. Cut Bank 9-20-13.

Trojans close season with 34-21 win; Libby ends with 35-14 defeat

Area football teams ended their seasons on conflicting notes.

County verifies signatures to re-establish fire agency

Cabinet View area petition for fire district told documents valid

Lincoln County Administrator Bill Bischoff on Wednesday confirmed the validation of signatures on a petition presented to Lincoln County commissioners Oct. 2 to re-establish a fire agency at Cabinet View.

County to rework litter ordinance draft

Citing concerns for residents’ health, a desire for aesthetics and a want to put existing ordinances in one document, Lincoln County commissioners on Wednesday presented a draft litter ordinance that drew both praise and criticism from about 30 people who attended a public hearing.

Robbery suspect sought bail money

BILLINGS — A woman charged with robbing or trying to rob five Billings-area casinos was trying to raise bail money for a man who was jailed on numerous charges, prosecutors in Yellowstone County said.

Lawmakers seek to strengthen Legislature

HELENA — Montana lawmakers who say term limits have reduced their effectiveness looked Wednesday to other states for ideas on how to strengthen their branch of government.

Man claims self-defense after argument leaves one man dead

BILLINGS — A 35-year-old Billings man charged with shooting another man to death early Sunday said he went to confront the victim over a pit bull puppy and a gun he believed the victim had stolen.

Seniors look toward final grid contest

School district plans Oct. 31 bash

Libby School District is partnering with the Pitiful Players, area businesses and community organizations to provide Halloween fun from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Asa Wood building.  

Helping Hand seeks children to assist

The Give a Helping Hand Christmas Program is gearing up again.

X-C ski rental slated for Dec. 7

The Kootenai Cross-Country Ski Club is sponsoring its annual ski rental for Saturday, Dec. 7  at Libby Elementary School.

Shelter friends set special adoption

Friends of the Libby Animal Shelter are offering an  adoption fee waiver through the end of October. 

Gospel business meeting scheduled

A Gospel  businessmen’s fellowship meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Venture Inn.

SAF meeting set for Wednesday

The Libby Chapter of the Society of American Foresters is hosting a roundtable discussion on current forest management issues on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the Venture Inn.

Hunter: Wolves mean less big game

Don Wilkins, 62, fears his generation of hunters has seen the best hunting in the history of Montana. 

Several new local businesses show early signs of success

Question whether technology advances have truly improved lifestyles

Letter to the Editor,

Payne makes offer to make sure veterans recognized

Letter to the Editor,

Symposium: Work in Canada, live in Montana

Work in Canada but live at home in Montana is the subject of a symposium in Eureka Nov. 4 and 5.  

St. John's CFO Jacobson retires from staff

Loren Jacobson, who took the chief financial officer position at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital on an interim basis, has quit the post for the purpose of retiring.

Wilderness designation sought for Scotchman Peaks

HERON — In the often-divisive arena of wilderness policy, the Scotchman Peaks straddle many boundaries.

Bothman-Grotjohn

The parents of Erin Bothman and Nick Grotjohn announce the marriage of their children on July 13, 2013, at Fred Brown Pavilion in Libby.

Bonnie Floathe, 76, of Libby

Bonnie Nixon Floathe, 76, died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013, in Libby.  

Clarence Keller, 78, formerly of Libby

Clarence Larmie Keller, aka Harry O, Larry, Wimpy, C.K., and many more names, but all to the same wonderful man, died Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, in Lewistown in the State Care Center after battling numerous complications with Alzheimer’s.  

Dorothy Landon, 86, of Libby

Dorothy M. (Smith) Landon, 86, passed away on? Oct. 10, 2013.

Crane hearing scheduled Monday

Allan Payne, the attorney for the Lincoln County Port Authority, will be in a Virginia City courtroom on Monday for a preliminary injunction hearing that is yet another step in determining ownership of the overhead lift cranes in the Stinger Welding, Inc., building.

Freezer

Warren Winn of Libby Heating and Cooling studies the assembly manual of the 10'x14' walk-in freezer Thursday as crews prepare to unload the three crates totaling 2,802 lbs.

Ex-fire marshall faces death lawsuit

GREAT FALLS  — The former Great Falls fire marshal is being sued by the family of a man who suffered fatal injuries when he fell out of a rolling chair in September 2012.

Youth deny shooting windows

KALISPELL — Three or four juveniles who police say used BB guns to shatter windows on more than 100 vehicles in Kalispell have denied wrongdoing.

Body identified in fatal shooting

GREAT FALLS — A man shot and killed near Augusta has been identified.

Police investigate body found in drive

BILLINGS — Police in Billings are investigating after the discovery Sunday of a man’s body with apparent gunshot wounds in the driveway of a home.

Missoula medical center cuts positions

MISSOULA — Community Medical Center in Missoula is eliminating the equivalent of about 60 full-time positions through a combination of furloughs and 20 job cuts.

Missoula sees rise in child abuse

MISSOULA — The number of child neglect and abuse cases in Missoula County has more than tripled since 2011.

MSU ex-student alleges sexual assault

BOZEMAN — A former Montana State University student has filed a lawsuit against the school alleging she and other women were sexually assaulted and harassed by a former music professor.

Law Enforcement Blotter

Libby kickers fall to Stevensville, 3-1

The Libby Loggers boys soccer team fell 3-1 to top-ranked Stevensville in the first round of the state playoffs Saturday.

Undefeated Wildcats stop Loggers; Fuller lauds athletes for their efforts

When an undefeated football team meets another that has but a single win in six tries, the conclusion is seldom in question. Someone forgot to tell the Libby Loggers that Friday as a gutsy Logger squad battled the more-accomplished Wildcats before succumbing 44-6 for their sixth loss.

Trojans' second-quarter rally tops BlueHawks

The Troy Trojans (2-2, 3-4) scored 22 points in the final 2:19 of the first half  Friday to shift a tight game into a 42-12 blowout on Senior Night against Thompson Falls (1-2, 2-6).

Ballots may be hand-delivered

Voters looking for a way around spending $1.12 on postage for their municipal mail-in ballots should know they may drop their ballot into one of the blue voter boxes inside Troy City Hall, Eureka City Hall or the Lincoln County Courthouse.

Libby schools concert is tonight

The Libby middle-high school bands will hold a concert tonight, Oct. 22, at Libby Elementary School (the former middle school).

Suicide prevention class scheduled

People are invited to attend QPR suicide prevention training Thursday at the Venture Inn.

Libby Fine Arts meets in new place

Libby Fine Arts will meet at new locaton, Treasure Manor community room, at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24.

Peterson charged with attempted deliberate homicide

Tracee undergoes first facial reconstruction

Joshua Junior Peterson pleaded not guilty to attempted deliberate homicide and two assault charges Monday. Held on $500,000 bond, Peterson is charged with attempting to kill his wife, Tracee Peterson, with three blows to the head with a baseball bat.

Stinger crane is removed

25-ton lift, purchased with development funds, taken to Arizona

Employees of Steel Girder, Inc., a company formed by a creditor of Stinger Welding, removed a 25-ton overhead crane Wednesday from the Port Authority building where until months ago steel bridge spans were built.

Forget Syria, we have our own quagmire

Letter to the Editor,

I-167 means loss of management, our rural lifestyle

The human control crew is at it again. However, this time they are utilizing a wildlife ballot initiative known as I-167 as a vector to achieve their non-consumptive use/rural cleansing agenda.

Let's make our roads safe for everyone

September came to a tragic close with one bicyclist and three pedestrians hit and killed by motorists on our Montana roadways.  

Clarence Keller, 78, of Libby

Clarence Keller, 78, of Libby, died Monday, Oct.  21, 2013, at a Lewistown nursing home.  

Jacqueline Elletson

Jacqueline Elletson, daughter of Rodney and Marie Elletson of Denver, Colo., was born at 4:52 a.m. Sept 9, 2013.

Miquenna Kneller

Miquenna Nichole Kneller, daughter of Logan and Kimberly Kneller of Libby, was born Oct. 17, 2013, at Family Birth Services Birthing Suite.

Ethan Thompson

Ethan Jace Thompson, son of Bryan and Megan Thompson of Libby, was born at 12:48 p.m. Sept. 27, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.

Reintsma memo challenges Olsen residency

Libby City Attorney James Reintsma is using Allen Olsen’s own testimony from a child-custody case as ammunition against him as a sitting councilman and candidate for mayor. The election is Nov. 5.

Board favors McLeod's case ruling

Troy Police Chief Robert McLeod let out a sigh of relief Friday when a board voted 9-1 to accept the dismissal of all charges against him stemming from a 2006 stun-gun incident.

Troy City Council hears park proposal, votes for zero tolerance

Recreational additions were proposed to be made along the walking path in Roosevelt Park on Thursday at the Troy City Council meeting.

Med student impresses staff with his caring way

Take a good look, Libby. Marc Schwartz is the face of medicine of the future.

Civil War-era railcar arrives in Libby

Shay locomotive may one day pull it

The Shay Locomotive has had a long history of hauling timber in Libby, and as Heritage Museum volunteers sought to pump new life into No. 1643, they were searching for the perfect companion piece.

Old Photo 10-22-13

Flag Football Opener Steve Thorstenson carried the ball through the line for a short gainer on this play in the first game of the elementary schoolsÕ flag football program Thursday. ThorstensonÕs team of fifth and sixth graders from Asa Wood School, coached by John Wichersham, was victorious over a team from Lincoln Elementary, coached by Rick Brabec, by a score of 25-6. Photo from the Sept. 20, 1973, files of The Western News.

Football Opland

Sophomore Sean Opland on the carry for a gain of 8 in first quarter action vs. Thompson Falls.

Football Bowers

Josh Bowers on the carry third quarter vs. Columbia Falls.

Doc Rice

Dr. Gregory Rice left, and medical student Marc Schwartz.

EDIT Bike

Janet Grachal, left, Jim Williamson and Dennis Ratcliff await the start of the third annual Le Tour de Koocanusa Saturday morning on the David Thompson bridge below Libby Dam.

Cross Country Barrick

Cody Barrick competes in cross country divisionals at Whitefish 10-19-13.

Birth Thompson

Mother: Megan Thompson Father: Bryan Thompson Baby Boy: Ethan Jace Thompson DOB: 9-27-13 Time: 12:48 pm Wt: 8 lbs 2 oz Ht: 21.25 inches Libby, MT

School district plans Oct. 31 bash

Libby School District is partnering with the Pitiful Players, area businesses and community organizations to provide Halloween fun from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Asa Wood building.  

Astronomy club to meet on Friday

The Kootenai Valley Astronomy Club will meet  Friday, Oct. 18, at 324 White Ave. in Libby. 

Helping Hand seeks children to assist

The Give a Helping Hand Christmas Program is gearing up again.

Troy City Council Candidates

Donna Rugani

Kimberly Rowse

Phil Fisher

Dallas Carr

Commissioner: Evidence of illegal 'dark money'

HELENA — Montana’s commissioner of political practice said Wednesday that he found evidence of so-called dark money groups illegally coordinating spending with at least one candidate.

Water trial opens; Wyoming criticizes

BILLINGS — Farmers and ranchers in southeastern Montana are being denied their “lifeblood” by upstream water users in Wyoming who are taking more than their share of water from the Yellowstone River basin, Montana Attorney General Tim Fox said Wednesday.

Bluehawks rally past the Lady Loggers

The Lady Loggers squandered a 2-1 set lead and got pounded by the Thompson Falls Bluehawks in nonconference volleyball action Tuesday night.

Loggers soccer starts playoffs Saturday in Stevensville

The Libby Loggers boys soccer team is playoff- bound for the sixth year in a row.

Stating insufficient evidence, county won't prosecute Olsen

Lincoln County Attorney Bernard Cassidy says there is insufficient evidence to charge Libby City Councilman Allen Olsen with improperly tagging a deer shot last fall on the land where his business is located.

Hundreds attend annual banquet at Memorial Center

The 27th annual Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Lincoln County chapter banquet filled the Libby Memorial Center last Saturday.

Heritage Museum's Holiday Bazaar set for Nov. 1, 2

The weather is changing toward the long winter and that can only mean it’s nearly time for the Heritage Museum’s Holiday Bazaar, which comes Nov. 1 and 2 this year.

It's now time to support the FairTax

Letter to the Editor,

Get ready for parent-teacher conferences

School conferences are a wonderful opportunity for parents and teachers to learn more about their students — the key is two-way communications where both parties exchange information about the students.  

The authoritarianism of Sen. Elizabeth Warren

During the U.S. government shutdown, Democratic politicians have compared their Republican rivals to “anarchists” and argued that the shutdown proves government necessary. A recent speech by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) on the Senate floor exemplifies this trend.

Savage's return expected by Nov. 1

Dan James (D.J.) Savage’s fight to avoid extradition to Montana may soon end.

Mary Mellem, 68, of Libby

Mary Jane Mellem, surrounded by family and friends. passed away Oct. 11, 2013, at her home in Libby.

Blaine J. Sarbaum, 57, of Libby

Blaine J. Sarbaum passed away after a short illness in Kalispell on Oct. 12, 2013.

Darold Adamson, 84, formerly of Libby

Darold Adamson, beloved husband, father, family man and friend passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, with his wife and children by his side.

Sandra Cook, 43, of Libby

A local service for Sandra Cook, 43, of Libby will be held at noon Friday, Oct. 18, 2013, at the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Libby.

10th Street paving set for Monday

Weather permitting, crews will begin paving the six-block stretch of 10th Street from Idaho to Louisiana streets upon the completion of the water-distribution projects in that area.

Troy Mine suffers setback

Revett officials say alternate mine route will take 12 months

Underground excavation at Revett Minerals, Inc., Troy Mine will not resume during the fourth quarter this year as hoped, officials said Wednesday.

Maki retirement surprises board members

Board offers praise; some say change could be good for the district

K.W. Maki, Libby’s superintendent of schools, surprised everyone — his board members, staffers and even the principals who direct his two campuses — Monday night when he announced his intention to resign at the end of the current school year.

Shutdown ends: Federal workers' 16-day furlough ends

WASHINGTON — Barriers went down at federal memorials and National Park Service sites, and thousands of furloughed federal workers returned to work across the country Thursday after 16 days off the job due to the partial government shutdown.

Volleyball Lundin

Senior Katie Lundin on a pass from Megan Hight Tuesday vs. Stillwater. Cougars in three games: 16-25, 12-25, 19-25.

Volleyball Libby Timeout

Timeout vs. Thompson Falls

Regional Water Trial

An undated photo shows an aerial view of the confluence of the Tongue and Yellowstone Rivers at Miles City. A legal clash over water rights on the arid Northern Plains is bound for trial as attorneys for Montana press their case that Wyoming farmers and oil and gas companies are sucking too much water from tributaries of the Yellowstone River. (AP Photo/Billings Gazette, Larry Mayer)

Elex Rugani

Donna Rugani

Elex Rowse

Kimberly Rowse

Elex Fisher

Phil Fisher

ELEX Carr

Dallas Carr

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LIBBY'S CLOSET

Pair survive crash at Yellowstone

POWELL, Wyo.  — Authorities say two Alaska men escaped serious injury when they crashed their single-engine airplane in Yellowstone National Park.

Missoula man dies fishing Clark Fork

MISSOULA — Authorities say a 64-year-old Missoula man died while fishing the Clark Fork River near Milltown.

Cameras installed in Butte parks

BUTTE — Butte-Silver Bow officials are installing surveillance cameras at some park locations hoping to stop vandalism.

Medicaid software program has glitch

HELENA — The rollout of an expensive, new computer program that will run complicated Montana Medicaid payments is behind schedule and has forced the lead contractor to seek an extension.

More residents carry concealed weapons

BOZEMAN — The number of Montana residents with concealed weapons permits has more than doubled since 2008.

Lady Loggers spiked by Columbia Falls

The Columbia Falls Wildkats used sharp passing to neutralize the Lady Loggers’ powerful serving game in their straight-set victory Thursday.  

Troy beats Plains in 5

The Lady Trojans (2-3, 4-9) won a five-set thriller Saturday at home against Plains.

Deer disease leads to limitations

GREAT FALLS — Deer hunters in five north-central Montana hunting districts between Great Falls and the Canadian border won’t be allowed to use their general deer license to take antlerless deer.

Trojans drop nail-biter to Lions

The Troy Trojans (1-2, 2-4) dropped a seesaw affair to Eureka (2-0, 4-2-1).

Loggers fall to Pirates, 44-20, look ahead to home cooking

The Libby Logger (0-2, 1-6) football team stumbled out of the gates at Polson (2-1, 4-2) and dropped their second game in a row, 44-20.

Helping Hand seeks children to assist

The Give a Helping Hand Christmas Program is gearing up again.

Two KPFL chipping events are slated

Area residents interested in micro-chipping their pet animals will have two opportunities offered by Kootenai Pets for Life at its facility on County Shop Road.  

School district plans Oct. 31 bash

Libby School District is partnering with the Pitiful Players, area businesses and community organizations to provide Halloween fun from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Asa Wood building.  

X-C ski club plans ski rental Dec. 7

The Kootenai Valley Cross-Country Ski Club is holding its annual ski rental from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 7, at Libby Elementary School.

Astronomy club to meet on Friday

The Kootenai Valley Astronomy Club will meet  Friday, Oct. 18, at 324 White Ave. in Libby. 

Law enforcement blotter

Libby City Council candidates

Does Congress care about Vietnam-era vets?

Letter to the Editor,

Unite for Youth takes aim at keeping illegal prescription drugs from teens

Nationwide, 1-in-5 teens have abused prescription drugs, and next to marijuana, prescription medications are the most commonly abused substances.  

Preparation can make for a more successful hunt

The black rain pummeled the puddles outside with a steady beat. In the darkness, the man slumbered, but true sleep eluded him like an undulating curtain of comfort.

Mayor Roll: council 'moved Libby forward'

Jacqueline Elletson

Jacqueline Elletson, daughter of Rodney and Marie Elletson of Denver, was born at 4:52 a.m. Sept 9, 2013. She joins an older brother, Aidan, who is 2 ? years old.

David Larson, 74, of Troy

David Eldon Larson, 74, of Troy passed away Friday Oct. 11, 2013, at his home.  

Orvil C. Merrell, 84, of Libby

Orvil C. Merrell, 84, of Libby passed away peacefully at home Wednesday Oct.  9, 2013.

MaryLynn Larson, 81, of Libby

MaryLynn Larson, 81, of Libby passed away of natural causes Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.  

Blaine Sarbaum, 57, of Libby

Blaine J. Sarbaum, 57, passed away after a short illness on Oct. 12, 2013.

Tina L. McMillan, 46, of Libby

Tina L. McMillan, 46, died on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Libby of injuries sustained in an ATV accident.  

Passion for cross-stitch led to quilting

It started, as with many later-life passions, with empty-nest syndrome.

Rotary program helps young readers

The Kootenai Valley Rotary Club is doing its best to stress the importance of literacy, continuing a program started last year at Kootenai Valley Head Start.

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Carousel Roller Rink

Peterson continues progress

Minor miracles continue to fill Tracee Peterson’s days.

Libby women die in crashes

Two women, ages 43 and 46, died in separate vehicular accidents during the past week, the first coming Thursday and the latter Sunday.

Libby Superintendent Maki to resign June 30

In a surprise move during Monday night’s board meeting, Libby Schools Superintendent K.W. Maki announced his intention to resign at the end of the current school year, June 30.

Volleyball Germany

Junior Dayln Germany kill shot second game vs. C-Falls 10-10-13.

Volleyball Rohrich

Sami Rohrich kill shot in 3rd game vs. Plains Saturday. The Lady Trojans were all pink Saturday evening and defeated Plains in five games: 22-25, 25-18, 20-25, 25-23, 15-11.

Volleyball Garrison

Brenna Garrison passing in 4th game vs. Plains Saturday. The Lady Trojans were all pink Saturday evening and defeated Plains in five games: 22-25, 25-18, 20-25, 25-23, 15-11.

Regional Health Overhaul

FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2013 file photo, Laura Leon, project director for the navigator program at Sinai Community Institute of Chicago, speaks at a gathering of individuals seeking information on the new national health overhaul law that takes effect Oct. 1, 2013. Millions of Americans will be able to shop for the first time Tuesday on the insurance marketplaces. Whether consumers will be pleased with the experience, the premiums they will pay and the out-of-pocket costs of the plans offered to them will finally start to become clear. Tuesday's rollout comes after months of buildup in which the marketplaces, also known as exchanges, have been both praised and vilified. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)

Old Photo 10-15-13

Young Green Thumb Ryan Bowe is not a very old farmer, but he has never lost a crop. However, the admits to having a little spoilage during harvest time. The 5-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Bowe planted his first crop from mail order seeds last spring when his parents put in the family garden at their home on Kootenai River Road. Now he is harvesting a crop of baby watermelon. Photo from the Sept. 20, 1973, files of The Western News.

Football Libby

Libby's Josh Bowers absorbs a hit from Zach Schmidt of Polson on Friday.

Birth Elletson

Jacqueline C. Elletson, Sept. 9, 2013, 3:52 a.m., 6 lbs-5.6 oz., 18.5 inches long.

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Libby absentee, mail-in ballots sent Friday

As early as Saturday, active registered absentee voters in Libby will begin receiving ballots in the mail.

Three men die in submerged car

BILLINGS  — Three men died after the car they were in went off Highway 313 southwest of Hardin, traveled over an embankment and came to rest on its top in a ditch full of water.

Game wardens sue over pay issue

HELENA — Three game wardens have filed a lawsuit against the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks claiming they should be paid for every hour they work on a case for which they must maintain their undercover identities during the entire assignment.

Victim's estate sues bar over DUI death

HELENA — The estate of a woman who died in a drunken-driving crash has filed a lawsuit alleging employees of an East Helena bar continued to serve alcohol to the already intoxicated driver in the hours before the crash.

Missoula man charged in hacking

MISSOULA — A 27-year-old Missoula man is among 13 people indicted for being members of the hacking group Anonymous that has targeted the websites of groups or businesses that oppose the Anonymous philosophy of making all information free for everyone, regardless of copyright laws or national security issues.

Latest Shutdown casualty: Prime hunting area

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — When pheasant hunters take to the fields of South Dakota this weekend to renew a treasured rite of autumn, they’ll have less land to do it on thanks to the federal government shutdown.

Bakken oil field drug bust nets a dozen

BILLINGS — A dozen people have been indicted on federal charges alleging they were involved in a ring that distributed methamphetamine in the Bakken oil patch along the North Dakota border, and in other cities and towns across Montana, authorities said.

Cross Country times keep improving

The Libby cross-country team traveled to Thompson Falls on Oct. 3 for a meet. Fourteen of the 24 runners recorded personal records.

Lady Loggers soccer team drops pair

The Lady Logger soccer team dropped a pair of tough contests to Columbia Falls and Whitefish. Both games ended 5-0.

Roadkill permits? Yes, there will be an app for that

HELENA — Salvaging roadkill for the dinner table is not only legal starting this month in Montana, but state officials plan to let drivers who accidentally kill big game to simply print out permits at home that allow them to harvest the meat.

Glacier ranger, 93, is oldest in system

KINTLA LAKE — With a can of bear spray on his hip and hearing aids in both ears, Lyle Ruterbories whistles and hums as he tends to this patch of wilderness along the Canadian border.

Reader laments the shooting of the mule deer

Letter to the Editor,

Wife makes pitch for her husband, Shock, the candidate

Letter to the Editor,

Councilman says he has tried to be steward for city

A while ago you elected me to serve on the Libby City Council, and I was honored by your show of faith in me. Shortly after the election I took an oath of office and swore to serve your interests as well as serve as steward of the hard-earned taxes you dole out every year in support of local government.

Patients can do much to minimize cancer risk

October is here once again, and it is no longer famous just for orange and black, spooky decorations and Halloween costumes.  

Glen Allen Peek, 59, of Libby

Glen Allen Peek, 59, passed away on Oct. 4, 2013, at his home in Libby.  

Terry R. Everett, 60, of Libby

Terry Robert Everett passed away Sept. 27, 2013,  at his home in Libby surrounded by his wife, Sandy, daughter, Kami, and his animals.

McLeod cleared of charges

The hearing examiner in Robert McLeod’s misconduct case has recommended the dismissal of all charges against the Troy chief of police.

Regional Park Ranger

Lyle Ruterbories speaks with a visitor to the Kintla Lake Campground in Glacier National Park, Mont., on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013. Ruterbories is the National Park Service's oldest ranger at age 93. Visitors who haven’t been to Kintla in a decade still greet him like a long-lost uncle. (AP Photo/Matt Volz)

PIP Williams

Dexter Williams leading the way after crossing the Haul bridge during Saturday's Paint It Pink Fun Run/Walk.

PIP Shaw

Ashley Shaw

PIP Nicks

Saturday's Paint It Pink Fun Run/Walk was full of good times, good friends and all for a great cause. Anne Nicks, left, and Riki Thompson.

PIP Puckett

Ladies in tutus and grown men in pink robes with Anne Nicks and Brandon Puckett.

PIP Moose

Teri Kelly and "Moose" the wirehaired griffon.

PIP Barrick

Cody Barrick, left, and Marc Schwartz lead the pack at the start of Saturday's Paint It Pink Fun Run/Walk.

Obit Barrick

Cody Barrick, left, and Marc Schwartz lead the pack at the start of Saturday's Paint It Pink Fun Run/Walk.

PIP Johanson

Glacier Bank's John Johanson ties a pink balloon to the finish line of Saturday's Paint It Pink Fun Run/Walk

Old Photo 10-8-13

St. John Instructors Students at St. John Lutheran School in Libby have two familiar faces and three new ones to greet each morning. Returning teachers include, from left, Fred Grundmann, fifth and sixth grades, and his wife Ione, kindergarten. New teachers are Dorothy Rummel, center, third and fourth grades; Donita Hughes, first and second grades, and Rex Kollmorgen, the schoolÕs new principal and seventh and eighth grade teacher. Photo from the Sept. 13, 1973, files of The Western News.

ELEX Coldwell

Darren Coldwell

ELEX Olsen

Allen Olsen

$160 Oral B Professional Teeth Cleaning Kit for ONLY $75.00

Northwest Community Health Center

Snafus affect registration in early stages of Obamacare

HELENA — Before Tuesday’s launch, Montana insurers and state officials weren’t exactly sure what would happen when a key component of the nation’s new health care law kicked in and people could sign up for insurance plans through a new online marketplace.

Law Enforcement Blotter

Man pleads guilty in road-rage case

KALISPELL — A Marion man has pleaded guilty to felony criminal endangerment after shooting a pellet gun at a motorist and her passenger.

Bride accused in killing her groom pleads not guilty

MISSOULA — A newlywed bride accused of pushing her husband off a cliff to his death in Glacier National Park after having second thoughts about her marriage pleaded not guilty to murder charges Friday.

Lady Loggers play homecoming spoilers

The Lady Loggers handled the intensity of an enthusiastic homecoming crowd and defeated the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs on Thursday, winning a nail-biter fifth set, 17-15.

Land swap hearing is set for Oct. 14

Libby School District and Lincoln County officials have scheduled a public comment event for 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14, to discuss a swap of lands between the district and the county.

Libby falls to Frenchtown; Polson next

The Libby Logger football team (0-1, 1-5) saw Frenchtown (1-1, 2-3) run over, around and through them Friday in a 34-7 loss.

Grateful to mayor; council for dam tour trip

Letter to the Editor,

Couple favor Olsen for mayor of Libby

Letter to the Editor,

Fire prevention really begins at home

Well, we survived another fire season, mostly through timely rains and the efforts of our county firefighters.  

USFS: Shutdown forces agency to stop logging operations

GRANTS PASS, Ore. — The U.S. Forest Service has confirmed it is shutting down logging operations on national forests across the country due to the partial shutdown of the federal government.

Libby golfers fare well at state tournament

Libby High School Head Coach Dann Rohrer has been teaching golf for about 30 years, and this year’s squad that finished second in divisional play and eighth in state still has him smiling.

CARD Rally features 10-foot-tall mega lungs

Dusti Thompson was watching Dr. Oz on television one day last year when she saw a set of inflatable lungs that were big enough for several adults to fit inside.

125 attend vigil for Tracee

Crowd gathers at couples' home; woman responds during transport

Only hours after an estimated 125 supporters gathered around her house in Troy to pray for her recovery, Tracee Peterson surprised doctors Saturday morning when she began responding to verbal commands. She raised her arms. She opened and closed her eyes. She squeezed a finger. She wiggled her toes. And in the process she warmed her family’s hearts.

Bow Wow Bash scheduled for Oct. 12

Volunteers are busy getting ready for the 12th Annual Bow Wow Bash dinner/auction fundraiser for Kootenai Pets for Life.  

Winner claims quilt from fest drawing

The Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild would like to announce winners of their raffle quilt and the People’s Choice winners at the recent Nordicfest Quilt Show.  

Camp Patriot's goal is to lift veterans

Veterans get $2,000 grant for their park memorial

The Lincoln County Veterans Foundation Committee moved a little closer toward its fundraising goal Wednesday during a brief presentation at Riverfront Park.

Top teachers support Common Core

HELENA — A group of past winners of the teacher of the year award are coming out in support of the new Common Core education standards, and the state says it is asking for a federal testing waiver for the new system.

Woman sentenced for animal cruelty

BILLINGS — A Bridger-area woman who violated a requirement she not own any animals as conditions set in an animal cruelty case has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Logger kickers roll; tie Whitefish, 2-2

The Libby Loggers boys’ soccer team is on a hot streak.

Trojans bow to Vikings on the road, 41-27

The Troy Trojan football team (1-1, 2-3) fell 41-27 to the Bigfork Vikings (1-0, 5-0) in a road test that was not as competitive as it appears.

Micro-chipping set for Oct. 22, 26

Area residents interested in microchipping their pets will have two opportunities offered by Kootenai Pets for Life at its facility on County Shop Road.  

Libby Fine Arts sets business meeting

Libby Fine Arts, Inc., will hold its business meeting beginning at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10,. at Christ Lutheran Church on Spruce. 

Obamacare talk at FVCC on Oct. 9

It’s not too late to attend the October Brown Bag Series this Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Flathead Valley Community College Arts & Technology Building Room.  

Self-help rep available Oct. 10

The representative from the Self Help Law Program will be at the Lincoln County Courthouse on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Avid Gardeners meet on Oct. 10

The Avid Gardeners fall schedule has begun, and the club is meeting at 2 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.

Halloween event set at Asa Wood

Libby School District is partnering with the Kootenai Karacters, Pitiful Players, area businesses and community organizations to provide Halloween fun from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Asa Wood Community Building.

Teachers of the Year collectively endorse Common Core standards

Letter to the Editor,

Teamwork is key to educating our students

When asked what grade I teach, I proudly announce that I am a middle-school teacher. The moans and sighs I get in return are always puzzling.

Bruce Benda, 70, of Libby

Many of his students’ favorite teacher, Russell Bruce Benda, Jr., died at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby on Oct. 3, 2013, after a short, courageous battle with cancer.  

Glen Peek, 59, of Libby

Glen Peek, 59, died Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, at his home in Libby.

Clarence Azure, 83, of Libby

Clarence Azure, 83, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, at his home in Libby.  

Cross-country ski club sets work day for 8 a.m. Saturday

Vern R. Reidhaar, 74, of Libby

Commissioners, district to continue land-deal discussion

Seldom are land deals discussed so openly, where even neighbors of the property to change hands have input, but that was the case Wednesday during the Lincoln County Commissioners meeting.

Cabinet View panel submits fire district petition

Members of a board hoping to re-establish a fire department from the old Cabinet View Fire Service Area firehouse on Wednesday presented a petition to Lincoln County commissioners to establish a fire district.

Volleyball Croucher

India Croucher kill shot vs. Whitefish Thursday, Oct. 3

Golf Cielak

Johnny Cielak, Libby

Golf Wilkins

Libby's Morgan Wilkins hits his second shot on No. 10 at Polson Bay Golf Course in Day 1 action at the Class A state tournament.

Healthcare

Valery Martinez, a volunteer with Enroll America, a private, non-profit organization running a grassroots campaign to encourage people to sign up for health care writes a positive note on a sign informing residents of their health care options, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, in Tampa, Fla. After months of build up, Florida residents can start shopping for health insurance on government-run online marketplaces as the key component of President Barack Obama's signature health care law. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Bride Killing

Jordan Linn Graham, center, leaves the federal courthouse, Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 in Missoula, Mont. Graham, a newlywed bride accused of pushing her husband off a cliff to his death in Glacier National Park after having second thoughts about her marriage pleaded not guilty to murder charges Friday. (AP Photo/The Missoulian, Michael Gallacher) TV OUT; MAGS OUT

Football Miller

Michael Miller, center, and Gage Tallmadge go high and low to tackle Cut Bank's Jess Ray Sept. 20.

Football Maefau

D.J. Maefau tackling Anaconda's Dylan Flack Sept. 6

Camp Patriot's goal is to lift veterans

Micah Clark has a dream and it smells like mesquite.

Northwest CHC officials can help with Obamacare sign-up

Northwest Community Health Center is preparing for a busy couple of months. 

Shutdown affects activities

Logging permits unavailable; gate closures limit site access

Soccer Randall

Makaylin Randall vs. Bigfork Sept. 24.

Winner Quilt Show

Quilt winner Monette Kuzmic  stands with, from left, Deanna Kehn, Carlene Erlandson, Paula Darko-Hensler, JoAnn Gerheim and Devi McCully, all of whom are Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild members.

Patriot View

Camp Patriot has helped more than 130 veterans find strength in outdoor experiences.

Bow Wow Bash

Volunteer Connie Holthaus holds one of the baskets to be auctioned next Saturday, Oct. 12.

Veterans Donation

HALLOWEEN PARTY AT CAROUSEL ROLLER RINK

Carousel Roller Rink

$10 GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR ONLY $5

SWANKIE SISTERS

Famed library marks milestone

HELENA — The Lewis & Clark Library in Helena reaches its 145th birthday this month.

Texting motorist kills predestrian

BROWNING — A 29-year-old Browning woman who had reportedly just left a bar says she was reading a text message when she felt something hit her car early Sunday.

Shooting banned in popular forest

KALISPELL — The U.S. Forest Service has banned recreational sport shooting in the Coram Experimental Forest due to public safety concerns.

State water meetings get under way

GREAT FALLS — Montana officials hope to gather comments on the upper and lower Missouri River on Monday during the first of several public meetings as they develop a state water plan.

Crime moves, road kill among new laws

HELENA — A list of new laws taking effect this week includes a way to test drivers who might be under the influence of marijuana and new permits to allow Montanans to salvage road kill.

Lady Broncs top Loggers

The Lady Loggers fell short once again in a bid to win an important conference match as the undefeated Frenchtown Broncs controlled the net in their 3-1 victory over Libby on Saturday.

Law Enforcement Blotter

Concerned about growing knapweed problem

Letter to the Editor,

Projects may be delayed; city crews have been busy

Letter to the Editor,

Montana Supreme Court considers home foreclosure suit

Recently, I had the opportunity to listen to arguments pertaining to a home foreclosure suit before the Montana Supreme Court. The mortgage program, and eventual foreclosures, is a scheme meticulously planned by the New York banks.

Autumn among the best time for a hike

A cool morning breeze teased softly falling leaves like gemstones of autumn-colored spheres to the ground. Near a fire pit and a tepee, 11 folks met to share a prewinter Saturday.

Golf cars building renovation under way

Workers are continuing renovations on the Port Authority’s Maintenance Building in preparation for the manufacturing of state-of-the-art, lithium ion-powered golf cars.

Howard Burkhardt, 90, formerly of Libby

Howard L. Burkhardt, 90, of Hermiston, Ore., died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, at Sun Terrace Assisted Living Facility in Hermiston.

Troy swimmer, 71, wins first in backstroke at Senior Games

SANDPOINT — Ella Ackley admits she was not a good runner, so the 71-year-old retired physical-education teacher decided six years ago to begin swimming as a way to stay in top shape.

Judge denies summary decision in Hubbard case

Rob Hubbard’s lawsuit alleging corruption in Lincoln County has cleared another hurdle as it heads toward trial, but a federal judge has ruled once again to narrow the scope of the allegations and the list of defendants.

Old Photo 10-1-13

Wedding Bells Tiffany Casey and Stevie Bertelsen hold Penelope and Beasty Thumper after the rabbits were ÒmarriedÓ Friday at a ceremony at St. John Lutheran School. The rabbits are being used for a science project in animal husbandry. Photo from the Sept. 29, 1993, files of The Western News.

Montana Mary Jane

FILE - In this March 2011, file photo, employees of Montana Cannabis, are detained as federal agents and local authorities raid the medical marijuana operation in Helena, Mont. A medical marijuana law approved by the state's voters in 2004 left gray areas when it came to regulation, police authority and commercial sales. When the number of registered pot providers topped 4,800 with billboard ads and huge greenhouses operating in the open, the feds stepped in. (AP Photo/The Independent Record, Eliza Wiley)

King and Queen Troy

Troy's homecoming King and Queen Levi Lawson, left, and Andrea Mack.

Homecoming Royalty

Mason Chapel, left, Gabe Hickman, Kellie Lundin, Ben Haggerty, Cheyenne Jordan, Princess Allie Brown, Prince Ty Hight, King Levi Lawson, Queen Andrea Mack, Luke Haggerty, Katie Lundin, Becca Rotolo, Nathan Olds, Megan Hight, Bruce Metz and Baylee Burk.

Homecoming Hickman

King and Queen nominees Gabe Hickman and Kellie Lundin.

Football Maefau

DJ Maefau

Football Huffman

Ryan Huffman tackling James Rulison in 4th quarter action vs. Plains.

Football Fans Troy

Kyla Grose, left, and Trinette Todd cheer on the Trojans Friday evening during homecoming.

Woman regrets result of complaint to FWP

Says she just wanted deer removed from her property

Sally Fuchs wants to set a few things straight.

Man charged with assault

Peterson allegedly beat wife with baseball bat in their home

Joshua Junior Peterson, 35, was charged Monday with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon after a Saturday morning call in which a woman was reported beaten with a baseball bat.