Ellington

Greenchain earn pins, eye home divisional

The Greenchain dominated the mat during their final regular-season dual of the year when they hosted Whitefish on Tuesday.

Libby to host hoops rematch Friday against rival Troy

Only two points separated the Libby Loggers’ (1-9) and Troy Trojans’ (4-6) first basketball contest this season. The equivalent of Troy’s margin of defeat — one of the dozen missed layups, two of the 11 missed free throws — could have transformed Ryan Huffman’s buzzer-beating three-pointer from an afterthought into a game-tying play.

KNF Supervisor Bradford's last day on job is Monday

Bradford reflects on years in the USFS

Editor’s note: Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Paul Bradford, 58, will end his career with the U.S. Forest Service on Monday. Bradford fielded questions as he looks toward retirement and the last time he goes into work on Monday. This is the first half of that interview.

Goodbye St. John's, hello Cabinet Peaks

Hospital yields to Medical Center

With the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel, teams of healthcare workers transitioned 10 patients from St. John’s Lutheran Hospital to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center on Thursday, completing the move from the 61-year-old hospital to a modern state-of-the-art facility.

Area Briefs

Grateful for support of Christmas program

Letter to the Editor,

Agather's assessment of Sen. Tester's Wilderness Bill about forests is accurate

Letter to the Editor,

Former senator feels she is not getting answers on litter proposal

As the Feb. 6 deadline to comment on the litter ordinance approaches, it is important to know exactly how, and to what, we address those comments. As you know I, along with others, have attended four meetings to try to understand the need for what you propose to do. Three of those  were public hearings, plus the most recent meeting in Troy on Jan. 21.

Mill owner says Tester bill is tonic for timber

Montana’s timber industry has fallen on tough times recently, but our state’s mill workers know that Sen. Jon Tester will always fight for them.

Police Blotter

Allen Olsen retains an attorney to defend him in residency case

Libby City Councilman Allen Olsen has retained the services of a Whitefish attorney to defend him in a case brought by City Attorney Jim Reintsma.

State officials confirm error

MACo executive says miscalculation is largest he's ever seen

County officials are scrambling to find solutions to what one state expert calls the largest, longest perpetuated tax levy error he has ever seen.

Board to consider parole for Sweet, 56

The Montana Board of Pardons and Parole is considering this week whether to consider parole for a man convicted 20 years ago of murdering his two young children.

Wagner pleads guilty to hunting accident

Michael Wagner, the 48-year-old Libby man who critically wounded a Littleton, Colo., man while hunting Nov. 16 near Libby Creek Road, pleaded guilty last Thursday in Libby Justice Court.

Myrna McKay, 72, formerly of Libby

Myrna Blutt McKay died suddenly at their motor home at Senator Wash in California from pancreatic cancer.

Francis W. Pettit, 88, formerly of Libby

Francis Wayne Pettit, 88,  passed away Jan. 27, 2014, in Forest Grove, Ore.  

James A. Currie, 72, of Libby

James Alfred Currie of Libby, a longtime resident of souteastern Pennsylvania, passed away in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Jan. 28, 2014.

Obit McKay

Myrna Blutt McKay

Hospital Whitfield

Bruce Whitfield CEO of St. John's Lutheran Hospital announces the closing of the hospital.

Hospital Shaver

First patient to enter Cabinet Peaks Medical Center with Jeff Holder, left, Darlene Shaver, Dick Wernham and Bruce Whitfield CEO.

Hospital Ground Break

Eventful Moment The first spadeful of earth for LibbyÕs new St. JohnÕs Lutheran Hospital was turned at ceremonies held at the new hospital site Sunday, May 13. The new structure will have 29 beds and cost an estimated $235,000, all but $75,000 of which has already been raised. Shown here from left are the Rev. Arthur O. Werfelmann, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, who acted as master of ceremonies, and George Neils, Walter Neils and Howard E. Ahlskog, members of the hospital board. Parker Studio photo from the May 24, 1951, files of The Western News.

Hospital Emergency

Tony Rebo left, and B.J. Purdy cover the emergency entrance sign to St. John's Lutheran Hospital.

Hospital Amos

Last patient to leave St. John's Lutheran Hospital with Bruce Whitfield CEO left, Cheryle Amos and John Thornton.

Hospital Bruce

CEO Bruce Whitfield announces the official opening of Cabinet Peaks Medical Center at 5:50 Thursday, Jan. 30.

Basketball Sullivan

Quinn Sullivan pulls down a third quarter defensive rebound vs. Thompson Falls 1-24-14

Basketball Stevenson

Junior Shyla Stevenson on a steal from Madi Fitchett in first quarter vs. Thompson Falls 1-24-14.

Basketball Moe

Junior Hailley Moe controls a 4th quarter defensive rebound vs. Thompson Falls 1-24-14.

Basketball Olds

Senior guard Nathan Olds drives on Noxon's Corey Tessier in third quarter Saturday during Throwback Night.

Basketball Jones

Junior guard Isaak Jones passes to Jared Winslow in second quarter vs. Thompson Falls 1-24-14.

Bradford Retires

Forest Supervisor Paul Bradfor retires 1-14-14

Obama ambassador pick embraces criticism of China

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama's choice to become U.S. ambassador to China embraced several criticisms of that country Tuesday, agreeing that China wants to dominate Asia and is a regular violator of human rights.

Area Briefs

Hagel seeks cause of nuke missle problems

WASHINGTON — In taking a deep look at trouble inside U.S. nuclear forces, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is searching for the root causes of recent Air Force missteps but also for ways to make the nuclear warrior’s job more attractive at a time when the military has turned its attention away from such weapons.

Unapologetic Walsh releases records

HELENA — Lt. Gov. John Walsh released more than 400 pages of his military records Sunday in response to reports that he was reprimanded in 2010 for pressuring Montana National Guard troops to join a private association.

A pair of close hoops games go the wrong way in Libby

It was an all-too-familiar story for the Loggers on Friday when Thompson Falls’ Trais Hoisington carried the Bluehawks to a hoops win, 59-54.

Greenchain wrestlers heating up, eye state titles

A grueling season on the mats closes at home for the Greenchain wrestlers when they host the Northwest A Divisional Tournament on Feb. 7-8.

Trojans sweep Throwback Night, hit winning stride

A finally full roster helped the Troy Trojans (4-6) run past the Noxon Red Devils (4-8) during Saturday’s Throwback Night in Troy. Defensive adjustments and fresh legs fueled Troy to a 47-35 win on the hardwood.

Ski slopes groomers make it right for all

Riding along on Turner Mountain

The fourth time was a charm, and the secondhand machine coughed to life. Plumes of smoke billowed out of the Prinoth BR350, up into the sailor’s delight sunset above the Canadian Rockies and Cabinet Mountains. A Red Bull and extra coat in tow, Jacob Jeresek spent the next five hours dragging corduroy patterns into the snow on Turner Mountain.

Whitefish skier snags silver at X Games

Whitefish’s pint-sized freeskier Maggie Voisin showed the world she’s ready for the big stage of the Olympics with an impressive silver medal performance Sunday at the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colo.

Five county businesses cited for liquor sales to underaged

Nineteen alcohol-serving businesses in Lincoln County passed the most recent round of compliance checks on Jan. 18. Five others, however, will pay a penalty after serving alcoholic drinks to a minor.

Police Blotter

Dam quandry: Pay or sacrifice funding

Libby Council votes to proceed with application, including ladder

Given little alternative than to go along with a biological opinion draft that calls for a costly study for a fish ladder for about a one-mile stretch of Flower Creek, Libby City Council members agreed Tuesday to move ahead with the application.

School board OKs land swap with county

Libby School Board members have approved the land swap deal with Lincoln County that would give the district 30 additional acres near Libby High School for a similar amount behind the McGrade Center.

Board trims superintendent candidates

Libby School Board members have narrowed the candidates to replace Libby schools Superintendent K.W. Maki to five.

Sanders County officials should help the veterans, allow Stand Down

Letter to the Editor,

It's high time we restore America's original law form

Letter to the Editor,

A positive vision for forest management

There is a natural partnership between timber industry supporters and wilderness advocates who has been very productive in many places in Montana and neighboring states. Results have been mixed so far in Lincoln County.

Savage receives probation

Repeat domestic assault offense makes Troy man a felon

Daniel James (D.J.) Savage, Jr., is a free man and soon to be betrothed to the woman he was convicted Monday of assaulting.

John H. Duehr, 83, of Troy

John H. Duehr, 83, retired Troy city judge, died on Friday, Jan. 24, 2014, at Libby Care Center.

Maurice Smith, 71, of Libby

Maurice L. Smith (Smitty), 71, passed away Friday, Jan. 24, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.  

Troop honors four Eagle Scouts

Assistant Scoutmaster Ron Thatcher of Boy Scout Troop 1971 reminded the unit’s latest Eagle Scouts of their responsibilities during their Court of Honor Saturday, telling them they now are “marked men who must live up to the honor of the rank and all those who came before them.”

Wrestle Chapel 012814

Garret Chapel vs. Travis Beck of Bonners Ferry at 170.

Wrestle Bowers 012814

Josh Bowers vs. Parker Davis of Bonners Ferry at 160.

Savage Two 012814

DJ Savage and Sandra Laffoon after sentencing Monday.

Savage One 012814

DJ Savage sentencing. District Judge James B. Wheelis, left, Savage and County Attorney Bernard Cassidy.

Regional John Walsh

Lt. Gov. John Walsh defending himself in Helena, Mont., on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014, against reports that he was reprimanded by the U.S. Army in 2010 for using his position as Montana adjutant general to solicit National Guard memberships to a private organization. Walsh, who is running for U.S. Senate, released more than 400 pages of his military records, saying they show the kind of leader that he is. (AP Photo/Matt Volz)

Old Photo 1-28-14

IPPB Machine Donated The Lincoln County March of Dimes purchased this intermittent positive pressure breathing machine last year for St. John's Lutheran Hospital. The portable machine is used following some operations and for respiratory cases. Standing from left are Lorraine Petrusha, R.N.; Mrs. Agnes Haines, R.N., and Mrs. Gela Koehler, chairman of the Mothers' March. The 1974 campaign is expected to begin later this month. A total of 40 percent of the money donated in the county will be used here. Photo from the Jan. 10, 1974, files of The Western News.

Basketball Olds 012814

Senior guard Nathan Olds drives on Noxon's Corey Tessier in third quarter Saturday during Throwback Night.

Basketball Johnston 012814

The Lady Trojans win the opening tip with Caitlin Johnston, left, and Noxon's Zoey Osborne Saturday during Throwback Night at Troy High School.

Basketball Germany 012814

Dayln Germany drives in and scores (12-5), first quarter vs. T-Falls. Erica Sorlie, right.

Area Briefs

Filling district board seats

The end of a decades-long informal agreement now has the county and a rural fire district operating under strict observance of the law. The results will likely be the same, but the action behind the scenes is different this go-around as the Bull Lake Rural Fire District Board looks to fill two positions.

Police Blotter

Glacier outmans Libby on the hardwood, 63-44

Efficient shooting and two-man depth at all five positions led the Glacier Wolfpack (6-4) past the Libby Loggers (1-9) on Tuesday, 63-44.

Lady Loggers start strong at home, stumble down the stretch, 58-15

The Lady Loggers (3-7) started as well as could be expected against the Class AA Glacier Wolfpack (6-3), leading the basketball game 7-6 with less than a minute remaining in the first quarter. But an upset was not in the cards and Libby lost at home Tuesday, 58-15.

Fix the Compact, and let's avoid litigation

Letter to the Editor,

Consider the groundwater use

Letter to the Editor,

Grateful for Sen. Vincent's work

Letter to the Editor,

Summers in Yosemite helped to forge his ideology

I was 5 years old in June of 1959 when my father took a summer job as a seasonal ranger in the high country of Yosemite National Park.

New coffee, bakery shop to open Monday

Jack Richmond’s butterhorn Danish are coming back to Libby.

Nearly 50 attend litter, lakeshore meeting

Commissioners likely to vote on litter ordinance on Feb. 12

A combined public meeting at the Troy Senior Citizens Center on Tuesday concerning two pending county ordinances drew 47 interested residents, but it was discussion on the litter proposal that dominated the two-plus hour gathering.

Cameron Goins, 47, of Libby

Cameron Mitchell Goins, 47, of Libby, died in a tragic snowmobile accident the morning of Jan. 18, 2014.

Majorie Clark, 81, former of Libby

Marjorie Ellen Hines Clark, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother passed away Jan. 2, 2014, at Whitefish Care and Rehab from lung cancer.

Mike McCann, 96, of Libby

Mike McCann, 96, passed away on Jan. 21, 2014, at Libby Care Center.  

Basketball Stevenson

Shyla Stevenson (30) outraces Jaylin Kenney (right) of Polson down the court on for an easy Libby basket late in Saturday's win.

Basketball Johnson

Collin Johnson (12) leans around Polson's Tanner Wilson for a shot in Saturday's third quarter.

When do nuclear missteps put security in jeopardy?

WASHINGTON — At what point do breakdowns in discipline put the country’s nuclear security in jeopardy?

Area Briefs

Judge rejects groups request to halt wolf kill

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A federal judge has rejected a request by conservation groups to stop Idaho from killing wolves from two packs in central Idaho as part of the state’s efforts to bolster elk numbers in the area.

Lady Loggers win; boys drop a pair

The Lady Loggers (2-1, 3-6) followed their worst offensive quarter with some of their best basketball of the season to come back Saturday in Polson, 32-26.

Trojan boys, girls drop two hoops games

The Troy Trojans (3-6) basketball team was outrun on the road at Mission (5-5), falling 64-46.

Hundreds take tour of new medical center

77,000-square-foot facility opens Jan. 30

Lincoln County residents have seen the new face of medical technology, and it is Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.

Volunteer, 47, dies in crash

Search & rescue snowmobiler is remembered as dedicated

Cameron Mitchell Goins, the 47-year-old Libby man who died Saturday morning after crashing his snowmobile while on a training exercise, will be remembered as a caring, unselfish volunteer.

CFO: Taxes can't be explained

Missoula County official says tax surge unwarranted

The head of Missoula County’s finances says the increase in tax money Troy Area Dispatch District received in the last eight years cannot be explained by the incremental growth some experts say may be allowed under state law.

Flu cases in county, state on the rise; officials urge vaccines

Influenza activity is widespread in Montana with more than half of the counties reporting confirmed cases, state public health officials have said.

Obama's liberties with the Constitution is a throwback to Woodrow Wilson

Letter to the Editor,

February means start of spring and a time for foals

Winter often seems a cold and dormant time, but February brings a hint of the spring to come. It is also when the first of the foals of the new year are born.

John Roberts: Obamacare's unsung hero

Republicans stood in a long line to excoriate Chief Justice John Roberts for voting to uphold Obamacare in 2012, while Democrats praised him.

Community Health Center takes over WIC program Feb. 1

CHC has plans for expansion

When Lincoln County ends its role of the Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) on Jan. 31, patients served by the federally funded program will scarcely miss a beat as the Northwest Community Health Center will assume care on Feb. 1.

ACLU: Drugs dangerous in executions

HELENA — A long execution in Ohio that left the condemned inmate gasping and snorting illustrates the dangers of using untested drug combinations in lethal injections, said a civil-rights group suing Montana over its execution method.

Lisa Romero, 55, formerly of Libby

Lisa Romero, 55, of Great Falls, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, at Peace Hospice after a valiant battle with cancer.

Lloyd B. Kidder, 81, of Troy

Lloyd Buck Kidder, 81, of Troy, passed away Jan. 3, 2014, at Libby Care Center.  

Cameron Goins, 47, of Libby

Cameron Goins, 47, of Libby, died on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, at Troy.  

Dale L. Bohn, 77, of Troy

Dale L. Bohn, 77, of Troy, passed away on the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013, after a short battle with lung cancer.  

Zachary Haines, 11, of Libby

Zachary William Haines, 11, son of Tatum Haines and Carmella Pederson, lost his battle with cancer on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, at his home in Libby.  

Ride Lacefield

Keela Lacefield, 3, leads the way followed closely by her mother Janelle and Kenna, 1, Wednesday afternoon on the path behind the mill. There were quite a few people out taking advantage of the unusually warm temps for mid January.

Old Photo 1-21-14

Llamas Entertain Marjorie Vaughn gets a nuzzle from Festus, a 4-year-old llama Friday afternoon at Libby Care Center. Festus ate sweet alfalfa pellets from Bob AronsonÕs hand and Norma RochesterÕs eyes sparkled as she held SammyÕs halter. Photo from the Jan. 19, 1994, files of The Western News.

Obit Kidder

Lloyd Buck Kidder

Hospital Tour Two

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center conducted an open house Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Grant Crawford conducting the "Grand Tour."

Hospital Tour One

Frances Sauer, 99, the first housekeeper at St. John's Lutheran Hospital gets a tour of Cabinet View Medical Center Saturday with the help of her son-in-law Bruce Carrier.

Hospital Tour Four

Bill Chalgren

Hospital Tour Five

Operating Room

Basketball Johnston

Caitlin Johnston controls a second quarter defensive rebound vs. Eureka 1-17-14

Local volunteer dies en route to avalanche training

A 47-year-old Libby man died Saturday morning after crashing his snowmobile in the Keeler Creek area, southwest of Troy while on the way to training exercise.

Cobbler Ken Too

Ken Mancuso

Cobble Ken

Ken Mancuso

Butler, Amy

Amy Butler left, and her attorney Ann German. Amy pleads guilty 1-13-14

Birth Pape

Baby's Full Name: Gavin Thomas Pape Male DOB: December 20, 2013 Time of birth: 12:29am Place of birth: St. Johns Lutheran Hospital, Libby, Mt Weight: 7lbs 14oz Length: 19 inches Parents: Chris and Serena Pape Paternal Grandparents: Misti and Howard (Corky) Pape Jr, Libby, Mt Maternal Grandparents: Stephen Bowers,Ê Libby Tina Bowers, Spokane, Wa Gene Cox SR, Eutaw, Al Maternal Great-Grandparents: Leonard Bowers, Troy,Mt Beverly Price, Columbia falls, Mt William and Cathy Jones, Talent, Or

Birth Lampton

Hailee Jo Lampton

BNSF Marias Pass

A BNSF Railway freight train loaded with full oil tankers heads down the tracks as it passes another train with emty tanker cars heading to North Dakota last week at Marias Pass on the edge of Glacier National Park.

State officials OK copper mine permit

HELENA — State environmental regulators on Thursday approved an exploration permit for a Canadian company considering opening a copper mine near White Sulphur Springs, which will allow the company to drill a nearly mile-long tunnel to test the ore underground.

U.S. officials call for more safety for oil moved by rail car

U.S. transportation officials said Thursday that companies need to come up with safer ways to transport oil on the nation’s rail lines following some explosive accidents as crude trains proliferate across North America.

'Bakken crude is closer to gasoline than to diesel'

Black oil tankers, one after another, stretch as far as the eye can see. They are common sights at the BNSF railyard in Whitefish these days.

Fire district rejects extra cash

In each of the past two years, Lincoln County Rural Fire District has received 46 mills. They could have taken more but chose not to.

County plans for rail disaster with limited resources

Vic White knows how situations can change in an instant. He knows disasters, and it’s his job to plan for the unexpected.

Area Briefs

Police Blotter

Our forefathers and mothers forged our freedoms

During a snow squall of late December, sandstone red slabs are tilted and leaning in the courtyard of the old brick church built in 1664. The inscriptions, faded from the elements are barely readable.  

Business law class prepares young entrepreneurs

Libby’s Business Law class, taught by Michelle Foss, has been competing in the Montana High School Business Challenge.

Average is Over-rated: Comments on doom and gloom

Years ago, I thought that if I ever attempted to write a novel, I would describe a future dystopia in which the ruling elite were those who made and understood computers and the rest of us would be techno-klutzes like me who wouldn’t recognize a byte if it bit me on the behind.

Kootenai Cobbler closes its doors after 19 years

Libby’s last cobbler hung up his faded blue-jean apron for good Tuesday. After 19 years working belts, boots, knife sheaths and holsters, Kenny Mancuso is ready to move on.

Musician includes students during concert

'Saxophobia' performer entertains Monday night

Local band students will get the opportunity to share the stage with Rob Verdi who brings his talent and show of Saxophobia to the Memorial Center on Monday, Jan. 20.

Cabinet Peaks open house Saturday; move rehearsed

The days are counting down to Jan. 30 when St. John’s Lutheran Hospital will transition to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, but first there is the medical center’s open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

With felony conviction, Butler may avoid jail

The guilty plea agreement presented for Amy C. Butler, the former Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office detective’s assistant fired from her position in June for embezzlement, allows four years to pay back the money taken, and it does not include jail time.

Hailee Jo Lampton

Hailee Jo Lampton, daughter of Lucas and Terri Jo Lampton of Libby, was born at 10:31 a.m. Nov. 16, 2013.

Gavin Pape

Gavin Thomas Pape, son of Chris and Serena Pape, was born at 12:29 a.m. Dec. 20, 2013.

Johnnie Sixkiller, 63, of Troy

Johnnie J. Sixkiller, 63, of Troy, died Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital of a hemorrhagic stroke.  

Neal R. Ferguson

Neal Randall Ferguson, 58, died on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at his home in Troy.  

Troy ladies drop a pair, boys get road win

On the road in Ronan, the Trojans (1-2, 3-4) were able to pull away in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game behind 12 of senior Gabe Hickman’s 21 points.

Libby hoops drops a pair at home

The Libby Logger (0-2, 1-5) basketball team lost 86-50 to the Frenchtown Broncs (5-2, 3-0) at home on Saturday. Senior guard Jared Winslow led the Loggers with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Junior post Michael Curtiss scored 10 for Libby.

Area Briefs

Police Blotter

Tax experts: Oversight lacking

County clerk looks to Initiative 105 to justify mill-levy increases

For the past three weeks, Lincoln County Clerk and Recorder Tammy Lauer has been searching for an explanation as to how districts across the county received tax revenue beyond their voter-approved limits.

After delay, Stinger crane exodus continues

Three-day stoppage secures proper bond

After a three-day stoppage last week, the final cranes from the former Stinger building got the green light to proceed with transport to Arizona.

Proposed Butler plea agreement provides for restitution, does not include jail time

Wheelis considers plea deal; sentencing Feb. 24

UPDATED: 12:21 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014

Kirschenmann completes Eagle Scout project

Another Boy Scout from Troop 1971 in Libby has reached scouting’s highest achievement.

Cadence Laing

Cadence Laing, daughter of Devin Laing and Misty Youell of Libby, was born at 9:51 p.m. Nov. 26, 2013.

Angela M. Young, 59, of Libby

Angela M. Young, 59, a lifelong resident of Libby, died of natural causes on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Johnnie Sixkiller

Johnnie J. Sixkiller, 63, of Troy, died Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital of a hemorrhagic stroke.  

Gregory Challinor, 50, of Orofino, Idaho

Gregory Steven Challinor, 50, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, on the fourth anniversary of the death of his beloved son, Tyler Steven Challinor.

Olga B. Kratzer, 72, of Troy

Olga B. Kratzer, 72, of Troy, passed away Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, at her son’s home in Libby.  

Wrestle Chapel

Garret Chapel vs. C-Falls' Jason Williams at 170

Ralph B. Tate

Ralph B. Tate now serving his 12th year as superintendent of Libby Public Schools, submitted his resignation and asked for assignment as a classroom teacher. Feb. 13, 1964

Old Photo 1-14-14

Fire Chief Chauncey Sauer (on ground) inspects the Libby Rural Fire District's Pumper No. 2 as Assistant Fire Chief Jim Davidson poses in the operator's station at the top mount control panel. The panel allows the operator to observe a fire and the hose line. All firemen will be trained to operate the pumper, whose equipment includes an electronic siren and a public address system. Electricity is produced by a 3,000-watt built-in power-takeoff generator, and 250 feet of cable is mounted on a reel in the rear of the truck. Photo from the Dec. 20, 1973, files of The Western News.

Meeting One

Clerk and Recorder Tammy Lauer, left, Troy Mayor Darren Coldwell and County Commissioner Ron Downey.

Butler, Amy

Amy Butler left, and her attorney Ann German. Amy pleads guilty 1-13-14

Butler

Amy Butler pleads guilty 1-13-14

Birth Laing

Cadence Laing

Basketball Winslow

Jared Winslow, left, and Frenchtown's Quintin Mazzola fourth quarter.

Basketball Rohrich Compilation

Freshman Sami Rohrich receiving the US Bank Sportsmanship Recognition Award during the matchup with Bigfork Friday evening.

Basketball Rohrich Award

Sami Rohrich received the US Bank Sportsmanship Recognition Award during the matchup with Bigfork Friday evening. (Katie Lundin presenting the award.)

Basketball Rohrich

Sami Rohrich received the US Bank Sportsmanship Recognition Award during the matchup with Bigfork Friday evening. (Katie Lundin presenting the award.)

Basketball Hickman

Gabe Hickman passes to Gage Tallmadge on thie third quarter play vs. Bigfork 1-10-13

Basketball Gallagher

Junior Devon Gallagher tied up with Emma Pyron fourth quarter jump ball vs. Frenchtown.

Johnston outplays field; wins two golf tourneys

Matmen avenge setback to Polson

Greenchain finish sixth of 32 teams

In athletics, two aspects beyond sheer raw talent can impact athletes — team spirit and momentum — and Greenchain wrestling Coach Kelly Morford was reminded of those intangibles last weekend when his squad finished sixth of 32 teams at the Western Duals in Ronan.

Combining dispatch areas discussed

Teen-sex discussions still must involve the family

Tester's bill will aid loggers; it's not politics

RAC projects accepted until Jan. 22

If you have an idea for improving the Kootenai National Forest, the Lincoln County Resource Advisory Commitee wants to hear from you.

Cabinet View petition coordinator vows to continue fire district fight

Medical Center tour will give a glimpse into restricted areas

Open house scheduled for Jan. 18

Ava celebrates her first birthday

Ava Jane Willoughby, the daughter of Megan James and Ellis Willoughby of Libby celebrated her first birthday on Dec. 10.

Birth: Lincoln Mitchell

Birth: Kallie Willis

Birth: Garrett Schwier

Birth: Hailee Jo Lampton

Birth: Cadence Laing

Birth: Adelle Friesen

Birth: Norma L Doyon

Catch of the day

Steve “The Fisherman” Rosling of Libby caught this nice male rainbow trout on last Thursday just below Libby Dam using a home-crafted plug. While Rosling did not weigh the fish, it did measure 31-inches. He says he has no plans to mount the rainbow.

Debra K. Suter, 55, of Libby

Debra K. Suter, 55, died Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, at her home in Libby.  

Opposition delays a decision on new county litter ordinance

Lincoln County commissioners put off a vote Wednesday on a proposed litter ordinance after a groundswell of opposition to the proposal demanded revisions and explanations from County Attorney Bernie Cassidy.

Filing for county positions begins

Russell F. Bache, 62, is assisted by Deputy Clerk Robin Benson on Thursday as he filed to run for Lincoln County commissioner. Bache was among those to complete paperwork Thursday, the first day to so for a Lincoln County position. Bache, a retired chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy, served in the military for 28 years. Bache is running for Libby commissioner, a position currently held by Tony Berget. Others filing Thursday include Tammy Lauer for clerk and recorder, elections administrator, surveyor, assessor and auditor; Roby Bowe for sheriff; Mark Peck for commissioner; Bernie Cassidy for county attorney; and Jay Sheffield for justice of the peace. Candidates seeking office have until March 10 to file for the Nov. 4 election. 

Wrestle Yeadon

The Greenchain's Alex Yeadon gave Ronan's Steven Michel all he could handle last week in their 152-pound match.

Ryggs Johnston Putt

Ryggs Johnston putts Dec. 29 on the Palm Course in McCormick Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.

One Yr Old Willoughby

Ava Jane Willoughby

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center Open House

Kate Stephens stands in the Emergency Department, one of the restricted areas that will be included in the open house.

Birth Willis

Kallie Willis

Birth Schwier

Garret Schwier

Birth Laing

Cadence Laing

Birth Friesen

Adelle Friesen

Home to which the ordinance would apply

The Environmental Health Department provided this photo, and others, of homes to which the ordinance could apply.

Eureka dispatch overtaxed

Northern dispatch center exceeds draw by $450,000

Since its second year of existence, Eureka Area Dispatch District has received more tax mills than the 11 it was designed to not exceed when created in 1998. Joyce Hudson, the only chairperson in the district’s history, has always known this.

Area briefs

Loggers boys, girls defeat Trojans in local rivalry

Boys win, 47-45; girls flex muscles

Libby High (1-4) swept a Lincoln County showdown with Troy (2-3) Saturday night with both boys and girls teams winning basketball games.

Missoula now rethinking its panhandling ordinance

MISSOULA — The Missoula City Council might have to change an ordinance it recently passed restricting panhandling following a federal judge’s decision in Idaho that barred the city of Boise from enacting most of its anti-panhandling ordinance.

Deadly Oregon standoff follows Montana robbery

LINCOLN CITY, Ore. — A patrol car hit and injured a man and a woman later fatally shot herself during a police standoff as Oregon authorities closed in on the two accused of robbing a Montana coin shop.

Conservancy protects 1 million acres in Montana

GREAT FALLS — Candland and Alice Olsen didn’t want to see their small Montana ranch in the forest on the Upper Big Hole River split into smaller parcels once they’re gone.

'Polar vortex' pushes frigid temperatures into the Midwest

CHICAGO — A whirlpool of frigid, dense air known as a “polar vortex” descended Monday into much of the U.S., pummeling parts of the country with a dangerous cold that could break decades-old records with wind chill warnings stretching from Montana to Alabama.

Superintendent search advances

School board hopes to have selection made by next month

Libby School Board members are advancing toward a replacement for Superintendent K.W. Maki and hope to hire a new superintendent next month.

New council, mayor begin work in Troy

Brown tells Coldwell he's proud to have new mayor

The administrative transition went smoothly as Troy Mayor Darren Coldwell was sworn in during Thursday’s City Council meeting.

Dale Goucher is New Year's baby

The happiest – and certainly the proudest – man in Libby these days could be Chris Goucher, who with is wife, Jennifer, welcomed into the world a son, Dale Williams Douglas Goucher.

Peck files an intent to challenge Berget

Mark Peck, the unit manager of the Department of Conservation Libby Office, has filed an intent with the Commissioner of Political Practices, to run for Lincoln County Commissioner.

Policies have pitted forests against forests

Letter to the Editor,

With new technology we sacrifice our privacy rights

Tech aficionados and privacy advocates took notice in late 2013 when Microsoft rolled out an attack on Google’s Chrome OS computers.

Tester's Wilderness Bill will not aid loggers

If there was ever a “pig in a poke” bill it is Jon Tester’s Wilderness Bill that has nothing to do with the expansion of logging in Montana.

Troy man, 30, who alerted fire victims, still recovering in Utah

Eric Howe awoke in his Salt Lake City hospital bed this morning hoping the skin grafts on his arms take better than last time. His nasal feeding tube was removed Sunday and he has been walking laps around his hospital floor. The best parts of his days are when he gets new bandages around the burns that cover 31 percent of his body.

Wilda B. Vander Voorden, 82, of Libby

Wilda B. Vander Voorden, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to all, passed away Jan. 2, 2014, with her family by her side.

Richard A. Hunting, 82, of Libby

Richard Alvin Hunting, 82, of Libby died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, at his home in Libby.  

James B. Hill, Jr., 82, of Libby

James B. “Jim” Hill, Jr., 82, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family in Libby on Jan. 3, 2014.  

Ronald D. Ihrke, 70, of Libby

Ronald D. Ihrke, 70, passed away on Dec. 30, 2013, after a short, courageous battle with cancer.  

Teske

New City Councilman Brent Teske

Old Photo 1-7-14

Perfect Record Asa Wood Junior High School's undefeated Broncs are (l. to r.) front row: Jim Clark, Keith Ball, Elmer Martin, Randy Dorrington, Robin Lucht, Tom Hileman, Jim Lisle, Dennis Higdem. Back row: Coach Denton Maltby, Steve Bertelsen, Dale Phillips, Jim Steadman, Steve Munyan, Jay Loveless, Rodney Smith and Pat Beaulieu. Not pictured because of broken leg is Dick Buti. Photo from the Jan. 30, 1964, files of The Western News.

Council Oath

Libby City Council members Brent Teske, left, Barbara Desch and Robin Benson take oath of office

Basketball Winslow

Jared Winslow vs. Troy 1-4-14

Basketball Wally

Logger basketball Coach Wally Winslow.

Basketball Roach

Libby's Devon Gallagher tries to wrest the ball from Troy's Olivia Roach in first quarter action 1-4-14

Basketball Lundin

Senior guard Kellie Lundin in control first quarter vs. Libby 1-4-14

Basketball Quinn

Senior Taylor Quinn, surrounded by Lady Trojans, puts one through the hoop (14-1) second quarter 1-4-14.

Basketball Foul

Fouled out, Sean Opland, left and Gabe Hickman.

Basketball Curtiss

Junior Michael Curtiss shot won't go, fouled, 2 for 2 from the line, 19-13 Libby, second quarter vs. Troy 1-4-14.

Basketball Cielak

Sophomore guard Jonny Cielak drives past Troy's Ryan Huffman in second quarter 1-4-14

Basketball Brown

Junior Taylor Brown passes around Libby's Shyla Stevenson to Makaylin Randall second quarter vs. Libby 1-4-14.

Warning issued about oil shipped from ND, Mont.

BILLINGS — Following a string of explosive accidents, federal officials say crude oil being shipped by rail from the Northern Plains across the U.S. and Canada may be more flammable than traditional forms of oil.

Army probe says Walsh misused position

HELENA — Senatorial candidate John Walsh misused his position as Montana’s adjutant general by soliciting National Guard troops to become members of a private association for which he was seeking a leadership role, a 2010 investigation by the U.S. Army’s inspector general concluded.

Big Sky Brewing, Co., sues Anheuser-Busch

ST. LOUIS — A Montana-based craft brewer is suing the world’s largest beer-maker, alleging that popular YouTube videos for Bud Light violate its trademarked phrase, “Hold my beer and watch this.”

Trojans host Loggers on Saturday night

A Lincoln County hoops rivalry will be renewed Saturday when Libby High School and Troy High School take to the hardwood. The rivalry is a friendly one — many athletes are teammates in other sports such as baseball — but an exciting one nonetheless.

Police Blotter

Illinois preps for likelihood of wolf packs

Shot wolf believed from Wisconsin

CHICAGO — The wolf was believed to be a lone male expelled by a pack in Wisconsin. The hunter who shot him in northwestern Illinois, allegedly keeping his skull as a trophy, was the first person in the state ever prosecuted for shooting a wolf under federal endangered species laws.

Area briefs

Growing corruption will lead us to tyranny

Letter to the Editor,

Cutting veterans' benefits is flat-out wrong

Letter to the Editor,

We the people want to know, Vicky Lawrence

Letter to the Editor,

An error in judgement is complicated by events of a downtown festival

Letter to the Editor,

We must not sacrifice precious wilderness for the sake of jobs

Letter to the Editor,

Sportsmen are making a big difference

Comprised of dedicated sportsmen with a vision for protecting the life they so dearly loved, the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association can trace its roots back to the late 1890s. At that time, the club was referred to as the local gun club.

Troy's Francom completes doctorate

There’s a new doctor in town.

Split vote cuts county posts

Justice of the peace, superintendent jobs fall to budget knife

After public hearings in both Libby and Eureka, Lincoln County Commissioners on Monday cut a justice of the peace and the county school superintendent’s positions.

City Attorney Reintsma plans to leave Libby

Libby City Attorney James Reintsma is making plans to leave Libby.

Rick Hunting, 82, of Libby

Rick Hunting, 82, of Libby passed away Dec. 29, 2013.  

Hazel D. Peters, 85, formerly of Libby

Hazel “Doris” Peters, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to many, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013.

Howard Metcalf, 90, formerly of Libby

Howard F. Metcalf passed out of pain Dec. 23, 2013, at his home in Solterra Senior Living, Lakeside, Ariz.  

Terri L. Johnson, 57, of Troy

Terri L. Johnson, 57, of Troy passed away on Monday, Dec. 30, 2013 at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby after an extraordinary fight to beat cancer.  

Wiring to blame for blaze

Pine Tree fire left 14 people homeless

A spark from an outlet near a Christmas tree is to blame for the fire that burned Pine Tree Plaza in Troy last month.

Illinois Wolves

FILE - This undated photo provided by Jayne Belsky via the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, is a gray wolf in a wooded area near Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Illinois' own once-thriving wolf population were hunted to extinction by the 1860s. But since the first confirmed sighting in the state in 150 years, in 2002, wolf sightings have gone from rare to regular — with at least five in the last three years. Several Illinois hunters have dealt with legal issues after mistaking wolves for coyotes that can be legally hunted in the state. (AP Photo/Jayne Belsky via the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, File)

Francom Two

Jacob Francom, principal Troy High School.

Francom Three

Jacob Francom, principal Troy High School

Francom One

Jacob Francom, principal Troy High School

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.

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 Metz

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