Friday, November 28
Wreck River Road
1497 River Road wreck north side of the road between 1 and 2 mile markers 7 a.m. Nov. 25, 2014. Scott Beagle, left, Craig Schultz, center.
Peck and Berget
Commissioner-elect Mark Peck, left, and presiding Commissioner Tony Berget.
Old Photo 11-28-14
Vets Share Tales Local veterans gather to remember World War II. Back row from left: Bill Prather, Ben Vaughn, Len Mossey, Lee Gehring, Clint Hagen and Roland Childs. Middle row from left: Rex Smith, Doug Papineau, Albert Kirkpatrick, Walt Mason and Bill Watt. Front row from left: Ray Denning, Earl Chase, Claire Schneider and Roger Oedewald. Photo from the Nov. 11, 1994, files of The Western News.
Obit Warber
Sheron Warber
Obit Fields
Lila Grace Fields
Don Clark Bighorn Sheep
Don Clark bighorn
Tuesday, November 25
No jail time for man convicted of burglary spree
A Kalispell man who was convicted in a string of Bigfork burglaries received a deferred sentence in Flathead County District Court.
Parole hearing today for North Fork murderer
An Oklahoma man who brutally murdered a North Fork man in 1979 will have a parole hearing today.
Fight at Whitefish Mountain resort gets national spotlight
Two members of the Big Mountain Club have resigned following an altercation on the slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort, and the ski resort is out to set the record straight about the incident that has garnered national attention.
Bobcats, Grizzlies, Saints host playoff games
HELENA — The football season continues with post-Thanksgiving Day games for three Montana college teams.
Greenchain's Chapel wins wrestling scholarship
Libby Greenchain wrestler Garret Chapel, the defending state champion at 170 pounds, has signed a letter of intent to wrestle for the University of Great Falls next year.
Lincoln County Libraries announce December events
The Lincoln County Public Library in Libby will present a full calendar of programs in December. All events are free and open to the public.
Senior Center menu for December
The Libby Senior Center has announced scheduled meal times, menu items and clinic hours for December.
Loggers, Trojans to begin winter sports seasons
The winter high school sports season will begin in early December.
Leo Schmauch
Leo Arnold Schmauch, 95, a longtime Libby resident, peacefully passed away Nov. 20 at the Libby Care Center. Leo was born May 18, 1919 in Kalispell to Fred and Mida (Nordome) Schmauch, the second of three sons. He attended the Kalispell Public Schools and married Ada Farris in Kalispell in 1943. In 1944 he entered the United States Navy. Following his discharge from the service in 1946, Leo and Ada moved to Libby where Leo worked for the J. Neils Lumber Company as a first-class crane operator until his retirement. After retiring, Leo devoted his time to family and friends. He enjoyed restoring John Deere tractors, as well as hunting and fishing.
Louis Bothman
Louis Bothman, Jr., 89, went home to be with our Lord Nov. 21, 2014. He was was born Jan. 16, 1925 in Columbus to Louis and Rose Bothman. He moved with his family from Columbus to Libby in 1935 where he completed his education.
Josephine Mueller
Josephine “Jo” Syverson Mueller, 90, of Manhattan Beach, Calif. passed away on Oct. 10, 2014. A memorial service was held on Oct. 18 at St. Andrews Church in Redondo Beach, Calif.
Shelley Fisher
Shelley Fisher passed away peacefully, Nov. 19, 2014. She was born the fourth of five children to John (Jack) and Marion Sprague, June 14, 1951, in Holyoke, Colo. For years, her older siblings had her convinced that the town put out flags every year just for her birthday (Flag Day). She was active in school band and was the majorette. It was one class though, that set the path of her future. During her first home economics class, Shelley’s talent with fabric came to light. She made all of her own formal dance attire, always bucking convention with her selections of fabric and styles. She was a member of the All American High School Band. They toured Europe between high school and college, where she amassed a prized collection of toilet papers from each city she visited, almost getting arrested in Scotland for taking “public property.”
The election is over; now we can move on to the 'big' stuff
I am so happy that the election is over, and now we can turn our attention back to the normal concerns of some in this area.
Graduation Matters helps prepare high school students for college
It started with a simple pinch.
Electric co-ops should embrace new emissions rules
We are members of Montana’s rural electric co-ops. We live in rural areas of Montana and feel firsthand the impacts of climate change, from decreased stream flows, earlier snowmelt, drought and increasing soil aridity to extreme heat, hail, severe wildfires and sudden flooding. Our lands, crops, communities, lifestyles and economies are being affected.
Preparedness leads to a safer hunting season
All across Northwestern Montana the signs are becoming more obvious each day. Small groups of folks gather around the backs of pickups to admire the trophies they hold. Conversations are punctuated by the common phrase, “Been hunting?”
Libby's water systems declining rapidly
Libby’s water infrastructure is crumbling. In the past two weeks, six separate leaks have erupted from the city’s aging water mains, requiring crews to work overtime to patch the pipes and stem the flood of thousands of gallons of treated water onto the ground.
Peck prepares for role as county commissioner
In this year’s election, Libby native Mark Peck unseated incumbent Tony Berget and defeated a third candidate to become the newest Lincoln County commissioner.
Libby shoppers keep it local at holiday event
Local merchants participating in Saturday’s holiday open house reported fewer visitors this year than in previous years, but still touted the event as a successful day for the Libby business community.
Students
Lora Ercanbrack and LHS students, John Jones and Joe Reynolds
Wrestle Chapel
Junior Garret Chapel at 170.
Peck, Mark
Mark Peck, candidate for county commissioner.
Open House Mtn Medos
Cookie in hand, Cynthia Curtiss signs up for one of the drawings during the open house at Mountain Meadows Saturday.
Open House Carol
Open House at Mountain Meadows Saturday with Carol Cady, left, and Sherry Beagle.
Obit Schmauch
Leo Schmauch
Open House Antler Tree
Pam Lance ogles the gift baskets at Antler Tree Nursery Saturday during their holiday open house.
Obit Bothman
Louis Bothman, Jr. , 89
Obit Fisher
Shelley Fisher
Friday, November 21
Volleyball Wedel
Mahalah Wedel dig vs. Whitefish 11-7-14.
Obit Burns
Billy C. Burns
Obit Hughes
Mary Hughes
Main Leak
At right is photo of leak on 8th Street.
KVCS
Mrs. Sulak's kindergarten and first grade students Logan Covey, left, Tristan DeShazer, Jillian Stewart, Lily Tankersley, Lauren Wood, Hadleigh Wood and Cody Watson work on the owl projects at Kootenai Valley Christian School Thursday morning.
Gay Marriage
Mary Leslie, left, kisses her wife Stacey Haugland after being married by Unitarian minister Nina Grey on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, at the Gallatin County Law and Justice Center in Bozeman, Mont. Gay couples have begun exchanging vows at county courthouses in Montana a day after a federal judge threw out the state's ban on same-sex marriage. (AP Photo/Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez)
Construction
Noble Excavating's roller operator Bill Boykin.
Basketball Johnson
Junior guard Collin Johnson scores on a layup in first quarter vs. Whitefish 12-21-13.
Basketball Gallagher
Junior Devon Gallagher lays it up for 2 in the first quarter Saturday evening vs. Whitefish. The Lady Loggers prevail 49-30. 12-21-13
Basketball Tallmadge
A wild Gage Tallmadge drives in, shot won't go, 4th quarter with 6 minutes remaining vs. Stillwater Christian Cougars, 12-12-13.
Basketball Roach
Olivia Roach on the drive in third quarter vs. Stillwater Christian Cougars 12-12-13.
Tuesday, November 18
Senior studs, host of freshmen form Libby Greenchain
The Libby Greenchain will look a little greener than usual this year.
79-year-old challenges legality of pot search
BOSTON — When police in Junction City, Kansas, stopped a beat-up pickup truck for speeding in June 2013, the driver got a lot more than a traffic ticket: The stop led authorities to Massachusetts and Arizona, where they said they found about $15 million in cash, almost 400 pounds of marijuana and ledgers detailing drug deals going back to 1992.
Missouri activates National Guard
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency Monday and activated the National Guard ahead of a grand jury decision about whether a white police officer will be charged in the fatal shooting of a black 18-year-old in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson.
Senior Center offers array of dining options
Dinners at the Libby Senior Center are served at 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays.Lunches are served 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Early tests show no tainted water from oil boom
BILLINGS — Random testing of shallow groundwater in the Northern Plains oil patch found no early evidence of contamination from an energy boom that’s already seen more than 8,500 wells drilled, federal scientists said Monday.
UM's Delaney set for retirement
MISSOULA — Montana coach Mick Delaney is retiring at the end of the season.
Police blotter
Huge solar plant lags in production
gest solar power plant of its type in the world — once promoted as a turning point in green energy — isn’t producing as much energy as planned.
Area Briefs
Celebrating 25 years
Sheriff Bowe presents a Sheriff's Commendation plaque to Charlene Williamson, honoring her for 25 years of dedicated service to Lincoln County as an dispatcher. Char has dispatched for the sheriff's office non-stop since November 6, 1989.
Man who died from Ebola endured treatment delays
OMAHA, Neb. — A surgeon who contracted Ebola in his native Sierra Leone did not receive aggressive treatment until nearly two weeks after he first started showing symptoms — a delay that doctors said probably made it impossible for anyone to save his life.
Bullock budget pushes for Medicaid expansion
HELENA — Gov. Steve Bullock released a two-year budget proposal Monday that pushes for Medicaid expansion and water, sewer and road projects as well as money for pre-kindergarten programs and increased funding for mental health services.
Libby City Council approves water rate increase
Two Bit Franks to visit Libby
Featuring some of the finest bluegrass music in Montana, Two Bit Franks is returning to the Libby at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Memorial Events Center. The show will feature original music, classic bluegrass and some great adaptations of other tunes.
Olsen settles with City for $49.5K
Area stores to host shop local events
James Gibson, 84, of North Carolina
Justice of Peace plan takes shape
A meeting between county commissioners, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office representatives and Justice of the Peace Jay Sheffield clarified plans for unifying the county’s two justice of the peace locations as the Eureka annex prepares to close at the end of the year.
Quick-thinking employee saves choking customer
Wrestle Crace
Zach Crace vs. Polson Jan. 24, 2013 (Crace by pin in the third)
Sheffield, Jay
Justice of the Peace Jay Sheffield rides in the Nordicfest parade Sept. 13, 2014.
Pape, Serena
Serena Pape
Old Photo 11-18-14
Ambulance Crew Pictured are three of the volunteers of the Libby-Troy Volunteer Ambulance association. From the left are Bill Hagerty, Art Purdy and Neil Bernardy. Hagerty, a Libby native, holds a standard first aid card, is a Darigold distributor and lives with his wife and two children west on Highway 2. Purdy, St. Regis dispatcher, is president and a charter member of the group. He is trained as an emergency medical technician, and lives with his wife and four children in Woodway Park. Bernardy, also EMT trained, is manager at Hafferman’s Thrift and lives with his wife and three children on Nevada Avenue. Photo from the Oct. 17, 1974, files of The Western News.
Olsen, Allen
Allen Olsen addresses the Libby City Council Nov. 4, 2013.
Obit Gibson
James Wiley Gibson
Char Award
Sheriff Bowe presents a Sheriff's Commendation plaque to Charlene Williamson, honoring her for 25 years of dedicated service to Lincoln County as an dispatcher. Char has dispatched for the sheriff's office non-stop since November 6, 1989.
Friday, November 14
European craft lands on comet, imperfectly
Associated Press
Ex-CEO of mine that blew up indicted
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Don Blankenship, the steely-eyed executive once dubbed “The Dark Lord of Coal Country,” is facing decades in federal prison in connection with the nation’s deadliest mine disaster in 40 years.
Stein's Market expected to sell by end of year
Troy’s largest grocery store will soon be under new ownership. The family owners of Stein’s Market plan to sell all five locations in Idaho and Montana to the family owners of Watson Grocery Group, which is based in Washington state.
Divisional loss brings Libby volleyball season to an end
Confidence and momentum can be fragile things in volleyball, but both the Columbia Falls Wildkats and the Frenchtown Broncs will head to the state tournament with plenty of both after finishing first and second, respectively, in the Northwest A Divisional Tournament last weekend at Libby High School.
Pennsylvania man found dead after ditching his truck
The body of 58-year-old Malcolm Edward Morrison of West Chester, Penn., was discovered by a hunter under a bridge 10 miles south of Troy on Highway 56, approximately one mile up Camp Creek.
John Erhard, 89, of Libby
Norma Larson
Norma Jean Larson passed away peacefully on Oct. 25, 2014, after a 15-month battle with cancer.
Roland C. Childs
Roland C. “Rolly” Childs, 94, a resident of the Kootenai Valley for the past 68 years, died Nov. 9 at his home in Libby. A longtime employee of the J. Neils Lumber Company and later, with the St. Regis Company, he remained there until his retirement in 1984.
Martin W. McMillan
Martin Wilbur McMillan died Nov. 7 in Lakewood, Wash., at the age of 49.
Clock ticking as commissioners plan unification
County commissioners have one-and-a-half months to coordinate the transition of at least 75 years’ worth of county documents as the Eureka justice court annex prepares for closure. The decision to close the annex, made by commissioners in January, sparked frustration in the county’s north end. As the end of the year approaches, Stormy Langston, current Eureka justice of the peace who lost to Jay Sheffield in the Nov. 4 election, believes county commissioners will have a hard time getting everything in order before 2015.
Questioning military expenditures
The annual U.S. military budget is about $650 billion. This is more than the military budget of all the rest of the world combined. Our leaders tell us this expenditure is necessary to keep us safe. When a cost/benefit analysis is conducted, however, I believe it’s safe to say the American people are not receiving a very good return on their investment.
Pioneer Society and Heritage Museum perfectly matched
The results are gratifying: We sold 58 ‘Nuggets to Timber’ books at $5 each. The books contain pictures, poems, and stories written by the pioneers who settled Libby from the late 1800s to early 1900s. The table of contents also provides names with page numbers for all the individuals mentioned in the book and many attendees were excited to find mention of people in their past. Others expressed interest in hearing about our Pioneer Society. Nuggets to Timber Books are still available for those who missed this opportunity.
Museum protects future by preserving past
Last year, 11 million visitors came to Montana. While the reasons they chose Big Sky Country as their vacation destination are as varied as our landscape, it’s safe to say some of them were drawn by the gold rush history of Bannack and Virginia City, and the lore of Montana’s vigilantes who sprang from a boom-town frontier environment that lacked a justice system.
World War II veteran survived brutal times
Peck shares war memory at Veterans Memorial
In freezing temperatures under a sunny sky, Libby High School’s Galen Graziano sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” to open a remembrance ceremony for Veterans Day at the recently dedicated Veterans Memorial in Riverfront Park. Dozens of community members braved the freezing weather to attend.
WWII vet steals show at Libby High event
As he inched his way toward the podium, Earl Hyde Jr. let out a roar.
EPA fails to meet its own timeline, again
November marked another missed self-imposed deadline as the Environmental Protection Agency failed to release the toxicity review of Libby Amphibole asbestos. According to EPA’s published procedures, the toxicity assessment is the first step in cleaning up a Superfund site. The toxicity values provide a baseline for safe contaminant exposure levels, determining the amount of contaminated material that must be removed and what can be safely contained and left behind.
Fewer hunters report greater success in Lincoln County
Hunters in Lincoln County are exiting the woods with a slightly greater rate of success than last year. Part of the reason may be fewer hunters in the woods.
Volleyball Moe
Hailley Moe, left, and Staci Regh blocking third set vs. Whitefish Friday.
Volleyball Gallagher
Devon Gallagher kill shot third set vs. Whitefish Friday.
Vets Day Twelve
Tom Gallagher
Vets Day Three
Scott Lennard, left, and Ken Mancuso.
Vets Day Ten
Jack Helber
Vets Day One
Wes Huffman, left, Terrie Pitcher, Ken Mancuso, Larry Pitcher, Terry Andreessen, Brent Teske and Mark Peck.
Vets Day Four
Mark Peck
Vets Day Five
Larry Pitcher
Sheffield, Jay Justice of the Peace
Justice of the Peace Jay C. Sheffield
Obit Larson
Norma Larson
Obit McMillan
Martin Wilbur McMillan
Obit Childs
Roland Childs
Comet Glasses
French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) president Jean-Yves Le Gall, left, French President Francois Hollande, center, and former French minister and astronaut Claudie Haignere, right, wear 3D glasses as they visit the Cite des Sciences at La Villette during a broadcast of the Rosetta mission as it orbits around comet 67/P Churyumov-Gersimenko in Paris, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014. Hundreds of millions of miles from Earth, a European spacecraft made history Wednesday by successfully landing on the icy, dusty surface of a speeding comet ó an audacious first designed to answer big questions about the universe. (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon, Pool)
Wednesday, November 12
Man's body found
A 58-year-old man from Pennsylvania was found dead Friday under a bridge about 10 miles south of Troy. The man's 1989 Ford Bronco was found five miles from his body. The truck was found without license plates and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office deputies believe the truck was intentionally abandoned.
Monday, November 10
Coast Guard honors rescue pilot
NEW LONDON, Conn. — A World War II pilot whose lost plane has become the target of a stepped-up U.S. recovery effort in Greenland was honored Friday by the Coast Guard Academy, which commended him for heroism shown during daring rescue missions on the frozen tundra before the one that killed him in 1942.
Town may ban all tobacco products
WESTMINSTER, Mass. — The cartons of Marlboros, cans of Skoal and packs of Swisher Sweets are hard to miss stacked near the entrance of Vincent’s Country Store, but maybe not for much longer: All tobacco products could become contraband if local health officials get their way.
Why many aren't celebrating low US unemployment
Curtis back teaching after whirlwind campaign
Mill levy passes for area senior centers
By an overwhelming margin the voters of Lincoln County approved a mill levy increase of 1.25 mills to help fund the three senior centers operated by the Lincoln County Council on Aging. The final tally was 4,519 in favor with 2,878 opposed.
Ebola nurse to remain a voice against quarantines
Government study commission members address concerns
Given the options on the ballot, running for local government study commission was a pretty nice play. When county candidates for positions like clerk and recorder were running themselves ragged campaigning, candidates for the study commission were able to keep a relatively low profile. But now that voters have spoken and five candidates have been elected to represent the county, some elected candidates are stating their causes for concern with the county.
Alaska storm brings frigid weather to US
JUNEAU, Alaska —
Butte native says he is bin Laden shooter
WASHINGTON — The retired Navy SEAL who says he shot al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in the forehead publicly identified himself Thursday amid a debate among special operations brethren about whether they should break silence about their secret missions.
LiV Golf Cars hopes 2015 lives up to promise
Area briefs
EPA newsletter raises concerns
Talk of fast shift toward exit as fundamental questions remain unanswered
In a meeting of the Libby Technical Assistance Group (TAG) and Community Advisory Group (CAG), a newsletter from the Environmental Protection Agency was distributed that points toward the potential end of active clean-up operations in Libby and the creation of institutional controls as a long-term management program.
Special delivery unites locals with dog
Police blotter
James Trammell, please call your family and let them know you are OK
This letter was written to my brother James Edward Trammell, Jr., and the community.
Please fix the out-of-service restroom at the Libby train station
Hey, Mr. BNSF Railroad. Yes, you, with your billions of dollars. Why can’t you fix the Libby train station’s restroom? It’s been three months now with the “temporarily out of service, management” sign.
Montana should return $300 million surplus to we the people
Yvonne and I have read in Montana’s newspapers that Montana has a surplus of over $300 million. We believe that this money belongs to we the people of Montana. This treasure should be given back to every resident and family of Montana.
Compact commission wasted money, abandoned Montana
It is such a shame that the Compact Commission has wasted millions of taxpayer dollars “negotiating” the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes compact over a period of 10 years.
Dropping in on the veteran down the street
A few weeks ago, I dropped in on John “Russ” Post, an 89-year-old war veteran who happens to live on my street. What followed was a memorable Saturday afternoon, as Russ took my teenage son and I on a roller coaster ride from his youth in western Pennsylvania to the Pacific theater to Korea.
Clayten Michael Girod
Family Birth Services is pleased to announce the birth of Clayten Michael Girod. He was born on Oct. 14, 2014.
Jamie Blalack, 29, of Salt Lake City
Jamie Lee Blalack’s life ended prematurely in the early morning hours on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014.
Benson to vacate her council seat by Jan. 1
Midterm voter turnout drops in Lincoln County
The voter turnout rate in Lincoln County hit its lowest point since 1998 in Tuesday’s midterm elections. Of 13,101 registered voters, 7,439 participated, representing 56.7 percent. Traditionally, Lincoln County voters turn out in rates higher than the state average. That pattern continued as the statewide turnout in 2014 was 54.6 percent.
Vote Schnackenberg
Steve Schnackenberg preparing to vote Tuesday at the VFW.
Plane Coast Guard Lost Pilot
In this 1942 photo released by the U.S. Coast Guard, Lt. John A. Pritchard, Jr., and Petty Officer 1st Class Benjamin Bottoms prepare for a flight over the Greenland icebergs where they had successfully rescued two U.S. Army fliers. Pritchard and Bottoms died in an attempt to rescue a third man left stranded by the crash of a B-17 on an ice cap in 1942 when their single-engine plane went down in whiteout conditions. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn, will formally honor Pritchard, a 1938 graduate, on Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, when he will be inducted into its Hall of Heroes. (AP Photo/U.S. Coast Guard)
Old Photo 11-11-14
Reunited The Pinckney family came to Libby Saturday to claim their pet, Tawny, who wandered away from home at Kila on Aug. 28. Greeting Tawny are Mr. and Mrs. Pinckney and their daughters, Michelle, 4, Kathleen, 5 and Kimberly 7. At right is animal shelter worker JoAnn Runyan. Photo from the Oct. 10, 1974, files of The Western News.
Obit Hughes
Mary Hughes
Obit Blalack
Jamie Blalack
Dog Two
Sandy Gerber helps with unloading Wednesday.
Dog Six
Dog Is My Copilot's Peter Rork preparing to take off for Polson, his last stop Wednesday.
Dog Three
Dog Is My Copilot logo on the taie of Peter Rork's plane.
Dog One
Karen Naulty gets a "kiss" from "Chula" Wednesday at Libby Airport.
Dog Five
Sandy Gerber, left, and Karen Naulty say hello to their adopted dog "Chula" Wednesday at Libby Airport.
Dog Four
Dog Is My Copilot plane landing at Libby Airport Wednesday, Nov. 5.
Citizens 111114
Dick Wernham and Kathy Powers were recognized as Citizens of the Month by Rotary member Mick Shea at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Kootenai Valley. Dick has served on the Libby Ambulance for 24 years. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Libby Dam Interpretive Association which runs the Visitor Center bookstore which serves to enhance the facilities at the dam. He contributes to the Libby Schools Science Olympiad and works on the Habitat For Humanity building projects. He and his wife Kathy contribute the Girl Scouts program. Kathy Powers has been a Girl Scout Leader in Libby for two decades. She has given not just of her time but her personal resources to make the scouting program available for junior and senior high school girls Kathy mentored hundreds of our communitiy's girls into young women who are all better citizens for their time and interaction with her.
Friday, November 7
GOP in charge, eager to move on Keystone, taxes
WASHINGTON — Republicans’ resounding victory gives them an opportunity to push legislation that’s been bottled up in the Democratic Senate, from targeting elements of President Barack Obama’s health care law to constructing the Keystone XL oil pipeline to rolling back environmental regulations.
Election Day registration continues; Daines, Zinke defeat Democrat opponents
The following look at Tuesday’s midterm election results in Montana. Statewide turnout was strong for a midterm election with 54.6 percent participation. Repulicans dominated national and state races. However, a Republican-backed ballot issue that would have ended registration on Election Day failed to pass.
State, school launch probes into mailers
HELENA — Montana and Stanford University officials launched separate investigations Thursday into official-looking mailers that arrived at Montana homes this week rating how liberal or conservative the four nonpartisan candidates for state Supreme Court are.
Watch out: Here comes the zombie Congress
Libby volleyball rolling, set to host divisional
Harlan Hilliard, 58, of Libby
Harlan “Frank” Hilliard, Jr., 58, of Libby passed away unexpectedly of natural causes early Sunday morning Nov. 2, 2014, in Libby. He was born in Airway Heights, Wash., at the Fairchild Air Force Base on Feb. 9, 1956, to LaDonna and Harlan Hilliard, Sr.
Jean Bosch, 93, of Trout Creek
Jean Bosch, 93 of Trout Creek passed away Oct. 29, 2014, at Community Hospital. She was born Jan. 17, 1921, in New Rockford, N.D., to Raymond and Fern Runnion. They came to Montana while she was still a baby.
Jerry Woods, 70, of Polson
Jerry J. Woods died Nov. 2, 2014, at his home in Polson. He was born Oct. 8, 1944, in Mobridge, S.D., to Glenn and Rose Woods.
Exchange students see American culture, Montana style
Lincoln County is playing host to students from around the world. Three students, from Ecuador, Germany and Spain, are attending Libby High School as part of two different international student exchange programs. Despite their different backgrounds and paths to get to northwest Montana, they arrived with a similar goal: to experience American culture and learn about American life.
Area briefs
Police blotter
Peck elected county commish
Mark Peck has been chosen by Lincoln County voters to be the new county commissioner representing District 1 by an overwhelming margin. Peck secured nearly 72 percent of the vote over fellow challenger Russ Bache after incumbent commissioner Tony Berget fell in June’s primary.
String of petty thefts continues in Libby
Victim wants payback, end of crime spree
The Libby Looters remain at large. Homeowners on Glendora Avenue, Conifer Road, Pioneer Road and Vanderwood Road reported car thefts and trespass Saturday night. Similar crimes, along with several bicycle thefts, were also reported in the Rawlings Tracts area and near Dome Mountain Avenue during Halloween night.
Justice of Peace goes to Sheffield
Lincoln County Justice of the Peace Jay Sheffield won a race between a pair of incumbents vying for a new job. Sheffield defeated Justice of the Peace Stormy Langston by securing 53 percent of the vote.
Bowe survives two challengers
Lincoln County reelected Sheriff Roby Bowe with nearly 41 percent of the votes Tuesday, despite a strong showing from write-in candidate Darren Short and challenger Bill Clark.
Benson unseats Lauer for Clerk
Challenger Robin Benson narrowly defeated incumbent Lincoln County Clerk and Recorder Tammy Lauer in Tuesday’s election.
Vote Herrmann
Murder at the Red Dog author John Herrmann signs in Tuesday as Precinct 10 Supervisor Patricia King looks on.
Volleyball Gallagher
Devon Gallagher tips it over between defenders in second set vs. Polson Saturday.
Obit Woods
Jerry J. Woods
Obit Hilliard
Harlan Frank Hilliard, Jr.
Obit Bosch
Jean Bosch
Elect Watson
Clarence "Corky" Watson, left and Abbie Endicott
Elect Langston
Stormy Langston, candidate for Justice of the Peace.
Elect Sheffield
Checking the numbers with Jay Sheffield left, and Ken Rayome.
Elect Bowe Two
Undersheriff Brent Faulkner, left, and Sheriff Roby Bowe at amublance barn Tuesday evening.
Elect Bowe
Brent Faulkner, left, and Roby Bowe undersheriff and sheriff of Lincoln County respectively watch election return results at Libby Ambulance Barn Tuesday evening.
Elect Benson
Robin Benson, left, and Chas Vincent at Venture Motor Inn.
Elect Bennett
Jerry Bennett, left, and Mike Cuffe at Venture Motor Inn Tuesday awaiting election returns on Fox News Live. (Rep. Jerry Bennett HD1/Rep. Mike Cuffe HD2)
Wednesday, November 5
Benson, Bowe, Peck, Sheffield winners in local races
Robin Benson will be the new Lincoln County Clerk and Recorder after defeating incumbent Tammy Lauer during a compelling Tuesday election.
Tuesday, November 4
Home loss in District Tournament wraps Troy volleyball season
The Troy Lady Trojans ended their season Saturday with a home loss to Plains in the District 7B Tournament, 25-17, 25-9, 25-13.
Lady Loggers spike Polson on emotional Senior Night
Area briefs
Police blotter
A guide to the local candidates running for Montana Legislature
The following is a compilation of the background information on the six candidates seeking election to the Montana Legislature.
Meeting to discuss potential water rate increase
County's most remote polling place serves as social hub
Churchgoers praise law enforcement
Halloween brought a real scare to some Libby residents this year, as an armed man caused a lockdown at the Libby Christian Church during their annual family party on Oct. 31.
Halloween nightmare avoided
Unstable, armed man arrested near busy church event without shots fired
Matthew Clark
Matthew Clark was born at 6:40 a.m. on Oct. 17, 2014, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby.
Ryder Lee Mitchell
Ryder Lee Mitchell was born at 11:47 p.m. on Oct. 17, 2014, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby.
Harland Hilliard Jr., 58, of Libby
Harland Frank Hilliard, Jr., 58, of Libby died from natural causes on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, in Libby.
Thomas Shupick, 60, of Libby
Thomas Patrick Shupick, 60, of Libby passed away Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.
Lynnette Kortte, 50, of Libby
Lynnette Kortte, 50, died on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014, in Libby. She was born July 25, 1964, to Douglas and Barbara Kortte in Libby, where she lived out her life.
Voters get say on senior center
Mountain pleads not guilty to seven Yaak burglary charges
Not guilty, seven times over. That was the plea Monday when Zachary Michael Mountain, 19, was arraigned before District Judge James Wheelis. Mountain faces as many as 140 years in prison for his alleged involvement last year in a string of felony burglaries in the Yaak.
Volleyball Germany
Dayln Germany and Coach Cindy Ostrem-Johnston share a moment during senior night Saturday.
Volleyball Roach
Olivia Roach gently tips it over in first set vs. Plains during the District 7B Volleyball Tournament held at Troy's Activity Center Saturday.
Volleyball Downey
Freshman Kaitlyn Downey passing in third set vs. Plains during the Distirct 7B Volleyball Tournament at Troy's Activity Center Saturday. Troy falls 25-17, 25-9, 25-13.
Volleyball Gallagher
Devon Gallagher tips it over between defenders in second set vs. Polson Saturday.
Volleyball Becquart
Freshman Aurora Becquart sends it over the net in the third set during the District 7B Volleyball Tournament Saturday.
Obit Shupick
Thomas P. Shupick
Old Photo 11-4-14
Pumpkin Project Adam Orr, Andy Davidson, Austin Davidson and Mike Tester carve a large pumpkin for Halloween. The pumpkin, which will have a ghoulish face and be lit with a candle, came from Canada. Joe Chopyak photo from the Oct. 28, 1994, files of The Western News.
Obit Kortte
Lynnette Kortte
Mountain
Zachary Michael Mountain, left.
Gill Mug
Terrence Gill
Coats Mug
Donald Coats
Cuffe Mug
Rep. Mike Cuffe HD2
Church Two
Dean Byrns, left, and Phil Alspaw.
Church
Phil Alspaw, left, and Dean Byrns
Birth Mitchell
Mother: Taylor Good Father: Dustin Mitchell Baby Boy: Ryder Lee Mitchell Date: 10/17/14 Time: 11:47am Wt: 7lbs 14oz Ht: 21 inches long Delivered by Dr. Erin Rose Medina
Birth Clark
Parents: Russell & Kayla Clark Baby Boy: Matthew Clark Date: 10/17/14 Time: 6:40am Wt: 6lbs 13.5oz Ht: 19.5 inches long
Benson Steven
Steven Benson
Bennett Mug
Rep. Jerry Bennett HD1
Monday, November 3
Armed man arrested near church Friday
A potentially catastrophic situation was averted Friday evening when Lincoln County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested Mason Risteau, 20, near the Libby Christian Church. More than 400 people were in the church attending a fall party when Risteau, who had a loaded 7 mm rifle with him, was apprehended.
