Friday, July 31
Obit Smith
Rev. Wallace Lawrence Smith, 87
Obit Kensler
Anita B. (Ann) Kensler, 88
Wreck
Rollover at 39 mile marker U.S. Hwy. 2, Friday, July 31, 2015.
Firemen
Retired firemen at annual picnic, Fireman's Park, Thursday, July 30. Top row from left: Curt Jones, Alan Colclough, Dick Dutton, Al Schad, Mike Gehrke and Frank Pival. Front row from left: Gary Swenson, Ray Miller, Mike Voorhies, Doug Roll, Bill Watt, Ken Preston, Dick Wood, Bob Pival, George Wood, Marc McGill, George Clough and Jim Hopkins.
EPA comment period ends Aug. 7
The official public comment period for the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed plan for Libby ends Aug. 7. Agency officials said few comments have been received so far, but they anticipate more during the final week of the formal process.
Fire officials searching for arsonist in area
Area fire officials, including local, state and federal authorities, are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying an arsonist or arsonists they believe to be responsible for several fires in the Libby area. Officials say more than 20 arson fires have been set in the area since 2014.
Libby has high rate of domestic violence homicides
According to the Montana Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission, more than a third of the intimate partner homicides committed in Northwest Montana since 2000 occurred in Libby.
Randolph Thatcher
Randolph G. Thatcher died at age 58. He was shot and killed in Costilla County, Colo. He is survived by his son Jimmy Guinard and family of Troy; his mother Grayce Thatcher of Big Timber; brother Tim Thatcher of Kansas; two sisters, Trudy Deon of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Terri of Big Timber.
Stephen Beasley
Stephen C. Beasley, 68, of Libby, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2015, at the Libby Care Center of natural causes. He was born September 15, 1946, in Spokane, Wash., to Ronald and Evelyn (Lucht) Beasley. Stephen graduated from Libby High School in 1964 and entered the military after graduation. He served in the United States Army until his retirement in 1987.
Aidan Brossman
Aidan Brossman was born at 5:56 p.m. July, 2, 2015, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.
Candidates discuss golf course, vision of Libby's future
Eight of the 10 candidates for Libby City Council responded to questions about their backgrounds, personalities and ideas for Libby’s future. This is the fourth in a series of articles with the candidates’ answers to those questions. Candidates D.C. Orr and Doug Roll did not respond to the questions.
Find Your Light on Mineral Avenue in Libby
Mineral Avenue in Libby is home to a new business. The Find Your Light Yoga studio opened up July 1. Danielle Spillman, the owner and yoga instructor for the studio said that the first few weeks of business has been great.
Libby woman arrested for dealing heroin
Jerica Lynn O’Neil, a 25-year-old Libby woman, was arrested July 22 and charged with one felony count of distribution of dangerous drugs – opiate. If convicted, O’Neil could be fined up to $50,000 and/or sentenced to a prison term of not less than two years and not more than life.
Accused car thief receives suspended sentence
Zachary Jared Trager, a 20-year-old Libby man who was arrested earlier this year and charged with felony theft by accountability, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge and was given a suspended six-month sentence in the Lincoln County jail.
Blues fest brings funk, family, food and fun
The Riverfront Blues Festival can be described using four words; funk, family, food and fun.
Libby's Movers & Shakers
This September, Devenne Liess, RN, CRNI will be assuming the role of Chemotherapy & Infusion Center Coordinator. Devenne has been a registered nurse since 2006, working in the emergency rooms in Polson and in Libby prior to joining the CPMC Chemotherapy & Infusion Center in 2012. In 2014, Devenne worked hard to receive her Certified Registered Nurse of Infusion (CRNI), and has plans to obtain her Oncology certification in the near future.
Food and fun at the Libby Senior Center
The Libby Senior Center offers senior diners a wealth of menu options for meals in August. Dinner is served every Tuesday and Friday at 5 p.m. and lunch is served every Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Home delivery of meals is also available, diners are asked to call before noon on Tuesday and Friday for dinner delivery and by 9 a.m. Wednesday for lunch.
Police Blotter
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
Lincoln County Library events for August
The Lincoln County Public Libraries have a full calendar of events scheduled for the community during August. All library events are free and open to the public.
Thursday, July 30
Blues Shinn
Bruce and Maggie Shinn of Plains dance to the music of Bryan Warhall and Triple Trouble Friday evening.
Blues Sisters
Suze Sims, left and Teri Anne Wilson of the Red Hot Blues Sisters
Fire Quartz Avenue
Fire of unknown origin in wooded area near Quartz Avenue 6:50 p.m. Tuesday. Adam Orr, left.
Acute Care Linville
Kala Linville new acute care manager.
Birth Brossman
Aidan Brossman
Chemo Devenne
Devenne L. new chemotherapy coordinator
Voices McLeod
Pat McCleod
Wednesday, July 29
Fire officials on the lookout for arsonist in Libby
Area fire officials, including local, state and federal authorities, are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying an arsonist or arsonists they believe to be responsible for several fires in the Libby area. Officials say more than 20 arson fires have been set in the area since 2014.
Tuesday, July 28
O'Neil Jerica
Jerica Lynn O'Neil
Montanore moves one step closer
The Montanore Mine project has cleared another regulatory hurdle, which mine officials say could result in the creation of 30 to 35 new jobs as early as September of this year.
Habitat set to dedicate its 11th Libby area home
For almost 20 years the Kootenai Valley Partners chapter of Habitat for Humanity has been working to help local residents obtain their own homes. At 6 p.m. Friday evening, July 31, the group will celebrate the completion of their 11th home in the Libby area.
Candidates discuss development, public image
Eight of the 10 candidates for Libby City Council responded to questions about their backgrounds, personalities and ideas for Libby’s future. This is the third in a series of articles with the candidates’ answers to those questions. Candidates D.C. Orr and Doug Roll did not respond to the questions.
Louise Alderson
Louise Marie Hubbard Alderson, who grew up in Troy, passed away on November 23, 2014. Her interment will be at the Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell on Monday, August 3, 2015, at 11 a.m.
William J. Cook
William J. (Bill) Cook, 84, a longtime employee of the Great Northern Railroad, died Friday evening, July 24, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. He was born at Choteau, to Harvey and Mary Cook on February 18, 1931. He served with distinction in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.
Joanne Norman
Joanne Norman, 77, died July 23, 2015, at her home in Troy. She was born to Harold and Frances (Fanny) Nelson February 11, 1938, at St. Ignatius and came to Troy when she was in grade school, later graduating from Troy High School in 1956.
Gene Cohenour
Gene W. Cohenour, (Peewee), 85, was born June 2, 1930, at Butte to James W. and Leona Ruth Lyle Cohenour. On June 24, 2015, he said his goodbyes to his loved ones, put his saw over his shoulder and is now working and living with no more pain.
Libby Kids Fishing Pond opens Saturday
Beginning Saturday, the children and families of Libby will have a new venue for fishing and family fun. The grand opening of the Libby Kids Fishing Pond will take place from 9 a.m. until noon at the pond, located on the Lincoln County Port Authority property by the Millpond MotoX track.
Troy partners with Home Depot to assist veterans
The city of Troy was recently awarded a grant worth $3,000 from The Home Depot Foundation. The money received will be used to upgrade the property of veterans living in the city of Troy. It’s just one of many things Mayor Darren Coldwell is working on to improve the City of Troy.
Trojan Lanes celebrates 50 years of bowling
For 50 years Trojan Lanes in Troy has been a popular hangout spot for people in the community. During those 50 years the owners and the way the game is scored has changed, but people within the community still enjoy a night out at the bowling alley.
Rodeo weekend in Libby
The 2015 Kootenai River Rodeo was held at J. Neils Park in Libby during the past weekend.
Loggers' season ends at district tournament
The Libby Loggers’ season officially came to a close this weekend at the district tournament in Polson. The Loggers won one game before being eliminated in the tournament.
Monday, July 27
Trojan Lanes
Trojan Lanes' 50th anniversary.
Rodeo Moline
Jake Moline has a worrisome look as he exits the horse known as X12 during Thursday's rodel at J. Neils Park.
Rodeo Yule
Thursday's rodeo with five-year-old trick rider Piper Yule.
Dobbs
Glenn Dobbs, Sept. 28, 2011, rally in Chamber parking lot.
Rodeo Horning
Thursday night rodeo with Hollan Horning exiting the horse known as W47.
Rodeo Becquart
A tender moment between Talise Becquart and a horse named "Rio" Saturday at Kootenai River Rodeo 2015.
Rodeo Sudan
Ashley Sudan of Whitefish turned in a time of 18.78 in the barrel racing Friday.
Rodeo Guzman
Alex Guzman of Manteca, Calif., aboard "Cowboy Town" Friday at the Kootenai River Rodeo.
Obit Cohenour
Gene W. Cohenour, (Peewee), 85
Obit Cook
William J. (Bill) Cook, 84
Rodeo Cruz
Lindsay Kruse of Great Falls turned in a time of 17.64 during the barrel racing Friday evening.
Rodeo Mikkelson
Friday night tie down roping with Bryant Mikkelson of Buffalo. Broke barrier ended with a time of 33.6.
Rodeo Kayser
Nineteen seconds flat in the tie down roping for Kass Kayser of Ellensburg, Wash., Saturday evening.
Rodeo Jones
Saturday night steer wrestling with Riley Jones from Walla Walla, Wash. 11.6 seconds.
Obit Norman
Joanne Norman, 77
Rodeo Bertsch
Bareback riding with Dantan Bertsch of Eastend, Saskatchewan aboard "Chute Boss" for 71 points Saturday during Kootenai River Rodeo 2015.
Friday, July 24
Troy students will have new computers when school starts
Troy students will start the upcoming school year with a technology advantage. The school district is using the One-To-One program to provide Chromebooks to every student in grades one through 12.
Glacier Park fire expands to more than 4,000 acres
Powerful wind gusts rattled the glass walls of Glacier National Park’s St. Mary Visitor Center on Wednesday, propelling the Reynolds Creek Fire northeast along the edge of St. Mary Lake and fanning the flames over approximately 4,000 acres just one day after it was first reported.
Jesse Lowry
Jesse C. Lowry, 45, of Troy, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2015, from injuries sustained in an accident in the Yaak. He was born November 19, 1969, in Pacoima, Calif., to Michael C. and Laurie (Frice) Lowry. Jesse grew up in Grants Pass, Ore. He graduated from Hidden Valley High School with the Class of 1988. Following high school, he attended Wyoming Technical Institute and earned a mechanics license. Jesse moved back to Grants Pass and went to work at Lowry’s Lube. In 1995, he married Fran Gulick at Reno, Nev. They were blessed with two children. Jesse moved to Montana in 1996 and settled in the Yaak. He worked in Bonners Ferry for Riverside Auto for five years before going to work at Timberline Auto in 2009. Jesse loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, snow-skiing, hiking, camping, picking mushrooms and riding jet skis. He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Lowry.
Aspen Rae Hayden
Aspen Rae Hayden was born at 10:50 p.m. on June 8, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.
Brodee Fitzgerald
Brodee Fitzgerald was born at 10:33 p.m. on May 12, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.
Maximus Ray Nelson
Maximus Ray Nelson was born at 7:19 a.m. on May 12, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.
Haizlynn Jones
Haizlynn Jones was born at 5:51 p.m. on May 12, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.
Local foundation to award $8,000 in grants
The Lincoln County Community Foundation is preparing for its 2015 community grant cycle. The foundation anticipates contributing approximately $8,000 to eligible non-profit organizations in south Lincoln County this year.
Council candidates discuss priorities, challenges
Eight of the 10 candidates for Libby City Council responded to questions about their backgrounds, personalities and ideas for Libby’s future. This is the second in a series of articles with the candidates’ answers to those questions. Candidates D.C. Orr and Doug Roll did not respond to the questions.
Montana officials need to step up animal testing for diseases
I question whether it’s accurate for the Fish, Wildlife & Parks game warden to say that Montana is a state free of chronic wasting disease. Absence of proof is not proof of absence.
The president continues to do some dumb things
Our illustrious president has done some dumb and some very dangerous things in the past six and a half years, such as releasing the five most dangerous terrorists in trade for a deserter who should have been put in solitary confinement and punished the day he came back, instead of being applauded at the White House.
The Western News remains committed to our communities
Change is the one true constant in the universe, and no person, group or organization is ever really immune from the inevitability of it.
Loggers' season comes to a close
The Libby Loggers’ regular season came to an end last week and they are currently playing in Polson at the district tournament.
Johnston qualifies for U.S. Amateur
Libby’s 15-year-old golf phenom Ryggs Johnston is having an impressive summer. Johnston won the United States Amateur Qualifier in Missoula July 20.
Treasure Mountain captures men's league championship
The team from Treasure Mountain Restaurant and Casino captured the men’s league championship at Cabinet View Golf Club Tuesday, defeating Fish ‘n’ Golf 10-6 in the final playoff match.
Shannon Lake Trail offers spectacular views, quick hike
The Shannon Lake Trail offers breathtaking views of the Kootenai River and the surrounding landscape.
Kayaker found safe
A 68-year-old man was reported missing at 7:18 p.m. July 16, by Yaak River Campground hosts after he failed to leave the river at the takeout point. The man, identified as Alan Lee Priebe of Whitefish, was located at 11:07 p.m. the same evening.
Law Enforcement Blotter
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
Thursday, July 23
Fire Reynolds Creek
Reynolds Creek Fire from U.S. 89, near East Glacier on Wednesday. The burned area in the foreground is from an earlier fire. (Brenda Ahearn photos/Daily Inter Lake)
Fire Refugees
Jake Clement sets a tent stake as Alex Mouch and Robert Raw look on at Glacier Lodges in Coram on Wednesday. The three were part of the near 60 xanterra employings that have set up temporary camp at the site because of the fire. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Lake Shannon
Shannon Lake
Baseball Winslow
Kylie Richter/ Lake County Leader Jared Winslow throws a pitch during the Libby Loggers' game against the Bitterroot Bucs on Thursday morning at the Western "A" District tournament in Polson.
Baseball Tamarro
Kylie Richter/ Lake County Leader Erik Lauer, left, gives Trace Tammaro, right, a high five after Tammaro scored a run in the Loggers' game against the Bitterroot Bucs on Thursday in Polson.
Birth Jones
Haizlynn Jones
Birth Nelson
Maximus Ray Nelson
Birth Fitzgerald
Brodee Fitzgerald
Birth Hayden
Aspen Rae Hayden
Fire Glacier 072415
East Glacier visitors were part of a mandatory evacuation on Wednesday, July 22. The Reynolds Creek Fire has consumed a vehicle parked along Going-to-the-Sun Road and continues to burn rapidly. The fire has “extreme spread potential,” according to officials. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Obit Lowry
Jesse C. Lowry, 45
Tuesday, July 21
EPA Cleanup
EPA cleanup at 313 W. Third St.
Candidates answer questions
The Libby City Council could see an influx of new faces next year, as four of the six council seats are up for election this November. Three of the seats, those currently occupied by Allen Olsen, Peggy Williams and Bill Bischoff, are for regular four-year terms. One, currently held by Dejon Raines, is for the remaining two years in the term.
Hiking accident claims the life of a Troy resident
A 45-year-old Troy man fell to his death while hiking Saturday afternoon. Jesse Christopher Lowry fell off a cliff while hiking an unmaintained trail about three miles up the West Fork of the Yaak, according to a statement released Monday by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
Forest Service reports fire season in full swing
The Kootenai National Forest has experienced nearly twice its annual average number of fires this year, according to Fire Management Officer Dan Rose. Local fire crews have responded to 38 fires since July 1.
Law Enforcement Blotter
Lincoln County
Libby woman charged with possession
Libby man charged with violating release terms
A Libby man who was out of jail on bail pending trial on charges of shooting a firearm towards two hunters was arrested Sunday after a warrant was issued by Judge James Wheelis. David Anthony Milano, 65, is charged with violating two conditions of his release.
Bad behavior is easy to recognize
I might be three quarters of a century old, use a trumpet horn to hear and a rifle scope to see. My feet may be a little flat and my brain might be a little slow, but I can still recognize bad behavior.
Federal agencies usurp the people's authority
We are becoming painfully aware of the gradual shift of legal authority away from Congress to federal agencies, not only generating highly restrictive laws but also ruthlessly enforcing them. Meanwhile, accountability has
Iran deal should be seen as broad policy shift
One of the predictable outcomes of any U.S. effort to reset relations with an adversary is that allies start whining about their vulnerability and demanding some sort of compensation for it. Thus, no sooner was the nuclear deal with Iran concluded than the Israelis, Saudis and other Middle East partners criticize it as representing abandonment and emboldening Iran to become a stronger meddler in neighbors’ affairs. All sorts of dire predictions about horrendous consequences are already on record, clearly intended to influence the Obama administration to give these folks something for their pain—like money, arms and especially new commitments.
An open thank you to Sen. Steve Daines
Finally, there is some common sense in outlawing fireworks. I know I’m part of the really old generation, but for the life of me I don’t understand why anyone would spend hundreds of dollars sending something up into the sky to explode and listen to a bunch of pops. Yes, fireworks are pretty, but to sit there and watch nearly the same thing for hours is beyond me.
Child trick rider added to rodeo lineup
The rodeo life isn’t for everybody, but for five-year-old Piper Yule and her family it’s a way of life.
Local kids show their stuff at annual Junior Fair
The annual Lincoln County Junior Fair was held this past weekend. This year’s fair marked the 58th time the event has taken place.
A pitcher's long road to recovery
For baseball pitchers, Tommy John surgery can be the kiss of death. For former Libby three-star athlete, Jared Winslow, it was something that tested him mentally and made him realize just how much he loved baseball.
Loggers end season with doubleheader losses
The Libby Loggers didn’t finish the regular season as strong as they had hoped to, getting outscored 32-2 in a doubleheader against the Bitterroot Red Sox.
Monday, July 20
Tanker
Derailed oil tanker cars lie off track near Culbertson, Mont., Friday, July 17, 2015. The tank cars were hauling fuel from North Dakota and derailed Thursday in rural northeastern Montana, authorities said. (AP Photo/Richard Peterson)
Baseball Holzer
Bransen Holzer, best bat boy this side of the Great Divide. Double header vs. Bitterroot Red Sox July 19.
Baseball Chapel
Left fielder Mason Chapel stretches but can't quite close the distance top of the fifth, second of a double header vs. Bitterroot Red Sox July 19.
Jr Fair Group
Savanah Lucas, left, Julianna Shumate, Shelby Smith, Nicholas Harper and Sidney Rusdal.
Jr Fair Jenks
Evan Jenks and his lizard, Junior Fair 2015.
Jr Fair Evans
Audrey Evans Junior Fair 2015.
Baseball Winslow J
Ace pitcher Jared Winslow pitching top of the sixth vs Rangers first of a doubleheader 5-28-13. Seventeen years old and seventeen strikeouts in this game.
Jr Fair Tholen
First year Junior Fair entrant Joey Tholen.
Jr Fair Reatz
Lincoln County Junior Fair participant Xavier Reatz.
Fire Bull Creek
Bull Creek Road fire July 17, 2015.
Jr Fair Entry
One of the many entries at Lincoln County Junior Fair 2015.
Relay Ward
Ward Crushing team, Relay for Life 2015.
Relay Peaks
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center team, Relay for Life 2015.
Jr Fair Parade
Nicholas and Alexander Harper lead the way during the Junior Fair Parade July 17.
Baseball Bump
Former Major League pitcher Bump Williams, left, and Jared Winslow...alumni game 2015.
Baseball Williams
It was the Legends over the Loggers Saturday 5-4 with former Major League pitcher Bump Williams on the mound for the Loggers.
Piper Yule
Piper Yule and Rae-Lynn Armstrong
Baseball Lauer
Third baseman Erik Lauer first out top of the fifth, first of a double header vs. Bitterroot Red Sox July 19.
Rendezvous Nail
Ron Nail of Whitefish stretches a deer hide prior to the tanning process during the Two Rivers Rendezvous at Fawn Creek Campground.
Rendezvous Talsma
Turning flax to linen on a Norweigan raised table style spinning wheel with Sylvia Talsma from Ronan.
Baseball Winslow
Jared Winslow coaching third base during the alumni game July 18, 2015.
Rendezvous Fielder
Two Rivers Rendezvous 2015 with Paul Fielder, left, inspecting a hickory long bow handcrafted by Allen "Eagle Eye" Heiser, right.
Friday, July 17
Fire Bull Creek
Bull Creek Road fire with Nick Goldsmith, left, and Kacie Berget.
Sheriff's Office cleared in death
A coroner’s inquest has ruled the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was not criminally negligent in the death of an inmate in the Lincoln County jail in August 2014. The two-day inquest finished Wednesday in the Lincoln County Courthouse.
Feds declare Lincoln County disaster area
The United States Secretary of Agriculture has declared 15 Montana counties, including Lincoln County, as primary natural disaster areas due to recent drought. The declaration was delivered in a letter sent to Gov. Steve Bullock Wednesday.
One wreck claims two vehicles in separate locations
Two cars were wrecked at separate locations in Libby Monday afternoon in an incident beginning at the corner of 10th Street and Mineral Avenue and ending at the old Libby High School on Mineral and Lincoln Boulevard.
Frances Willman
Frances M. Willman, 84, of Jamestown, N.D., passed away Thursday afternoon, July 9, 2015, at Eventide in Jamestown.
Alan Keen
Alan LeRoy Keen, 68, of Libby, passed away in Kalispell on July 10, 2015, after a long struggle with prostate cancer. He was born on June 26, 1947, in Loma Linda, Calif., to James and Virginia Keen.
Kendall Ward
Kendall Conrad Ward, 82, went to be with his Saviour Jesus Christ on Monday, July 13, 2015. He passed away of natural causes at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby. Kenny was born Feb. 3, 1933, to Merwin and Ruby Ward in Iron River, Wis. The family moved to Chester when he was seven weeks old. At the age of 12, his family moved to Libby.
Toddy Mossey
Toddy (Florence) Mossey, 89 years young, passed from our mortal lives and received her beautiful new wings on July 3, 2015, in Spokane, Wash.
Questions arise about EPA activities, plans
Environmental Protection Agency officials were in Libby this week to attend a public forum to discuss the institutional controls included in the agency’s proposed plan for the Libby Superfund site. Although less than a dozen private citizens attended the forum, the conversation was animated at times as tempers flared about not only the proposed plan, but also the agency’s actions in Libby during the past 15 years.
Letter to the Editor
What can be said of a society that was built upon moral standards and faith in something larger than itself when it does a complete turn-around and worships the very things that will destroy it?
Law Enforcement Blotter
Lincoln County
Trego man could avoid jail time in assault case
A Trego man could avoid jail time after pleading guilty to assaulting his wife and a minor family member, if Judge James Wheelis accepts the plea agreement and sentencing recommendation of the Lincoln County Attorney’s Office.
New sporting event coming to Libby
Members of the Libby Christian Church are trying to promote community spirit and healthy living at the same time. The church is sponsoring the first Kootenai Valley Triathlon later this year, an event organizers hope will turn into an annual occurrence.
Loggers pick up late-season win
The Libby Loggers edged out the Kalispell Lakers, 5-4, Wednesday, July 15, in Kalispell. It was a back and forth contest that had five lead changes. The win was important for the Loggers in terms of conference seeding.
Sudden death playoff will set up men's league finals
The first round of the Tuesday Men’s League playoffs began with a sudden death qualifying match between the teams from Trojan Lanes and Treasure Mountain Restaurant and Casino. Treasure Mountain won the match, advancing to face regular season champion Advantage Seal and Stripe.
Thursday, July 16
LeTour Graham
Libby's Jonathan Graham 2.8 miles into his 83-mile ride.
Obit Willman
Frances M. Willman, 84
Obit Keen
Alan LeRoy Keen, 68
Obit Mossey
Toddy (Florence) Mossey, 89
Obit Ward
Kendall Conrad Ward, 82
Tuesday, July 14
Wreck One
Officer John Powell
Stoken Camaro
Pat Stoken's 2014 Chevy Camaro on June 27 broke the drag-racing world record for an eighth of a mile in the Pro Nitrous class. Stoken's Camaro, powered by a 3,000-horsepower engine, covered the distance in 3.694 seconds.
Jr Champs Too
Boys 14-17 and Girls 10-13 1st Place Trey Thompson, 2nd place Chase Maloney, 1st Place Mackenzie Foss
Jr Champs
Boys 9 & under and Girls 9 & under 1st place Sam Rosling, left, 2nd place Dimitrii Walenter, 3rd place Teague Thompson, 1st place girls Emmy Maloney.
City's water supply not too low
The unseasonably high temperatures and low streaflows combined with the city’s lack of water storage due to the construction of the new Flower Creek Dam have city officials paying close attention to water use this summer. City Administrator Jim Hammons said that while the city has cut back on public watering, water restrictions for residents have not yet been imposed.
Three Dog Night rocks Libby at Big Sky Bash
Intermittent rain during the day ended and the sun broke through the clouds to light up J. Neils Park in Libby Saturday night for the Big Sky Bash. Three Dog Night raised the roof, metaphorically, in the park during the fifth annual fundraiser concert for the CARD Foundation in front of a crowd of about 2,000 people. The foundation supports the Center for Asbestos-Related Diseases in Libby.
Game warden cautions public
Tamie Laverdure, the game warden for Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks in Libby had a difficult day last Thursday. She had to put down a fawn picked up by a local family and brought back to their home. It’s an issue that’s becoming a growing concern in Lincoln County.
Judith Lynn Griner
Judith Lynn Griner 60, of Troy, passed away at Kootenai Hospital in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on July 4, 2015. Judith was born in Lancaster, Calif., on March 5, 1955. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at noon at Rosedale Memorial Gardens, 10350 Iowa Ave. N., Payette, Idaho. Bell Tower Funeral Home of Post Falls, I has been entrusted with arrangements.
Katherine Baeth
Our beloved Katherine (Kitty) Baeth, passed away on a warm summer day, June 24, 2015. Born on August 25, 1924, in Post Falls, Idaho to Paul and Leona Read, she was the eldest of five children (two of whom died in infancy). When she was three years old, her parents moved to Missoula, where she attended schools, graduating from Missoula County High School in 1942.
Troy man arrested for domestic assault
A 37-year-old Troy man is facing a felony domestic assault charge which could result in a fine of up to $50,000 and a five-year prison sentence. Charles Ray Norman was arrested just before 10 a.m. July 7, and charged with partner-family member assault, causing bodily injury, third or subsequent offense.
Law Enforcement Blotter
Lincoln County
Roll's shameful actions are childish and ridiculous
Generally, most people learn from their mistakes. However, it seems Mayor Roll doesn’t get the message. One would think the public embarrassment over the last election issue would be enough to stop him from trying to fix the elections. I am personally offended and appalled that he does not believe the voters of Libby can decide for themselves who to vote into office. Voting is our personal right and the freedom of choice is also ours.
What I've read, seen and heard in council
I only know what I read, see and hear. I read that the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices has found indications of election fraud and collusion, committed by the City Attorney, mayor and certain City Council members. In order to form my own opinion, I began to research the question, which includes attending City Council meetings.
Clinic shows off new look, services at open house
The Northwest Community Health Center in Libby has undergone a dramatic transition in recent months. The clinic recently added more than 10,000 square feet of usable space, including a new pharmacy, which is scheduled to open during the next few months.
Libby native turns his hobby into small business
In Lincoln County fishing can be a way of life. That’s the case for Libby resident, Kenny Rayome, who has been fishing for as long as he can remember.
Ducks race down Flower Creek
The rain didn’t stop the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce from hosting its annual Duck Race fundraiser Saturday, July 11. The race started near the Flower Creek Bridge and ended downstream near the Highway 2 Bridge near Rosauers.
Lee Gehring field is Foss' labor of love
The game of baseball is often used as a metaphor for life. A nine-inning baseball game, like life, can be long and filled with moments where nothing exciting happens. Then with the crack of the bat the crowd goes wild and it provides a reminder of why baseball is America’s pastime.
Loggers struggle in Lewiston tourney
The Libby Loggers had a rough go at it over the weekend in Lewiston. Winning one out of four games.
Stindt captures club championship
Ricky Stindt shot a 73 at Cabinet View Golf Club to capture the title of Men’s Club Champion Saturday afternoon. Jay Adams shot 79 to capture the senior division crown. Jackie Mee took home the women’s title with a 75 gross and Christa Reisinger earned the women’s senior honors.
Monday, July 13
Golf Winners
Ricky Stindt, left, and Jacke Mee.
Bash Wells
Three Dog Night's Cory Wells, Big Sky Bash 2015.
Bash Kingery
Three Dog Night's Paul Kingery, Big Sky Bash 2015.
Foss Scott
Legends' lefty Scott Foss with a double RBI to center bottom of the first inning. June 15, 2013
Bash Dance
Dancing to the tunes of Three Dog Night, Big Sky Bash 2015.
Bash Allsup
Three Dog Night's Michael Allsup, Big Sky Bash 2015.
Obit Baeth
Katherine (Kitty) Baeth
Bash Bautz
Three Dog Night's Pat Bautz, Big Sky Bash 2015.
Bash Hutton
Three Dog Night's Danny Hutton, Big Sky Bash 2015.
Bash Spielmann
Rockin' to the sounds of Three Dog Night with Jamie Spielmann, left and Katherine Spielmann 3.
Bash Knapton
Good times at Big Sky Bash 2015 with Debbie Knapton, left, Roy Knapton, Steve Mayne and Loreen Mayne, all from Cranbrook, B.C.
Ducks Too
Duck race 2015
Ducks One
Duck race 2015
Griffin
Bryon Dean Griffin
CHC
Open house
Friday, July 10
Fire restrictions to remain in place
Despite unusually high temperatures and windy conditions, no wildland fires were reported in Lincoln County during the Independence Day holiday weekend. Three fires, characterized as minor by fire officials, were ignited by lightning in the Kootenai National Forest during the past week.
Forest reform act passes House
The Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2015, which incorporated forest reforms proposed by Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke, passed the House of Representatives Thursday in a 262-167 vote. The bill is intended to expedite forest management practices on federal lands and to strengthen collaborative processes in national forests.
Mower racing gaining popularity in Lincoln County
During the past decade the non-traditional motorsport of lawn mower racing has slowly, but steadily, increased in popularity in Lincoln County. Lawn mower races have been featured at the annual Logger Days celebration and as exhibitions at the Millpond MotoX moto-cross competition.
Judith Fagan
Judith A. Fagan, 72, of Libby, died on Sunday, June 28, 2015, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. She was born on April 4, 1943, at Eureka, to Sylvester and Ruth (Campbell) Frost. She grew up and attended school in Eureka, and graduated from Lincoln County High School in 1961.
Oscar Eriandson
Oscar Leonard Erlandson, Jr., died on Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at his home in Libby. He was born in Lewistown, March 25, 1933, to Mary Helen and Oscar Leonard Erlandson, Sr. His sister called him Buddy, as he was the baby of the family. A fact for you children to know is that Dr. Atax who delivered Bud named him because his father wasn’t in from the ranch in time to do so.
Births
Emerson Louise Spencer was born April 26, 2015, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby.
Roll's candidacy creates confusion
Libby Mayor Doug Roll’s decision to file as a candidate for one of the three City Council seats up for election this year has raised a question not faced in recent Lincoln County election history: What happens if he wins?
Resch named General Manager and Ad Director of The Western News
The Western News has recently promoted Suzanne Resch to the position of Interim General Manager. Suzanne has been the Advertising Director since November 2014 and will maintain those duties in addition to her new responsibilities.
Libby's Mac's Market under new ownership
Mac’s Market has been a staple in Libby for over 50 years, but now it’s under new ownership.
Rodeo bringing a new twist this year
Sometimes a chance meeting can produce profound results. The results of such a meeting will be exhibited in Libby later this month.
Loggers split doubleheader in Whitefish
The Libby Loggers split a doubleheader with the Glacier Twins, Wednesday, July 8.
Men's league wraps up season
The Cabinet View Golf Club Tuesday Night Men’s League season ended this week, with Advantage Seal & Stripe capturing the regular season title after beating Trojan Lanes 11-5. Advantage finished the season with 104 points and will enter the four-team playoff with the top seed.
Libby residents get ready for Relay for Life
The annual Lincoln County Relay for Life will take place Friday, July 17. The community event will start at 6 p.m. and end at midnight with registration starting at 5 p.m.
Lincoln County Junior Fair set for July 17
The annual Lincoln County Junior Fair is right around the corner. This year’s event will mark the 58th time the fair has taken place in Lincoln County.
Thursday, July 9
Golf Racicot
Chuck Racicot putts on No. 1 during Ben Graham Memorial Golf Tournament May 16.
Junior Fair Shumate
Julianna Shumate second runner-up for her butterfly life cycle entry.
Relay Grotjohn
Ward Crushing team members Sara Grotjohn, front, Ann Grotjohn and Sydney Christopherson Ward "groove" to the music as they complete a lap Friday evening during Relay for Life 2014.
Golf Fenn
Ruth Fenn putts on No. 2 during Ben Graham Memorial Golf Tournament May 16, 2015.
Fawn One
Game Warden Tamie Laverdure
Rodeo Hamilton
That girl can ride! Mandy Hamilton of Manhattan, Montana turned in a time of 17.75 Friday evening in the barrel racing event.
Birth Etienne
Caydence Nichole Etienne
Rodeo Chambers
Bridger Chambers of Stevensville with a time of 7.0 in the steer wrestling event Saturday.
Mowers
Racing lawnmowers with Darren Short, left, and Jeff Forster.
Baseball Lauer
Libby's Erik Lauer reaches for a tag at second base in a game against the Glacier Twins A on Wednesday, July 8 in Whitefish.
Baseball Wisdom
Libby's Taylor Wisdom knocks down a blooper in right field during a conference game against the Glacier Twins A in Whitefish July 8.
Birth Spencer
Emerson Spencer
Obit Fagan
Judith A. Fagan, 72
Obit Erlandson
Oscar Leonard Erlandson, Jr.
Tuesday, July 7
Pemberton Seven
Royce Pemberton, 77, racing during Logger Days June 28, 2014.
Pemberton Five
Royce Pemberton fears no lawn. Troy's Old Fashioned Fourth of July car show 2015, Roosevelt Park.
Pemberton Four
Royce Pemberton and his racing lawnmower, Troy's Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade July 4, 2015.
Pemberton Three
Royce Pemberton, left, Logger Days 2015.
Pemberton Two
Royce Pemberton 77 of Troy, took an unexpected detour in the second lap of his race with Adam Kirschenmann Saturday night.
Pemberton One
Royce Pemberton, left, and pit crew member Dale VanDenbos remove a bent tie rod from the 16 hp racing lawnmower.
Municipal candidate filing period ends
Nine candidates will be campaigning for three four-year seats on the Libby City Council in November’s municipal election. Only one candidate filed for the two-year seat created by the resignation of Robin Benson upon her election to the office of Lincoln County Clerk and Recorder.
A community celebrates liberty
Another Fourth of July has come and gone. Hot dogs were eaten, fireworks lit up the sky and the City of Troy had another large crowd on hand for their annual Fourth of July festival.
Darlene Brese
Darlene Kay (Siefke) Brese was born March 27, 1947, in Puyallup, Wash. She was one of seven children born to Mary Isabel Cummings and Floyd Leonard Siefke. Darlene was raised in Libby, and finished her formal schooling there.
Lehman Kramer
Lehman “Lee” Kramer 55, died suddenly in his home in Troy, to be with the Lord on the morning of July 2, 2015. He was born March 14, 1960, to Ted and Cynthia “Cindy” Kramer in Albany, Ore.
Maria Moore
Maria Moore, 85, resident of Libby, passed away June 24, 2015, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.
Port Authority officials planning for the future
More than a decade after the 400-acre Stimson Mill property was deeded to Lincoln County, representatives of the Lincoln County Port Authority are trying to decide what to do with it.
Third annual Kootenai Highland Gathering July 17
The third annual Kootenai Highland Gathering will take place July 17-19. The festival, held at River Bend outside Libby, celebrates Celtic heritage.
Chamber duck race July 11
For a toddler a rubber ducky represents an awesome bath toy. This Saturday a rubber ducky represents a chance to win some extra money for the people of Libby.
Cabinet Peaks to offer discount drug program
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center will be participating in the federal 340B discount drug program, effective today.
Libby man could avoid jail time for knife assault
A Libby man accused of stabbing another man multiple times with a steak knife in April pleaded guilty Monday to felony charges in exchange for a recommendation for a deferred sentence.
Troy woman facing federal weapons charges
A Troy woman pleaded not guilty in federal district court in Missoula last week to charges of shipping weapons to Montana’s United States Senator, Jon Tester.
Loggers go two for five at Firecracker tourney
The Libby Loggers played in the Firecracker Tournament in Polson during the Fourth of July weekend. The Loggers won two of five games, despite strong offensive performances.
Peck takes the reins of volunteer program
The town of Libby is home to a numerous events put on by volunteers. One organization that helps with many of those events is the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Terry Peck is the new volunteer coordinator for the organization. She is replacing Kate Huntsberger, who recently retired.
Police Blotter
Lincoln County
Monday, July 6
Rafters
Fourth of July Kootenai River rafters with Tom Ostrowski in the driver's seat.
Peck 070715
Terry Peck
Fourth Seagrave
TVFD's '34 Seagrave fire truck.
Fourth Pack Train
Forest Service Northern Region pack train
Obit Brese
Darlene Kay (Siefke) Brese
Obit Kramer
Lehman “Lee” Kramer 55
Fourth Hanley
Kris and Pat Hanley admire a quilt known as "Grandmother's Flower Basket" Saturday at Morrison Elementary during Troy's Old Fashion Fourth of July Celebration.
Fourth Rogers
Gene Rogers driving TVFD's old fire truck the '34 Seagrave flathead V12 during Troy's Old Fashion Fourth of July parade.
Fourth Viergutz
Kootenai Highlander Robert Viergutz looking especially fearsome.
Obit Moore
Maria Moore
Fourth Band
Copper Mountain Band with members Jacque Jolene, left, and Nate Norman.
Fourth Pipes
Kimberley, B.C. Pipe Band
Fourth Cole
Shelby Cole, 7, makes a quick trip through the splash pad at Roosevelt Park Saturday.
Fourth Quirarte
Curbside at Troy's Old Fashion Fourth of July parade with Leah Quirarte, 7, of Spokane, Wash.
Fourth O'Rourke
Seven-year-old Tyler O'Rourke tests out the water ball feature during Troy's Old Fashion Fourth of July celebration at Roosevelt Park Saturday.
Friday, July 3
Lincoln County and Troy ban fireworks
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday morning banning the ignition of any open fire within the unincorporated areas of the county. The restrictions also prohibit the ignition of all fireworks in the county outside of the incorporated limits of cities within the county. The resolution, No. 938, went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2015.
Congressman Zinke holds town hall in Libby
United States Congressman Ryan Zinke held a town hall meeting in Libby Wednesday afternoon, with approximately 30 local residents in attendance. At the stop in Libby, part of his “1,000 miles in five days,” tour of northwest Montana, Zinke said America is fixable, but the remaining year and a half of the administration of President Barack Obama is going to be tough.
Allen Bernhard
Allen F. Bernhard, 82, of Libby, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2015, at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Gary Van Hoose
Gary Wesley Van Hoose “No. 1, Gordo” passed away on Monday, June 22, 2015, at age 56 at his home in Libby. He was born in Grayson, Ky., on June 26, 1958. His family lived in Monitor, Wash., then moved to Idaho where he grew up in the Pinehurst area.
Mary Reynolds
Mary (McClure) Reynolds, a long-time resident of Troy, passed away at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center on March 27, 2015. Mary was born on December 14, 1919, in Hughesville, Mo., to Ivy (Shelton) McClure and John Wesley McClure. Mary attended school in Hughesville, Mo., and later in Sedalia, Mo., where she graduated with honors from Smith Cotton High School. She finished second in her class, skipping two grades by the time she graduated. Mary attended college at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo. She later attended comptometer school in St. Louis, Mo. Soon after, she began working for Owens Glass Company. She later worked for Remington Arms in Kansas City, Mo., and then with Trans World Airlines in Washington, D.C.
Mary Graham
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Hecla representatives met with commissioners
Representatives of Hecla Mining met with the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners Wednesday afternoon. The company’s vice president for external affairs, Luke Russell, and operations manager, Doug Stiles, told the commissioners the company considers Rock Creek Mine the future of the 124-year-old mining company.
Local burglar given probationary sentence
A 19-year-old Yaak man received a probationary sentence this week for his role in a series of break-ins and thefts from cabins in the fall and winter of 2013.
Winslow leads Loggers in hot streak
The Libby Loggers beat the Kootenai Valley Rangers, 6-0 on Tuesday, June 30.
Tenderfoot trail walker tackles Callahan
There are not too many people out hiking these days. With the heat wave that Lincoln County as encountered in the past week can anybody blame people for staying inside?
Police Blotter
June 7
Thursday, July 2
Mountain, Zachary
Zachary Michael Mountain
Obit Bernhard
Allen F. Bernhard, 82
Wreck Motorcycle
Motorcycle crash, four mile marker on Pipe Creek with Deputy Brad Dodson June 29, 2015.
Lind Four
Kendra Lind cuts the cake during her retirement party June 30, 2015.
Lind Three
Kendra Lind, top, introducing her replacement, Jake Mertes during Lind's retirement party June 30, 2015.
Lind Two
Kendra Lind, left, and Lincoln County Commissioner Mike Cole. Lind's retirement party June 30, 2015.
Lind One
Retiring Kendra Lind, left, and Lincoln County Commissioner Mark Peck during Lind's retirement party June 30.
Zinke
Ryan Zinke
Obit McClure
Mary (McClure) Reynolds
Foss, Scott
Scott Foss, Lee Gehring Field's groundskeeper.
Obit VanHoose
Gary Wesley VanHoose “#1, Gordo"
Obit Graham
Mary Ada Shelley Graham
Birth Lambersten
Family Birth Services, Joyce Vogel CPM, is pleased to announce the birth of Grace Lynn Lambertsen , who weighed 9 lbs 6oz Grace was born to Keith and Rachel Lambertsen on 6/23/2015, in their Eureka home. Grace has 7 siblings: Levi-18 Shaun-12 Asher-10 Joshua-7 Isaac-5 Addison-5 Josiah-3
