Friday, August 28
Basham arraignment set for Monday
The man accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and abducting the couple’s 6-year-old child will be arraigned in Lincoln County District Court on Aug. 31.
Bennett Wade Roberts
Shaelin Jensen and Matthew Roberts welcomed a baby boy on Aug. 14, 2020. Bennett Wade Roberts weighed 7 pounds and was 19-and-a-half inches in length. He was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.
Sheriff's Office Blotter
The law roundup is compiled from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office incident log. It is not meant to serve as an exhaustive account.
Bits ‘n pieces from east, west and beyond
East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact. A recent sampling:
Will R. Watson, 67
Will R. Watson, 67, passed away peacefully on Aug. 24, 2020, at his home in Libby with his loving wife, Sandy, at his side. He was born May 27, 1953, in Libby to Elbert and Mae Watson.
Beverly J. Faria, 91
Beverly J. Faria, 91, passed away at her home on Lake Creek in Troy on Aug. 18, 2020, surrounded by those who loved and cared for her. She was born Sept. 18, 1928, in Pontiac, Mich., to James and Auzalia (Hayes) Hoover weighing 9-and-a-half pounds and went to be with her Lord and Savior weighing 95 pounds.
New COVID-19 cases confirmed
Two more cases of the novel coronavirus were announced by the Lincoln County Health Department on Aug. 26.
An army marches on its stomach
When TJ Boswell, Troy City councilor and former member of the U.S. Army, was nominated to do 22 pushups a day to raise awareness for the 22 veterans who commit suicide every day, he decided that wasn’t enough.
Loggers prepare for season opener
When the Libby Loggers take to the field for their season opener this evening, fans can expect to see a versatile team on both sides of the ball.
Deputies find missing child
A missing Columbia Falls baby has been found safe in Lincoln County, and an AMBER Alert was canceled Tuesday morning.
Legals for August, 28 2020
Tuesday, August 25
Attendance limited at Loggers’ season opener
Attendance at the opening game for Libby High School football will be limited to 50 percent capacity according to an Aug. 24 announcement posted on the district’s website.
Trojans focus on ground game as opener against Arlee nears
The Troy Trojans will put a new offensive strategy to the test when they take to their home field against Arlee on Aug. 28 for the first matchup of the season.
New digs eyed for Troy Ambulance
As Troy Volunteer Ambulance expands, the group is seeking to move its operation into a larger building.
Chainsaw competition organizers present pandemic plan
Organizers behind the annual chainsaw carving championship took the unusual step last week of providing Libby City Council — and the public — with a detailed COVID-19 response plan for the fast approaching event.
Sheriff’s Office Blotter
The law roundup is compiled from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office incident log. It is not meant to serve as an exhaustive account.
Work finished on structure needed to renovate Grace impoundment dam
W.R. Grace is one step closer to addressing structural deficiencies at an impoundment dam that holds asbestos-laden tailings near Rainy Creek.
Wildfires under control, officials say
U.S. Forest Service crews have contained the roughly 30-acre wildfire in the Williams Gulch and Swede Mountain area while Department of Natural Resources and Conservation firefighters have the 14-acre blaze near Lighting Peak under control.
Local elected officials see new upsides in massive land sale
The massive land deal that saw hundreds of thousands of acres of timberland change hands earlier this year may prove advantageous for Lincoln County.
Health experts turn to Troy for support
Troy Mayor Dallas Carr offered the city council’s help to health care professionals building a local public awareness campaign aimed at curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Legals for August, 25 2020
Friday, August 21
Bits ‘n pieces from east, west and beyond
East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact. A recent sampling:
Fair likely contributed to COVID-19 outbreak along Hi-line
About three weeks ago, Montana’s longest, continuous fair unfolded once again in the small town of Dodson on Montana’s Hi-line with most of the offerings attendees would usually expect — a ranch rodeo, AMX races, a demolition derby and a concert.
Corey Robin Kyes
Corey Robin Kyes drowned Aug. 9, 2020, in the Payette River at Horseshoe Bend, Idaho. He was born Feb. 25, 1994, in Missoula. Frank and Penny Kyes of Libby adopted Robin during a loving ceremony. Robin’s sister, Shannon, came along later to complete their little family.
Hubert Tyree, 77
Hubert “Bud” Tyree, 77, of Libby, died Aug. 13, 2020. His grandson, Kyle Tyree, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Janet Tyree; his son, Leonard Tyree of Kalispell; his three grandchildren, Michael, Justin and Whitney Tyree; and his great-granddaughter Jolene. He will be greatly missed and always loved by all who knew him. Services announced at a later date.
Preserve our future by supporting the GOP today
The 2020 election will be remembered not only for the circumstances surrounding it, but also for the two starkly different paths confronting us as Americans. November is not only about President Donald Trump or former Vice President Joe Biden. It can, in many ways, be seen as a referendum on the America we know and love.
Latest in a string of lies from this White House
American Legion Baseball leaves Libby with upstanding and well-rounded young men
Cooperation will open our communities back up
Bullock boasts strong record on health care
Sheriff’s Office Blotter
The law roundup is compiled from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office incident log. It is not meant to serve as an exhaustive account.
Sheriff’s office resumes some non-emergency services
Nearly five months after it rolled back non-emergency business at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office announced it will resume some services on a limited basis.
Libby City Council unveils proposed $5.8 million budget
Libby City Council unanimously approved a preliminary $5.8 million budget for fiscal year 2021 on Aug. 17.
Mill levy increase for Eureka dispatch headed before voters on November ballot
Officials will ask voters in north Lincoln County to approve a four-mills levy increase for the Eureka Area Dispatch District this fall.
Mask rule remains even as cases fall
As active cases of COVID-19 creep into the single digits, local officials are reminding residents that the county health officer’s order goes further than Gov. Steve Bullock’s July 15 mask mandate.
City council backs pandemic public awareness campaign
Libby Mayor Brent Teske offered City Hall’s support Aug. 17 to a group of local medical professionals hoping to recast the state’s controversial mask mandate as a way to help the community.
Wildfire near Swede Mountain
U.S. Forest Service crews are battling a roughly 25-acre wildfire in the Williams Gulch and Swede Mountain area.
Troy, Libby districts finalize budgets for the upcoming year
Amid the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic, Lincoln County school administrators have ironed out budgets for the coming year.
School administrators grapple with quarantine policies
One positive coronavirus test could potentially lead to entire classrooms being quarantined when schools reopen on Aug. 26, according to Libby Public School District administrators.
Legals for August, 21 2020
Tuesday, August 18
Sheriff’s Office Blotter
The law roundup is compiled from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office incident log. It is not meant to serve as an exhaustive account.
Emma Cratty
Trevor and Ashley Cratty welcomed a baby girl on July 16, 2020, at 9:12 p.m. Emma Cratty weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces and was 20 inches long. She was delivered by Dr. Jana Hall.
Corey Robin Kyes, 26
Corey Robin Kyes, 26, died Aug. 9, 2020, at Horseshoe Bend, Idaho. Services will be at 3 p.m., Aug. 23, 2020, at the Fred Brown Pavilion in Libby with social distancing. Bring your own chairs, please. A potluck reception will follow.
Kathleen Jaqueth-Watson
Kathleen “K” Jaqueth-Watson passed away peacefully July 23, 2020, in Libby. She was born July 4, 1931, to Art and Jennie Radcliffe in Ritchey. She was the only child of the busy sheep ranch.
Lincoln County student athletes take to fields
After spending the summer unsure if their fall seasons would materialize, local high school athletes took to fields and courts last week with high hopes.
Officials weigh mail-in voting for November election
Health concerns during the novel coronavirus pandemic have sparked a debate over how to let Lincoln County residents cast their ballots this November.
Williams apologizes at sentencing hearing
The Troy man who admitted to assaulting a minor earlier this year pledged to “become a better person” during his sentencing hearing in Lincoln County District Court on Aug. 11.
Thompson to serve two years after suspended sentence revoked for repeated violations
Lincoln County District Judge Matthew Cuffe revoked Aug. 10 the suspended sentence of a Polson woman who allegedly has a history of trouble following parole conditions.
Igniters roll through town
Car enthusiasts from far and wide converged on Libby last weekend for Ignite the Nites, held each year by the Igniter’s Club.
Libby library reopens to patrons this week
Despite having its basement flooded and its doors closed since March, the Libby Branch of Lincoln County Library is set to come out of the past few months on top, said Director Alyssa Ramirez.
Health officials outline mask mandate enforcement process
County officials detailed how they handle enforcement of the governor’s controversial mask mandate after coming under pressure from health board members last week.
Mask anger sprouts up at market
Disputes over mask requirements in public spaces have sprung up at Libby’s weekly farmers market.
Residents heeding calls to mask up
Lincoln County’s top doctor described the percentage of new coronavirus cases locally as concerning — but not alarming — during a tense and occasionally unruly health board meeting last week.
Legals for August, 18 2020
Friday, August 14
Bits ‘n pieces from east, west and beyond
East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact. A recent sampling:
Cody Alan Julson, 25
It is with deepest sorrow, we announce that Cody Alan Julson, 25, beloved husband, son, brother, grandson, friend and family member, died July 13, 2020, in Libby.
C. Jene Winn, 83
C. Jene Winn, 83, moved to Libby in 1993 and made a home and circle of friends there until he moved to Smith Point, Texas, in 2019.
Sheriff’s Office Blotter
The law roundup is compiled from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office incident log. It is not meant to serve as an exhaustive account.
Hileman faces tenth driving under the influence conviction after wreck
A Libby man with nine prior driving under the influence convictions was arraigned last month on multiple charges stemming from an alleged alcohol-fueled wreck in July.
Black faces similar challenges as predecessor a century ago
During a series of emergency health board meetings in July, Lincoln County Public Health Officer Dr. Brad Black bore the brunt of residents’ anger with new pandemic-related restrictions.
Welch sentenced after striking plea deal
An Idaho woman pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from a March traffic stop in Lincoln County District Court this week.
Troy schools to get resource officer
A new resource officer will soon walk the beat at Troy Public Schools.
Igniters set to burn rubber
It’s off to the races for the annual Ignite the Nites car show.
Libby schools to require students wear masks
Libby Public School District administrators will take a firm stance on face coverings when schools reopen.
Miller enters not guilty plea
The Troy man accused of sexually abusing a minor pleaded not guilty to all charges in Lincoln County District Court on Aug. 11.
Eureka residents raise questions about development
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners scheduled an Aug. 19 public hearing at the Lincoln County High School in Eureka to review comments and concerns voiced by area residents regarding the North Star Landing Subdivision.
Legals for August, 14 2020
Thursday, August 13
Dock sitting a favored summer past time
It’s mid-August and summer is winding down. For those of you that know me, I am usually searching for that elusive trophy rainbow trout or some good-eating kokanee salmon at this time of year.
Tuesday, August 11
C. Jean Winn, 84
C. Jean Winn, 84, formerly of Libby, passed away Aug. 3, 2020, in Smithville, Texas. A memorial will be scheduled for a later date.
Kymber Carpenter-Camen
Alexyss Camen welcomed a baby girl on July 25, 2020, at 3:53 a.m. Kymber Carpenter-Camen weighed seven pounds, 3.3 ounces and was 20-and-a-half inches long. She was delivered by Dr. Kelli Jarrett.
Celia Jane Orr, 65
Celia Jane “Janie” Orr, 65, went to be with her Heavenly Father on July 29, 2020, in Post Falls, Idaho. Janie was born in Libby, Montana on June 3, 1955, to Edward and Charlotte Orr.
Kenneth Waldamar Sorensen, 74
Kenneth Waldamar Sorensen, 74, passed away Aug. 1 in Helena after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
One more great memory made thanks to the staff of the Libby Volunteer Fire Department
Antifa poses a clear and present danger to law and order
A few simple steps will help keep businesses open
County election administrator to recommend voting by mail
Lincoln County may hold all-mail voting in the November general election to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Flathead Valley Community College explores expansion of Libby campus
Officials with Flathead Valley Community College are exploring possible grant funding to overhaul and expand the Libby campus.
Kootenai Forest set to receive new federal funding
U.S. Forest Service officials in the Lincoln County area are planning how best to use an infusion of federal funds from a newly enacted conservation law.
Troy City Council reviews proposed budget plan
As thousands of cities across the country brace for budget shortfalls due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Troy City Council expects to be in the green in 2021.
Libby library branch set to reopen
The burst pipe that dampened reopening plans at the Libby Branch of the Lincoln County Library nearly three months ago will soon be water under the bridge.
County health officials: Masks do not spread Legionella
Lincoln County Health Department officials pushed back last week on rumors that Legionella had spread throughout the community through the use of face masks.
Legals for August, 11 2020
Friday, August 7
Libby Public School District employee tests positive for COVID-19
A Libby Public School District staff member has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
James Raymond Cassidy Jr.
James “Flaps” Raymond Cassidy Jr. passed away peacefully July 25, 2020, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Jim was born Feb. 22, 1940, in Babb, on the Blackfeet Reservation, to the late James Cassidy Sr. and Daisy E. Steele Cassidy.
Kenneth Albert Breitenstein, 85
In the early evening of July 28, 2020, the Yaak’s last Great Historian left his earthly confines to partake in a much-deserved rest. Kenneth Albert Breitenstein, 85, passed away at home to join his departed loved ones.
Active cases in county at 14
Lincoln County Health Department officials announced a new confirmed novel coronavirus case on Aug. 5.
Superintendent presents plan for reopening Troy schools
Parents received an update on the reopening plans for Troy Public Schools from Superintendent Jacob Francom on Aug. 5.
Ripley pleads guilty after accepting deal
A local man accused of assaulting a woman during a June 12 gathering at a Libby trailer park pleaded guilty to felony partner or family member assault, third or subsequent offense, after striking a deal with prosecutors.
More details emerge for coming school year
Libby Public School District administrators are continuing to hammer out details for reopening classrooms during the pandemic.
Miller arrested on sexual assault, abuse charges
A Troy man accused of sexually abusing a minor over the course of several years is expected to be arraigned in Lincoln County District Court on Aug. 10.
Restaurants bear brunt of mask ire
It started a couple weeks ago with occasional insults from tourists. By Aug. 4, the abuse from customers refusing to wear masks had reached such a horrifying level that Kyle and Mindy James, joint owners of Rosita’s Mexican Restaurant on 9th Street, decided to suspend dine-in service.
Legals for August, 7 2020
Tuesday, August 4
Help your local newspapers help you
In the past five months, Congress has responded to the coronavirus public health crisis with several emergency relief measures, including the stimulus checks sent to individuals and households, payroll protections to small businesses, expanded unemployment payments, fee waivers for borrowing against 401(K) plans and more.
Sheriffs will focus on education and outreach regarding masks
Forest Henry Martell, 88
Forest Henry Martell, 88, of Libby, went to heaven July 25, 2020, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born March 25, 1932, in Iron River, Wis., to Henry and Stella (Volker) Martell.
Robert Joseph Spooner, 94
Robert “Bob” Joseph Spooner passed away on July 26, 2020, at the age of 94. He was born Jan. 10, 1926 in Havre to Myrtle Shinners Spooner of Plentywood and Joseph Spooner of Joplin. He was the oldest of seven children.
Mask mandate denounced at health board meeting
Residents again sparred over the effectiveness — and legality — of Gov. Steve Bullock’s mask mandate during an emergency meeting of the Lincoln County Health Board on July 29.
Health officer again eyes event cancellations
Lincoln County’s health officer warned late last week that the continued spread of the coronavirus locally could lead to further restrictions on public gatherings.
Oldest living Libby fireman donates his uniform to the department
It’s been more than 70 years since Marshall Warrington, 91, started putting out blazes for the Libby Volunteer Fire Department.
Governor’s council updates grizzly report
The Governor’s Grizzly Bear Advisory Council has updated its draft recommendations for addressing grizzly bear management and conservation statewide.
Loggers fall to Lakers in tourney
In a heartbreaking battle for the district tournament quarterfinals, the Libby Loggers lost to the Kalispell Lakers by a single run.
County receives roadwork update
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners received an update on the status of road projects within the county from the Montana Department of Transportation on July 29.
