Ellington

Ray Charles Simurdak

Ray Charles Simurdak passed away from Alzheimer’s disease at the Sheridan Manor Nursing Home in Sheridan, Wyo. He was born Nov. 5, 1938, in Phillips, Wisc.

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.

Trump reluctantly signs COVID aid, sparks fresh fight in GOP

WASHINGTON (AP) — Shelving his objections, President Donald Trump has signed a $2 trillion-plus COVID-19 and annual federal spending package providing relief for millions of Americans, even as Congress returns to confront the White House on remaining priorities in a rare end-of-session showdown.

Year in Review, Part I

Join the Western News in taking a look at the biggest stories of the first half of 2020, an unforgettable year.

Libby Airport snowplow delayed by virus

The pandemic has delayed the long-anticipated delivery of a new snowplow to the Libby Airport.

Troy Schools' Haggerty earns statewide recognition

In recognition of his exemplary service to his community and school district, Keith Haggerty will represent Montana as the state’s nominee for the U.S. Department of Education’s Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) award.

Patrick Richard Munyan Sr.

Patrick Richard Munyan Sr. was born July 28, 1943, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. He was the youngest of seven children born to Robert "Spencer" Munyan and Mildred Stanton Munyan.

'Last responders' brace for surge

Funeral director Kevin Spitzer has been overwhelmed with COVID-related deaths in the small city of Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Legals for December, 29 2020

Legals for December, 25 2020

Charles Leonard Pitman, Sr., 98

Charles Leonard Pitman Sr., 98, of Libby, peacefully passed away Dec. 18, 2020, of natural causes. He was born on Oct. 22, 1922, to Wilson and Eva Pitman in Buffalo, New York.

Christmas in the ICU: Decorations, lights and many tears

OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) — A Christmas tree stands outside the intensive care room where a man stricken by COVID-19 lies unconscious, a machine breathing for him. A few feet away, a plastic snowman adorns the door of another patient whose face is barely visible behind ventilator tubes.

Crash near Lake Blaine claims life of Libby man

Authorities have released the name of a Libby man who died in a traffic crash Friday night near Lake Blaine.

Montana Republicans fail to pass new rules ahead of session

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana lawmakers rejected Tuesday contentious rule proposals for the Legislature that would have consolidated power in Republican hands. The result leaves the House to operate under rules that were in place the previous session when the legislative session begins in January.

Ski resorts grapple work to stay open despite pandemic

TELLURIDE, Colo. — The day after Thanksgiving, Dr. Jana Eller and Dr. Shiraz Naqvi were seated beside an outdoor fire pit at the base of Telluride Ski Resort, taking a short break from skiing.

Despite calls, commissioners cannot dismiss health board, Peck says

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners cannot, unilaterally, disband the health board.

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:

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.

Data suggests schools aren't superspreaders

As the number of active coronavirus cases in Lincoln County ebbs and flows, Libby Superintendent Ron Goodman is seeking to dispel what he sees as a misconception of how the virus has spread locally.

Biden gets COVID-19 vaccine, says 'nothing to worry about'

NEWARK, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden on Monday received his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine on live television as part of a growing effort to convince the American public the inoculations are safe.

Bench warrant issued for Kusener

Lincoln County District Judge Matthew Cuffe issued a bench warrant for a woman accused of dealing drugs in the Troy area after she failed to show up for court Dec. 7.

Seifert pitches grading system to spur pandemic measure compliance

Lincoln County Health Board member Jim Seifert sketched out an audacious plan to press local businesses to adopt pandemic measures at the tail end of a Dec. 16 informational meeting for residents interested in learning about the panel.

Richard H. Tholen, 90

Richard H. Tholen, 90, died Dec. 15, 2020, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby.

Wayne Allan Burnsworth, 68

Wayne Allan Burnsworth, 68, was called home to the Lord on Dec. 15, 2020, after a short bout of cancer. He was born March 8, 1952, in Brownsville, Penn., to Hubert and Hannah Burnsworth.

Montana regulators force $285M cleanup bond on coal company

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana environmental regulators have forced the owners of a power plant to provide a $285 million cleanup bond, a move some local organizations hailed as a victory for conservation.

Mask mandate in doubt with incoming governor

HELENA, Mont. — Incoming Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signaled he won't continue a statewide mask mandate in place since July, though he said he plans to wear a mask himself and get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Sheriff's Office Blotter

The law roundup is compiled by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office incident log. It is not meant to serve as an exhaustive account.

Medical dispensaries first to sell recreational marijuana

After voters approved two legalization measures in November, many of Montana's medical marijuana dispensaries are expected to seek licenses to sell their products for recreational use beginning next fall.

Leak forces Troy City Council into new meeting space

A leak has temporarily put the Troy City Courtroom out of commission. The flooding has also bogged down Troy City Council, which uses the courtroom as its chambers.

Local lawmakers question new selenium standards

Local elected officials want more information about new regulations for a heavy metal that is leaching into Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River from upstream Canadian mines.

Lack of response disappoints pandemic measure opponents

The leader of a group of residents opposed to pandemic restrictions admonished Lincoln County commissioners for not taking their proposed remedies, which included disbanding the health board, more seriously.

Legals for December, 22 2020

Alan Lee Childs, 77

Alan Lee Childs, 77, born Aug. 11, 1943, died of natural causes Nov. 19, 2020.

Awash in relief funds, Libby schools set spending priorities

Libby Public Schools administrators have found themselves with a large pot of money they need to spend — and fast. Superintendent Ron Goodman said the district has $340,000 in coronavirus relief funds that need to be spent by the end of the month.

Commission OKs purchase of Lost Trail easement

Terry Zink of Marion is a lifelong bowhunter and houndsman and his comment about the Lost Trail Conservation easement was brief, but meaningful.

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.

Health board backs testing agreement with CARD clinic

Health officials have again sought to put to rest allegations that the Center for Asbestos Related Disease profited off of county coronavirus testing efforts.

Montana lawmakers reject mask mandate ahead of session

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Republican state lawmakers in Montana rejected proposals Wednesday by Democrats to require masks at next month's legislative session or meet remotely, opting instead to form a panel that will assess what's needed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Kalispell

More than 10 months after the coronavirus pandemic reached the Flathead Valley, frontline workers at Kalispell Regional Healthcare are expected to begin receiving COVID-19 vaccinations on Thursday.

Speech and drama flourishes amid restrictions

Hampered by restrictions and quarantines, many sports teams and performative artists this year are left wondering if they'll have a chance to compete. For the Logger Speech and Drama team that kind of uncertainty is nothing new.

Students asked to self-report COVID-19 symptoms

To reduce the chance of a coronavirus outbreak, Libby Middle High School administrators have instituted a daily wellness check for students.

'Waiting on Mother Nature'

Eager skiers and snowboarders will have to wait another week before hitting the slopes at Turner Mountain. While scheduled to open on Dec. 19, volunteers had to push the date back a week due to a lack of snow.

Signs signs, everywhere a sign

In an apparent protest of statewide mask mandates, a merry band of pranksters placed signs on the exterior of Libby businesses informing passersby that “tin foil hats must be worn” inside.

Rose Marie Cimino Navarro, 84

Rose Marie Cimino Navarro, 84, died Dec. 14, 2020, at Libby Care Center due to kidney failure (ESRD). She was born Dec. 24, 1935, in Bridgeport, Conn., to Frank and Shirley Cimino.

Access no more: Hunters restricted from lands once owned by Weyerhaeuser

With the local real estate market booming, Southern Pine Plantations, the company that purchased 630,000 acres of Weyerhaeuser timberlands in Montana, has begun selling off parcels.

Mertes reappointed to health board

County commissioners reappointed Dr. Sara Mertes to the health board Dec. 16 amid discussion about how best to ensure representation from all parts of the region on the panel.

Yaak Valley Forest Council offers reward after bear slaying

Following the killing of a female grizzly bear near the Yaak, a local environmental group is contributing to a reward fund of up to $50,000 for anyone who helps secure a conviction.

Paul Loyd

Paul Loyd passed away Dec. 4, 2020, in Denton, Texas. He is the son of John and Linda Loyd.

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, mostly about money:

Marjorie Murphy, 77

Marjorie Murphy, 77, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family Dec. 7, 2020.

Legals for December, 18 2020

Board backs health officer, but not health order

Asking for community backing to fight the coronavirus pandemic, the county’s top doctor got plenty of praise from Lincoln County Health Board members Dec. 9, but no clear endorsement for future measures.

Semi-nude man arrested after traffic stop now faces drug charges

A man arrested after Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies found a bevy of syringes in his vehicle and him without pants during a traffic stop in November now faces multiple drug-related charges.

Grizzly committee looks to Canada 'bear smart' communities

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — At the winter meeting of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, Lori Roberts introduced a new tool to keep the peace between grizzly bears and humankind — "bear smart communities," inspired by the model used in British Columbia, Canada.

Karl C. Mueller

Karl C. Mueller died peacefully Nov 27, 2020, at 1:40 pm at a hospital in Kalispell after a long battle with cancer.

Sheriff's Office Blotter

The law roundup is compiled from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s incident log. It is not meant to serve as an exhaustive account.

Lifting spirits, one dog at a time

After months of holding out against the novel coronavirus, the Libby Care Center confirmed two residents had tested positive for the virus in late October. As staff worked to isolate those infected, a Libby woman — along with her border collie — hatched a plan to raise morale in the center.

Dispatch service in Troy comes under scrutiny

Officials thought they were dealing with a technical glitch at first. Troy residents reported a delay when contacted 911. Calls to the local dispatch center had to be transferred to dispatchers next door in Libby. Officials ultimately identified the reason for the lag, but it has raised a larger shortcoming in the county’s emergency services network.

Troy officials called on to support new selenium standards

State environmental regulators have approved new standards for levels of a heavy metal that has leached into Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River from upstream Canadian mines.

Oxygen crunch exposes potential 'crisis'

Two patients consuming unsustainable amounts of oxygen at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center last week underscored the strains the pandemic has placed on rural hospitals and the local health care system.

Former Libby city councilor offers to help reconcile health board with residents

Former Libby City Councilor DC Orr has offered his services as a conflict mediator between residents and the Lincoln County Health Board.

Legals for December, 15 2020

Tensions rise over masks as virus grips smaller US cities

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Arguments over mask requirements and other restrictions have turned ugly in recent days as the deadly coronavirus surge across the U.S. engulfs small and medium-size cities that once seemed safely removed from the outbreak.

200 bear conflicts reported in 2020

Between break-ins at grain silos, chicken killings and an influx of visitors to U.S. Forest Service lands, grizzly bear specialists in northwest Montana have had their hands full this year.

Craig Alan Smith, 68

Craig Alan Smith, 68, of Troy and Tucson, Ariz., passed away peacefully at his Troy home Nov. 12.

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.

Accused of burglarizing restaurant during shutdown, Watts takes plea deal

The man accused of burglarizing the restaurant where he worked during the pandemic shutdown changed his plea in Lincoln County District Court on Dec. 7.

Geraldine Lavon St. Onge

Geraldine “Gerry” Lavon St. Onge, 83, went home to be with the Lord peacefully at home Dec. 1, 2020, with her husband by her side, holding her hand.

Thomas Storkson

Thomas Storkson was preceded in death by his brothers, Mike and Ricky.

License permanently suspended for Ranch for Kids near Rexford

An administrative law judge has ruled in favor of actions taken by the state Department of Public Health and Human Services to remove 27 children in July 2019 from the Ranch for Kids, a private alternative adolescent residential/ outdoor program located near Rexford.

Letcher replaces Peck on county health board

Commissioner Josh Letcher (D-3) joined the local health board Dec. 9 as part of an effort to make the group more representative of the county as a whole.

Donald Edward Holcomb

Donald Edward Holcomb, born March 20, 1929, in Kalispell to Raymond and Louise Holcomb, went home to be with Jesus on Dec. 3, 2020.

Donna B. Tunison, 90

Donna B. Tunison, 90, passed away at her home in Troy on Dec. 1, 2020. She was born in Conrad on July 31, 1930, to Art and Pearl (Vaught) Bowman.

Bits 'n pieces from east, west and beyond

East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact.

American Covenant angling to speed up Asa Wood sale

Libby Public School District officials are exploring a new avenue for repurposing the defunct Asa Wood Elementary School.

Ski resort opens with 7 lifts operating

Whitefish Mountain Resort opens for the winter ski season today with seven lifts operating and 35 inches of snow at the summit.

Coronavirus leading killer of Idaho residents in November

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho Gov. Brad Little said Thursday that residents can expect diminished health care if hospitals fill with COVID-19 patients and the state has to initiate crisis standards of care.

Charging station proposal electrifies city council

Officials at Flathead Electric Cooperative are planning a regional network of charging stations for electric vehicles and eyeing Libby as a potential location.

Pretrial conference for man who flouted mask mandate delayed

Judge Jay Sheffield postponed the pretrial conference of a man arrested after refusing to put on a mask or leave a Libby farmers market to give attorneys more time to negotiate a plea deal.

Beagle, McElmurry sign letters of intent

Surrounded by family and friends, Libby seniors Jay Beagle and Ryker McElmurry signed letters of intent on Dec. 4.

Gianforte urges Montanans to don masks, protect the vulnerable

With the coronavirus pandemic showing no signs of abating before January, Gov.-elect Greg Gianforte said he will focus on keeping the most vulnerable Montanas safe while reopening the state’s economy.

Quarantine guidelines updated locally after CDC changes recommendations

Local health officials tweaked quarantine orders for residents exposed to the coronavirus Dec. 4 after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidelines last week.

Thaddeus Edgar Turner

Thad Turner passed away on Nov. 29, 2020, at the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, home of his daughter, who had lovingly cared for him.

Mertes reappointment delayed as commissioners consider restructuring health board

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners held off on reappointing Dr. Sara Mertes to the local health board amid continued calls to reshuffle the organization’s membership.

Teck is committed to protecting the water in Lake Koocanusa

Regarding the recent letters to the editor in The Western News regarding Lake Koocanusa, I wanted to provide an update on the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan (EVWQP).

Jorgensen pleads not guilty to DUI charges

A 59-year-old man arrested after his vehicle got stuck on the edge of a U.S. Border Patrol agent’s private driveway last month pleaded not guilty to multiple charges related to drunk driving in Lincoln County District Court.

Please commit to fighting the virus that is killing our loved ones

Thank you to our local medical professionals, health-care workers, health department personnel and all who are working to reduce the spread of COVID-19, which has resulted in the deaths of over 238,000 people in our country.

John Charles Konzen, 77

John Charles Konzen, 77, of Troy and Libby passed away peacefully Nov. 3, 2020, with family by his side.

Robert "Bob" Rudman

Robert “Bob” Rudman was one of eight children born to Mary and Theodore Rudman and was the fifth of seven sons born in South Chicago. A sister, not the youngest of the siblings, was born in upstate Michigan. Bob was born on Oct. 29, 1928. He died Nov. 23,2020. His father was born in Croatia and immigrated to America in 1905. His mother also was of Croatian heritage, but born in Chicago.

Telehealth, done right, could greatly benefit rural America

Rural America’s low population density provides us access to beautiful, wide-open spaces and a remarkable quality of life, but it creates significant challenges in the delivery of health care services. Folks in remote locations face a shrunken supply of primary-care physicians, specialists and emergency room doctors, hampering their efforts to seek treatment for complex concerns.

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.

Hospital overflow site set up to receive patients

An alternative care site on the vacant third floor of Montana Children’s that had been prepared for a potential surge in COVID-19 patients is now being set up to begin receiving patients.

First COVID vaccine doses to go to major hospitals

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will go to health care workers in the state's major hospitals, Gov. Steve Bullock announced Monday. Hospitals first in line for the vaccine are in Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell and Missoula.

Taking pandemic precautions seriously will save small businesses

Be smart. Be rational. Be considerate; and one could even argue … patriotic.

Legals for December, 8 2020

Flathead begins tough task of replacing health officer

The Flathead City-County Health Department is in flux after the Interim Public Health Officer Tamalee St. James Robinson announced she will step down at the end of the year — a decision that set a tight deadline for a hiring team to secure her replacement in the midst of a pandemic.

Trial halted for woman accused of hitting girl with vehicle

The trial of a Fortine woman accused of striking a little girl while driving on U.S. 93 near Whitefish more than one year ago has been halted as the case has moved into mediation.

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:

Montana could receive first vaccine doses by Dec. 15

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Steve Bullock said Wednesday that the state could receive around 9,750 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine developed by drug company Pfizer as soon as Dec. 15.

Gerry St. Onge

Gerry St. Onge died Nov. 30, 2020, at her home in Libby of natural causes.

Ski season nears for fans of Turner Mountain

Local ski and snowboarding enthusiasts will have more time this year to cruise the slopes on Turner Mountain.

Grizzly killing sparks pushback on Black Ram Project

The killing of a female grizzly bear near the Yaak sparked an unexpected backlash against a U.S. Forest Service project this week.

Breanna Rae Horner Massey, 25

Breanna Rae Horner Massey passed away Aug. 10, 2020, in Sidney.

Frank Fahland, 61

It is with great sadness that Frank Paul Fahland, 61, passed away unexpectedly at home Nov. 24, 2020.

Commissioners address pandemic measure opponents' petition

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners acknowledged Dec. 2 that a resident petition aimed at dismissing pandemic measures had gravitas, but lacked legal standing.

Troy mayor urges residents to work together to keep schools, businesses open

After hearing that customers have refused to wear masks while shopping at local businesses, Troy Mayor Dallas Carr responded with a simple question. “You keep your shirt and shoes on, so why not a mask for a short amount of time you will be in their store,” he wrote in a Nov. 30 letter addressed to Troy residents.

Kusener faces drug charges after traffic stop

A woman believed by authorities to be a drug dealer in the Troy area faces multiple charges in Lincoln County District Court.

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.

Legals for December, 4 2020

Superintendent outlines testing plans for Libby schools

In hopes of mitigating the spread of the coronavirus within school buildings, Libby Public Schools administrators plan to roll out a rapid testing program by the end of the month.

Suspected arsonist arraigned on assault with a weapon charge

A Eureka man accused of threatening a couple with a handgun in August pleaded not guilty in Lincoln County District Court on Nov. 16.

McDonald pleads guilty to stalking charge

Nathaniel Ryan McDonald pleaded guilty to a single count of stalking in Lincoln County District Court on Nov. 16 for allegedly planting an electronic monitoring device in his estranged wife’s home over the summer.

State earmarks $13M in COVID aid for schools

With just over a month left to finish spending federal coronavirus aid, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock announced Wednesday he is redistributing nearly $13 million to K-12 schools to cover costs related to COVID-19, including staffing, transportation, cleaning, personal protective equipment, and computers and other devices needed for students.

Arthur T. Purdy, 91

Arthur “Art” T. Purdy, 91, passed away at the Cabinet Peaks Medical Center on Nov. 24, 2020. Art was born in Eureka on June 1, 1929 to Lynn and Jessie Purdy.

Health board plans informational meeting for residents

Given the sudden interest in the powers and duties of the Lincoln County Health Board, members plan to hold an informational meeting about the body, tentatively scheduled for Dec. 16.

Flathead health officer to resign at end of year

Flathead City-County Health Department Interim Public Health Officer Tamalee St. James Robinson resigned from her position Friday, citing inaction and a general lack of support from elected county officials and the Board of Health.

Mertes nominated for another term as officials weigh health board expansion

Despite opposition from the Eureka area, Lincoln County Health Board members narrowly voted to recommend colleague Dr. Sara Mertes for another term on the body Nov. 23.

Troy City Council to split cost of annex appraisal with ambulance group

Troy City Councilors have come one step closer to solidifying their plans to sell or lease municipal property to Troy Volunteer Ambulance.

David Barrett Grover

Roy and Lydia Grover welcomed a baby boy Sept. 27, 2020 at 8:26 a.m.

Carson Clemons

Jason Clemons and Carla Pruitt welcomed a baby boy Aug. 24, 2020, at 8:27 a.m.

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.

Legals for December, 1 2020