Ellington

Finding a new King for the Yaak Valley Forest Council

In 1997, Robyn King and her husband helped found the Yaak Valley Forest Council. They and others who created the council were concerned about the health and management of the million-acre Yaak Valley, a uniquely diverse ecosystem of sensitive species.

Life, love and the backcountry

Sadness meanders like a meadow creek through Jack DeShazer’s love letter to Montana’s wild backcountry.

Lawrence C. White, 83

Lawrence “Larry” C. White, 83, passed onto greener pastures on Jan. 11, 2020 in Libby. He was born on April 19, 1936, in Brownsville, Ore., to Clifford and Henrietta White.

Lester D. Basham, 81

Lester D. “Jim” Basham, 81, died Jan. 29, 2020, at his home in Libby and with his family at his side of natural causes. He was born July 5, 1938 in Libby to Harold and Bessie Basham.

Defendant in DUI case arrested after failing drug, alcohol tests

A Columbia Falls woman facing multiple charges after allegedly driving under the influence last year saw her bond revoked in Lincoln County District Court on Jan. 27 after allegedly skipping and failing mandatory drug tests.

Yaak Valley group seeks more analysis for Black Ram project

Chad Benson, forest supervisor for the Kootenai National Forest, declared in a draft decision December that the 95,000-acre plus Black Ram project did not require an environmental impact statement.

Man accused of killing cat sentenced for criminal endangerment

A Libby man accused of shooting a cat in a residential neighborhood last summer received a deferred, two-year sentence in Lincoln County District Court on Jan. 27.

County employee cleared of allegations

A Lincoln County employee accused of misusing her time on the job to advocate against a local cross-country ski project has been cleared of wrongdoing, officials said.

McCormick given deferred sentence

A Eureka man who pleaded guilty to a strangulation charge in December received a deferred, two-year sentence in Lincoln County District Court on Jan. 27.

Legals January 31, 2020

Notice of Public Hearing Recommended Zoning Changes Tues. February 18, 2020, 6pm Council Chambers-City Hall The City of Libby Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at 6:00 PM at the Council Chambers - City Hall. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public comments concerning the recommended zoning changes to the City of Libby's zoning district entitled Main Business District. At the public hearing, the Zoning Commission will present its proposed changes which includes the creation of two new commercial districts, the Downtown Business District and Highway Commercial District; and changes to the text and map, including increasing the Business-Residential District area. A history of the process, the basis for the changes and a summary of the changes will be included in the presentation. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to ask questions and express opinions regarding the proposed changes. Copies of the proposed changes to the text and map are available at City Hall (952 E. Spruce Street) as well as on the City's website (www.cityoflibby.com) and will also be available at the public meeting. Published In The Western News January 31, 2020. MNAXLP

LEGALS JANUARY 31, 2020

Notice of Public Hearing Recommended Zoning Changes

New gold and silver store going up on Mineral Avenue

Libby native Dhana Tevebaugh Nelson emphasized that she is pro-mining and her new business in Libby will encourage people to buy gold and silver as an investment.

Lincoln County District Court benefits under Cuffe

Future oversight of Superfund site may not include air quality monitoring

The EPA’s pending hand off of oversight responsibilities to the state for maintaining federal Superfund cleanup work in and around Libby will continue funding for the Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program.

Libby boys pull out tough win, Lady Loggers fall to Ronan

Both teams played aggressive defense. Both boasted players with speed that lightning would envy.

Troy teams come up short against Hot Springs, Plains

The Lady Trojans suffered another lopsided loss Jan. 25 in a matchup with the Plains Trotters at the Troy Activity Center, but the team’s coach sees signs of growth.

Inclusion brings dividends for rural communities

Across rural America, demographics are changing and community leaders are redefining what makes their small towns successful and vibrant.

Take on the feds, not private landowners

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.

Legal woes mounting for hemp startup Isotex

Lincoln County District Judge Matthew Cuffe intervened in the ongoing fallout between Isotex and the company that owns the property housing the hemp processing facility, issuing a temporary restraining order against the startup.

Ski club head demands investigation into county employee

The head of the local cross-country ski club wants Lincoln County commissioners to investigate a public employee after she raised concerns about the group’s infrastructure projects.

Moody's rises from the ashes after May 2019 fire

Jay Moody washed and dried the towels dropped off by a local restaurant. The towels lingered in a dryer at Moody’s Dirty Laundry for a couple of hours.

Candy L. Henry, 64

Candy L. Henry, 64, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 13, 2020, in Spokane, Wash. She was born Sept. 9, 1955, in Seattle.

Turning the dial from Spokane to Missoula

Tired of getting television news from out of state? Lincoln County resident Joel Cobb is and he wants to change that.

Legals January 28, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE The Lincoln Conservation District will revise natural streambed and land preservation act rules governing the administration of the district's stream permitting program. The revisions will include 1) changing the time frame for an applicant to appeal a Board's decision from 15 days to 30 days per HB383 that become law during the 2019 legislative session and 2) include "Judicial review of an arbitration panel's decision may be made to district court under the Uniform Arbitration Act (Title 27, Chapter 5, Part 3, MCA)". A public hearing will be held February 19, 2020 at 3:45 p.m. at U.S. Forest Service Office, 949 U.S. Highway 93 N, Eureka, Montana to provide an opportunity to present views and submit written comments on the proposed rules. Copies of the draft rules are available by contacting the district at 406-297-2233 or on the district website at www.lincolncd.org. Published In The Western News January 13 & 27, 2020. MNAXLP

LEGALS JANUARY 28, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE The Lincoln Conservation District

Andrew Volkers, 73

Andrew “Andy” Volkers, 73, died Jan. 22, 2020 at Libby Care Center. Rosary will be held at 7 p.m., Jan. 26 at Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Mass of the Resurrection will be at 11 a.m., Jan. 27 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Libby.

Amongst silent giants

The grove of western red cedars includes ancient specimens that were likely growing around the time the Spanish introduced horses to North America in the early 1500s.

Penni Jo Smith, 72

Penni Jo Smith, 72, passed away Dec. 31, 2019, at home from multiple myeloma cancer. She was born June 6, 1947, in Colorado Springs, Colo., to Jerry and Mabel Metz.

Lawrence Paul Tong, 75

Lawrence Paul “Larry” Tong, 75, of Libby, passed away at his home on Jan. 18, 2020.

Business district vote scheduled for March

The decision to create two controversial business districts in Libby will not go before city council until March at the earliest.

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:

Libby City Council OKs sewer rate hike

Libby City Councilors approved higher sewer water rates Jan. 21, but not before making an 11th hour change after residents complained the proposed fee schedule unfairly penalized them for summertime water consumption.

Lady Trojans ground Two Eagle River School, fall to Libby

When the Troy Lady Trojans basketball team defeated the Two Eagle River School last weekend by a score of 44-20 it broke a 28-game losing streak.

State grant to fund new visitors brochure

The Libby Area Chamber of Commerce plans to print 20,000 copies of a visitors guide in March promoting the region to people considering a visit or relocation.

Cross-country ski project rejected for second time in weeks

Libby City Council again nixed the Kootenai Cross Country Ski Club’s effort to garner a $25,000 grant to pave a half-mile of trail near Flower Creek on Jan. 21.

Legals January 24, 2020

C. Mark Hash Hash, O'Brien, Biby & Murray, PLLP Attorneys at Law 136 1st Ave. W., P. O. Box 1178 Kalispell, MT 59903-1178 (406) 755-6919 cmhash@hashlaw.com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA NINETEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LINCOLN COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF James P. Cosgriff, Deceased Cause No. DP-19-100 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representa-tive of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must be either mailed to Nancy B. Cosgriff, the Personal Representative, by certified mail, return receipt requested, c/o Hash, O'Brien, Biby & Murray, PLLP, Attorneys at Law, P.O. Box 1178, Kalispell, Montana 59903-1178, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 13th day of December 2019. s/ Nancy B. Cosgriff Personal Representative Hash, O'Brien, Biby & Murray, PLLP By s/ C Mark Hash Published In The Western News January 17, 24, 31, 2020. MNAXLP

LEGALS JANUARY 24, 2020

C. Mark Hash Hash, O'Brien, Biby & Murray, PLLP Attorneys at Law

Eureka Lady Lions devour Lady Trojans, down Troy 60-7

Montana Rice scored early for the Troy Lady Trojans but Methuselah aged a bit before the team scored again during a Jan. 17 matchup with Lincoln County High School.

Sheriff's Office incident log

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

Thomas Frank Fennessy, 91

Thomas Frank Fennessy, born in Libby on July 26, 1929, passed away peacefully at home Jan. 1, 2020, following a long and fruitful life lived largely in the Kootenai Valley.

Raise a glass

Bruce Mohr felt compelled to fire his shotgun only once during the 35 years he and his wife owned and operated the Red Dog Saloon near Libby.

Jury finds Troy man guilty of criminal mischief

A Lincoln County jury found Bruce Alan Basham of Troy guilty Jan. 15 of felony criminal mischief for his role in an attack on a homeless man over accusations of a stolen lawnmower.

Market study finds demand for assisted living in Libby

The Libby area is ripe for another assisted living facility, according to a market study conducted after a potential buyer for the shuttered Asa Wood Elementary School approached local officials with a plan to repurpose the property.

Jen Short, 39

Jen Short, 39, courageously fought breast cancer for nearly three years before passing on Jan. 10 at University of Washington Hospital in Seattle.

Libby wildlife committee to focus on nuisance deer

In the midst of the prime season for trapping deer, Bob McLaury stands ready to volunteer himself and some of his crew to set up, bait and monitor the traps.

Leslie Spain, 70

Leslie Spain, 70, passed away Dec. 14, 2019, at her home in Ferndale, Wash., following a long illness. Leslie was born in Libby Aug. 9, 1949, to Roland ”Rolly” and Beulah Childs.

William Auchus Jr., 86

William Auchus Jr., 86, of Troy, passed away peacefully on Jan. 12, 2020, after a massive stroke. He was born Dec. 9, 1933, in Plymouth, Pa., to the late William Sr. and Dorothy Auchus.

Pirates bury Loggers; Libby girls triumph for 2nd win

Libby’s Keith Johnson helped keep the Loggers in the game during the first half of a Jan. 18 game against the Polson Pirates.

Legals January 21, 2020

AARON D. FORD Attorney General SHARON L. BENSON Senior Deputy Attorney General NV Bar No. 8964 Health & Human Services Division 5420 Kietzke Lane, Suite 202 Reno, Nevada 89511 Telephone: (775) 687-2100 Facsimile: (775) 688-1822 sbenson@ag.nv.gov IN THE NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR DOUGLAS COUNTY, STATE OF NEVADA In the Matter of the Parental Rights, as to, W. A. S. AKA W. A. N., DOB: 10/24/2018 Minor Child. Case No. 18-JV-0067A Dept. No. 1 NOTICE OF HEARING TO: Aaron Edwards, conclusively presumed father of the above-named minor child; and to all persons claiming to be the mother or father of the above-named minor child: You are hereby notified that there has been filed in the above-entitled court a motion for the termination of parental rights over the above-named minor child, and that the motion has been set for hearing before the Ninth Judicial District Court, Dept. No. 1, located at 1038 Buckeye Road, Minden, Nevada 89423, Douglas County, on March 24, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at which time and place you are required to be present if you desire to oppose the motion. DATED this 26th day of December, 2019. Bobbie Williams CLERK OF COURT By: s/s M. Biaggin Deputy Clerk Published In The Western News January 14, 21, & 28 & February 4, 2020. MNAXLP

LEGALS JANUARY 21, 2020

AARON D. FORD Attorney General SHARON L. BENSON

West accused of clubbing man in Eureka store

Authorities arrested a Eureka man after he allegedly struck, unprovoked, another man in the head with a billy club inside a local convenience store on New Year’s Eve.

CWD concentrated in urban deer population, wildlife officials say

The bad news reported Jan. 13 by a wildlife official about the comparatively high prevalence of chronic wasting disease among deer within Libby’s urban environs offered one flickering hint of a silver lining.

Zoning board reviews plans for business districts

Libby’s newly appointed zoning commissioners tweaked twin proposals for controversial business improvement districts within city limits Jan. 14, but not without reservations.

Lawrence Lee Duncan, 75

Lawrence “Larry” Lee Duncan, 75, of Custer, S.D., passed away at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City, S.D.

Loggers prevail in a 'dog fight' in Eureka; girls fall short

Caden Williams and Keith Johnson each scored 15 points to help the Libby Loggers defeat the Eureka Lions 51-39 in nonconference basketball at Lincoln County High School on Jan. 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:

Local groups to host several wintry recreational outings

Two conservation organizations, including Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, plan to offer free winter outings in the region in the weeks ahead.

Libby wrestlers defeat Ronan, fall to Polson

The crowd at Libby High School erupted in the afternoon hours of Jan. 11.

Libby man arrested after kicking Amtrak employee

A Libby man faces assault and resisting arrest charges for allegedly attacking an Amtrak employee after being denied entry onto a train New Year’s Eve.

Butte man in district court for seventh DUI charge

A Butte man with a history of driving under the influence faces multiple charges in Lincoln County District Court after authorities say he crashed his vehicle while driving drunk on U.S. Highway 2 in November.

Legals January 17, 2020

C. Mark Hash Hash, O'Brien, Biby & Murray, PLLP Attorneys at Law 136 1st Ave. W., P. O. Box 1178 Kalispell, MT 59903-1178 (406) 755-6919 cmhash@hashlaw.com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA NINETEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LINCOLN COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF James P. Cosgriff, Deceased Cause No. DP-19-100 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representa-tive of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must be either mailed to Nancy B. Cosgriff, the Personal Representative, by certified mail, return receipt requested, c/o Hash, O'Brien, Biby & Murray, PLLP, Attorneys at Law, P.O. Box 1178, Kalispell, Montana 59903-1178, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 13th day of December 2019. s/ Nancy B. Cosgriff Personal Representative Hash, O'Brien, Biby & Murray, PLLP By s/ C Mark Hash Published In The Western News January 17, 24, 31, 2020. MNAXLP

LEGALS JANUARY 17, 2020

C. Mark Hash Hash, O'Brien, Biby & Murray, PLLP Attorneys at Law

Davis receives deferred sentence for attempted theft

A Kalispell woman arrested after her boyfriend admitted their roles in a self-storage theft ring received a deferred, three-year sentence in Lincoln County District Court on Jan. 6.

Climate change threatens forestland throughout Montana

This column is part of a series by the Kootenai Climate Group designed to inform our community about the current and projected impacts of a changing climate. Human-caused carbon dioxide levels continue to increase, causing average daily temperatures to rise. Here, we focus on what that means for forestlands, which are so important to the people of Lincoln County.

Fighting the good fight for all Montanans in Congress

As your U.S. senator, it’s been my top priority to bring Montana common sense to Congress, and in spite of the partisan politics that exist in Washington D.C., I have worked across the aisle this past year to get results for Montanans.

Sentence revocation sought for Lyght

Authorities seek to revoke the deferred, three-year sentence of a Libby woman who pleaded guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs late last year.

McCormick pleads guilty after reaching deal with prosecutors

Christopher Lee McCormick, 52, pleaded guilty to a strangulation charge in Lincoln County District Court as part of a deal with prosecutors late last month.

Jensen Cratty

Elizabeth Heckathorn and Trent Cratty welcomed a baby boy at 3:48 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2020. Jensen Cratty weighed eight pounds, two ounces and was 21-and-a-half inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Jana Hall.

Steven K. Newstrom, 67

Steven K. Newstrom, 67, died Jan. 1, 2020, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center of natural causes. He was born on Feb. 23, 1952, in Eureka, Calif., to Sherman and Jeannie Newstrom.

Sheriff's office incident log

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

Mental health center returns to county

More than two years after state budget cuts forced the Western Montana Mental Health Center out of Libby, the organization is returning to Lincoln County.

Libby residents should demand a local government by consent

Loggers triumph over gritty C-Falls squad

A withering half-court trap defense helped the Libby boys basketball team nail a home court win Jan. 10 against the Columbia Falls Wildcats.

Officials seek to protect residents from asbestos cleanup costs

The cleanup remedy ought not need a remedy.

City council delays action on proposed Flower Creek projects

Libby City Council held off on several proposed improvements to the Flower Creek area Jan. 6 after residents voiced concern about the effect of construction on the municipal water supply.

Legals January 14, 2020

NATIONAL FOREST TIMBER SALE KOOTENAI NATIONAL FOREST. The WEST SURPRISE DxP TIMBER SALE includes an estimated 97,229 TONS of WL & Other Sawlog timber (equivalent to 31,910 CCF) designated for removal located within portions of Sections 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, T29N, R27W; Sections 6, 18, T28N, R27W; Sections 1, 2, 3, 11, 12, 13, 24, T28N R27.5W; Sections 25, 35, 36, T29N, R28N; PMM, Lincoln County, State of Montana. In addition, there is within the sale area an estimated volume of 21,576 tons (equivalent to 9,791 CCF) of Combined Softwood Non-saw timber that is advertised at a fixed rate. This is a WEIGHT MEASUREMENT sale and all rates will be bid and paid for at a rate per TON. Sealed bids will be opened in public atthe Supervisor's Office, Libby, MT at 10:00 AM, local time, on February, 12th 2020, followed immediatedly by ORAL AUCTION. The right to reject any and all bids is reserved. The prospectus includes minimum acceptable stumpage and the rate of required additional payments. The required bid guarantee is $156,000.00. A prospectus and other information concerning the timber, the conditions of sale and submission of bid is available via the internet at: www.fs.usda.gov/kootenai, (click on Land and Resources Management>Resource Management) and/or from the Forest Supervisor's Office, 31374 US Hwy 2, Libby, Montana 59923, (406)293-6211 or Libby Ranger District, 12557 Hwy 37, Libby, MT 59923 (406)293-7773. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Published In The Western News January 14, 2020. MNAXLP

LEGALS JANUARY 14, 2020

NATIONAL FOREST TIMBER SALE KOOTENAI NATIONAL FOREST

Thaddeus Aaron Nollmeyer

Ashley and Joe Nollmeyer welcomed a baby boy on Dec. 10, 2019, at home in Libby. Thaddeus Aaron Nollmeyer weighed eight pounds, 15 ounces and was 20-and-one-half inches long. He was delivered by Joyce Vogel, licensed midwife.

Hunter Obermayer

Nicole Taylor and Mathew Obermayer welcomed a baby boy at 5:32 a.m. on Dec. 20, 2019. Hunter Obermayer weighed seven pounds, seven ounces and measured 20 inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Jana Hall.

Marshall Keene Corbett

Marshall Keene Corbett died of natural causes Jan. 4 in Kalispell, three days shy of his 90th birthday. He was a vigorous man for most of his life, with an irrepressible sense of humor and a penchant for storytelling.

Sigea reaches plea deal with prosecutors on burglary charge

A Libby man already serving three years for drug and paraphernalia possession pleaded guilty to a single count of burglary in Lincoln County District Court on Dec. 30.

County commissioners to lobby governor on land deal

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners is working with the Montana Forest Collaborative Network in petitioning Gov. Steve Bullock for help retaining access to a vast swath of land up for private sale.

Carver arraigned on drug, theft charges

Alicia Dawn Carver, 28, pleaded not guilty to theft, criminal possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia in Lincoln County District Court on Jan. 6.

Legals January 10, 2020

CNS-3329215# Frontier provides flat rate residential service for $14.18 and business service for $26.20. Other taxes, fees, and surcharges may apply. Frontier offers single party service, touch tone, toll blocking, access to long distance, emergency services, operator assistance, and directory assistance. Use of these services may result in additional charges. Budget or economy services may also be available. Frontier offers Lifeline service which is a nontransferable government assistance program that provides a $7.25 discount on the cost of monthly telephone service or $9.25 on eligible broadband or bundled voice and broadband products (where available) and is limited to one discount per household. In addition to Basic Lifeline, individuals living on federally recognized Tribal Lands who meet the eligibility criteria may also qualify for additional monthly discounts through Enhanced Lifeline and up to $100.00 toward installation fees through the Tribal Link-Up program. You may also qualify for an additional state discount where available If you have any questions regarding Frontier's rates or services, please call us at 1-800-FRONTIER for further information or visit us at www.Frontier.com. Published In The Western News January 10, 2020. MNAXLP

LEGALS JANUARY 10, 2020

CNS-3329215# Frontier provides flat rate residential service

Donald Fredrick Munsel, 82

Donald Fredrick “Red” Munsel, 82, died Jan. 1, 2020, at his home in Libby after a long time battle with asbestosis. He was born on Aug. 2, 1937, in Libby to Fred and Mary (Stout) Munsel.

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.

Thorstenson pleads guilty to burglary

Jeremy Charles Thorstenson pleaded guilty to a single count of burglary for breaking into a Lakeshore Drive summer home earlier in the year as part of an agreement with prosecutors.

Victoria Elena Haugen

Victoria Elena Haugen passed away Dec. 28, 2019, at the Brendan House in Kalispell following a five-month battle with lung cancer.

County health officials to enforce state vape ban

Local enforcement of the state’s emergency, 120-day ban on the sale of flavored vaping products has fallen to the Lincoln County Health Department.

Adkison faces drug possession charges after arrest

A Libby man was arraigned Dec. 30 on drug possession charges after Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies caught him with methamphetamine, a pipe and more than $1,000 in cash.

Year In Review, Part 4

Ezra David Tanner

Thomas and Rachel Tanner of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, welcomed a baby boy on Dec. 5, 2019, at the birthing suite of Family Birth Services. Ezra David Tanner weighed seven pounds, 10 ounces and was 20-and-one-half inches long. He was delivered by Joyce Vogel, licensed midwife.

William O. Teigen, 82

William O. Teigen, 82, of Libby, died of natural causes Dec. 28, 2019, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. He was born Jan. 29, 1937, in Kalispell to Oswald and Dorothy (Wilson) Teigen.

Legals January 7, 2020

Legal Notice Notice of intent to sell contents of storage units as listed below on Jan. 10th, 2020 at 10 A.M. for past due rents owed to Starlite Storage. A4 - Lydia Smith A15 - Kelton Wesley B34 - Melissa Ziesemer B48 - Pam Polejewski C54 - John Ackerman Published in The Western News January 3, 7, 10, 2020. MNAXLP

LEGALS JANUARY 7, 2020

Legal Notice Notice of intent to sell contents of storage units

Alleged U.S. Army deserter held in Lincoln County

Authorities in Lincoln County are holding a 68-year-old man accused of being a Vietnam Era U.S. Army deserter.

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.

The Western News Year In Review, Part 3

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:

Terry given 20 years for drug distribution

A Libby man convicted on four counts of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs was sentenced to 20 years behind bars Dec. 27.

Multiple Medicare scams reported

State officials say seven residents gave out their Medicare numbers in December after being targeted by scammers.

Thaddeus Aaron Nollmeyer

Ashley and Joe Nollmeyer welcomed a baby boy on Dec. 10, 2019, at home in Libby. Thaddeus Aaron Nollmeyer weighed eight pounds, 15 ounces and was 20-and-one-half inches long. He was delivered by Joyce Vogel, licensed midwife.

Legals January 3, 2020

MATTHEW J. CUFFE, District Judge 512 California Avenue, Libby, MT 59923 MONTANA NINETEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LINCOLN COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF L.A.H., A Youth In Need of Care. Cause No. DN-18-16 CITATION FOR PUBLICATION TO: SHANE WILLIAM HAFLICH YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition has been filed in the above-entitled Court by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division (DPHHS) requesting permanent legal custody, termination of parental rights with right to consent to adoption. NOW, THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to appear on January 13, 2020, at 1:30 o'clock p.m., at the Montana Nineteenth Judicial District Court, 512 California Avenue, Libby, Montana, then and there to show cause, if any you may have, why DPHHS's requests for relief should not be granted. The youth was born on 07/15/2014 in Kalispell, Montana. The youth's mother is Jennifer Freeman. The youth's putative father is Shane Haflich. You have the right to be represented by an attorney in these proceedings. If you are unable to afford an attorney, you have the right to ask the Court to appoint an attorney to represent you. Your failure to appear at the hearing constitutes a denial of your interest in the above-named child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in judgment by default being entered for the relief requested in the petition. A copy of the Petition is filed with the Clerk of District Court in Lincoln County, 406-283-2342. WITNESS the Honorable Matthew J. Cuffe, Judge of the above-entitled Court and the Seal of this Court, this 18th day of December, 2019. TRICIA BROOKS, Clerk of District Court By: /s/ Kelsi Chambers Deputy Clerk Published in The Western News December 20, 27, 2019, & January 3, 2020. MNAXLP

Rockslide likely caused BNSF derailment

BONNERS FERRY — A rockslide likely caused the derailment of a mile-long BNSF Railway train Wednesday night, sending an engine with its two-person crew plunging into the Kootenai River.

LEGALS JANUARY 3, 2020

MATTHEW J. CUFFE, District Judge 512 California Avenue, Libby, MT 59923

Train carrying hazardous material derails in Idaho

BONNERS FERRY — The crew of a BNSF train that derailed Wednesday night ended up in the river and possibly trapped for a period of time.