Ellington

Coronavirus cases jump

Cases of the novel coronavirus jumped in Lincoln County over the weekend.

EPA, DEQ settle on funding deal for Superfund site

Long-awaited federal dollars will soon be available to state and local officials for the continued maintenance of the Libby Superfund site.

Callahan Fire 72 percent contained

As containment of the Callahan Fire continues, a Type III incident management team has taken over suppression efforts.

Yvonda “Vonda” Sioux Brehmer Wilkes, 52

Yvonda “Vonda” Sioux Brehmer Wilkes, 52.

Major fee hike proposed for Fisher River Fire Service Area

The Fisher River Fire Service Area Board of Trustees is planning a significant hike in its annual fees. If approved, some residents could see their rates double.

Mill levies raised for Lincoln County School District

After the Lincoln County School District received a funding bump from federal coronavirus aid dollars, county commissioners reapproved its mill levies on Sept. 23.

Sebastian Robert Reed Runkle

David Runkle and Aliveyonna Reed welcomed a baby boy Sept. 7, 2020, at 8:34 a.m.

Remote learning remains a challenge in Libby

A month after Lincoln County schools reopened for the fall semester, educators continue having trouble juggling remote learning and in-person teaching.

Fast food trip ends with arrest, felony charges

A trip to a fast food drive thru in Libby ended with a Kalispell man facing driving under the influence charges in Lincoln County District Court.

Winebark pleads not guilty to assault charge

A Troy man faces aggravated assault charges after a June 12 fight left a minor hospitalized with a broken jaw.

Lady Broncs outpace Lady Loggers

The Frenchtown Lady Broncs bucked the Lady Loggers over four games on Sept. 26.

St. Onge accused of driving over ex-girlfriend's feet

A Kalispell man faces multiple charges after authorities say he drove over the feet of his ex-girlfriend in the Happy’s Inn area last month.

Oliver Olin

Shey Wolfe and Jaden Olin welcomed a baby boy Sept. 8, 2020, at 9:51 p.m.

Legals for September, 29 2020

Bits 'n pieces from east, west and beyond

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

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.

Ferguson sentencing delayed

Lincoln County District Judge Matthew Cuffe held off on sentencing a Eureka man accused of sexually assaulting a minor earlier this week.

Libby mayor: Pool construction rumor is just that

No, it's not an aquatic facility.

COVID-19 complicates wildfire response

As they continue to battle the Callahan Fire, officials are managing hundreds of firefighters and dozens of pieces of machinery drawn from multiple states. While challenging under any circumstances, coordinating these resources in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic has created unique administrative headaches.

Remi Benefield

Holly Benefield welcomed a baby girl on August 26, 2020 at 8:35 a.m.

Use your vote to support renewable energy in Montana

Montana has abundant sunshine and plenty of wind, but we have barely left the starting blocks in development of those resources. One reason: Montana’s Public Service Commission (PSC) has followed the lead of our state’s largest monopoly utility, NorthWestern Energy, in discouraging the development of renewable energy.

PSC must embrace renewable energy

Montana has abundant sunshine and plenty of wind, but we have barely left the starting blocks in development of those resources. One reason: Montana’s Public Service Commission (PSC) has followed the lead of our state’s largest monopoly utility, NorthWestern Energy, in discouraging the development of renewable energy.

The time has come to reclaim America

Our mission should always be to preserve the nobility of America’s character as one nation under God and a place where anybody’s dream can come true.

Gunderson appears to carry dirty water for Teck's mining operations

In a recent meeting regarding the health of the Kootenai watershed, I was shocked to hear Rep. Steve Gunderson (R-Libby) use his position to protect his Lincoln County constituents and Montana from clean water.

Promoting mob rule goes against American values

Regarding Black Lives Matter...

Pirates sink Lady Loggers in four matches

The Lady Logger lost their Sept. 22 match against the Polson Pirates over four games.

Loggers' second half rally falls short

The Libby Loggers rallied late on the road against the Columbia Falls Wildcats on Sept. 23, but ultimately could not claw out of the hole they fell into during the first half.

Libby officials review CWD management plan

As efforts to merge local and state responses to chronic wasting disease continue, Libby officials have received a draft management plan from Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks.

Sophie Lynnell Blaz

Sophie Lynnell Blaz

Commissioners touch on death of Ginsburg

“I didn’t agree with her on a lot of her positions, but I admired her," said County Commissioner Mark Peck (D-1).

County to use Memorial Center for jury trials

Lincoln County is poised to lease the Libby Memorial Events Center for $575 per district court jury trial.

Ronda Lynn Noland

Ronda Lynn Noland

Annabella Crittenden

Annabella Crittenden

Legals for September, 25 2020

Firefighters begin to contain Callahan Fire

Officials with the interagency group tasked with fighting the Callahan Fire put the blaze at 1,276 acres on Sept. 21.

Lloyd J. Beliakoff, 80

Lloyd J. Beliakoff, 80.

Health department strained as COVID surges in Flathead

A surge in COVID-19 cases in Flathead County over the past week, which officials say can partially be attributed to Labor Day weekend activities, has strained the health department’s ability to relay case data to the state, perform contact tracing and other tasks associated with the new positives, a local health official said Thursday.

Vikings swamp Trojans

The Charlo Vikings pillaged the Troy Trojans 52-0 on Sept. 18.

Wildfire smoke leaves lung damage long after air clears

While it's long been known that smoke can be dangerous when in the thick of it — triggering asthma attacks, cardiac arrests, hospitalizations and more — the Seeley Lake research confirmed what public health experts feared: Wildfire haze can have consequences long after it's gone.

Gary E. McCabe, 77

Gary E. McCabe, 77

Troy retains pandemic emergency declaration

Troy City Council opted last week to keep the municipality’s COVID-19 emergency declaration active.

Election administrator grapples with concerns, misinformation

Chris Nelson, county election administrator, said many who have contacted him simply want clarification on the process. Some, however, have expressed anger based on misinterpretations of the new system or misinformation circulating online.

Property owners go it alone on asbestos abatement with ARP funding in flux

While funding remains in flux for maintaining the Libby Superfund site, property owners are having to remove asbestos on their own or pay out of pocket for professionals.

Shoemaker accused of strangling girlfriend

A Libby man faces strangulation charges in Lincoln County District Court after allegedly choking his girlfriend earlier this month.

Authorities say restaurant employee stole food, equipment during COVID-19 shutdown

A 25-year-old man faces a felony theft charge after authorities say he stole more than $2,000 in equipment and food from a restaurant closed during the height of COVID-10 pandemic restrictions.

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.

Lady Loggers sweep Browning in three games

The Lady Loggers pummeled the Browning Indians, winning their Sept. 19 match in three games.

Legals for September, 22 2020

Bits 'n pieces from east, west and beyond

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

John Andrews Ring, 80

John Andrews Ring’s work here, on earth, was done and Christ called him home. On Sept. 1, 2020, he passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle with cancer at his home and in the arms of his loving wife.

Scant evidence of voter fraud in Montana, expert says

Over the course of a decade and more than 7 million ballots cast in Montana, an elections expert found just one instance of illegal voting, he told a judge Tuesday.

Loggers rack up another win in Ronan

The Libby Loggers felled the Ronan Chiefs 30-14 on the road Sept. 11.

Price tag for Troy property too high for ambulance service

Troy City Councilors continued to mull over a potential plan to sell or lease a piece of city-owned property to the Troy Volunteer Ambulance during a Sept. 6 meeting.

Libby sees bump in new, out-of-state students

With schools across the country committing to remote learning, Libby administrators have seen a rise in out-of-state enrollment from families looking for an in-person education.

Callahan Fire grows to 1,660 acres

Officials with the interagency fire group managing the Callahan Fire estimated the size of the blaze at 1,660 acres on Sept. 17.

Libby boys take fifth in Cabinet View Invitational

Libby High School Golf teed off the Cabinet View Invitational, their only home tournament, on Sept. 11.

Flag raising ceremony planned for county courthouse

Local officials are tentatively planning on holding a small ceremony on Veterans Day to mark the raising of a new flag and flagpole in front of the Lincoln County Courthouse.

Chainsaw carving competition draws global crowd

Enveloped in a haze of wood dust and the roar of her chainsaw, Griffon Ramsey was in her element.

Anxiety, depression on the rise

Health workers are reporting an increase in anxiety and depression locally since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Sheriff's Office Blotter

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

Legals for September, 18 2020

Report suggests how to best manage grizzly bears

Gov. Steve Bullock’s Grizzly Bear Advisory Council issued its final report to the governor on Thursday, offering a host of recommendations by consensus on how best to manage grizzly bears once they’re removed from the Endangered Species List.

Black, Peck hope to secure fast coronavirus tests

Lincoln County’s top doctor is working with state and local officials to expand coronavirus testing with winter rapidly approaching.

County looks to bring on a disease intervention specialist

The Lincoln County Health Department may soon be hiring a disease intervention specialist.

John Max Sundblad, 86

John Max Sundblad, 86, longtime resident of Libby, died Sept. 7, 2020, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby.

Olney accused of attacking detention center officer

The Libby woman accused of absconding with her grandson earlier this year faces new allegations in Lincoln County District Court, but officials are unsure if she is mentally fit.

Ballots set to go out by mail next month

With November fast approaching, general election ballots will soon be available to Lincoln County voters.

Titans hammer Trojans in 76-0 victory

“We’re not mentally tough,” said senior Jace Fisher. “A lot of the guys are young and that’s just going to happen.”

Officials brief residents on growing Callahan Fire

As the Callahan Fire swelled to 1,200 acres, U.S. Forest Service and local government officials briefed residents on their efforts to battle the blaze during a Sept. 13 public meeting.

Hunters reminded to watch for CWD

As hunters brace for a 2020 field season in the middle of a COVID-19 pandemic, they've still got to deal with a more persistent wildlife disease problem: chronic wasting disease.

Legals for September, 15 2020

Air quality hazardous as Callahan Fire grows

Air quality in Libby and Troy fell to hazardous levels as the Callahan Fire grew to about 1,000 acres on Sept. 13, blanketing Lincoln County in a hazy layer of smoke.

Callahan fire grows to 400 acres

U.S. Forest Service officials say the Callahan Fire has grown to 400 acres as of Sept. 12.

New coronavirus-related death reported as cases climb

Cases of the novel coronavirus climbed in Lincoln County in recent days, amounting to one death over the weekend and reports of infections in the Libby school system and police department.

Raymond W. Hartley

Raymond W. Hartley passed away after a long battle with health issues.

Kendall pleads guilty as part of deal with prosecutors

As part of an agreement with prosecutors, Kendall pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, drawing gasps from the small crowd inside the county courthouse.

Two Libby Students test positive for the coronavirus

Less than two weeks after Libby Schools opened their doors, two students have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Firefighters battle 150 acre wildfire

U.S. Forest Service firefighters are battling a human-started 150 acre wildfire in the South Callahan Drainage near Troy.

Allegations of unsanitary, unsafe living conditions emerge at local trailer parks

The owner of two Libby trailer parks is facing charges for unsanitary living conditions at one of his properties.

Wildcats claw Lady Loggers

The Lady Loggers fell in four games to the Columbia Falls Wildcats on Sept. 8.

Commissioners review Election Day plan

After receiving state approval to conduct mail-in voting, Lincoln County officials are reviewing plans for the November election.

Feds hope to secure $8 million for Kootenai National Forest

U.S. Forest Service officials hope to receive up to $8 million in federal funding for projects within the Kootenai National Forest.

Richard Darsow, 73

Longtime member of the Libby community Richard "Rich" Darsow, 73, died peacefully on Sept. 2, 2020.

Legals for September, 11 2020

Cancer fundraiser to hit the ground walking

Supporters of the annual Yaak Wings Walk are preparing to take to the roads on Sept. 12 to raise funds for cancer patients.

Judge rules against attempt to dismiss PNT lawsuit

A U.S. District Court judge has ruled against an attempt made by U.S. Forest Service officials to dismiss a lawsuit claiming that the agency has mismanaged the Pacific Northwest Trail.

Lincoln County to hold a mail-in election

Lincoln County officials now plan to hold a mail-in ballot election in November.

Commissioners balance budget

It came down to the wire, but the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners approved a balanced budget for fiscal year 2021 on Sept. 2.

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.

Officials tell fans to mask up

Libby School District officials reiterated the importance of wearing face coverings at sporting events after announcing the district may be punished if spectators fail to do so.

Lady Loggers tame Bulldogs

Over five nail-biting games, the Lady Loggers varsity volleyball team pulled off a win against Whitefish on Sept. 3.

Libby firefighters douse brushfire

Libby fire officials caught a lucky break Sept. 5.

Child trafficking awareness rally draws small crowd

A demonstration held to raise awareness about the danger of child trafficking drew a small but dedicated crowd to the sidewalks abutting U.S. Highway 2 on Sept. 5.

Loggers drub Indians in senior night game

The Libby Loggers marked senior night with panache, routing the Browning Indians 54-14.

Nancy Kay Lee, 59

Nancy Kay Lee, 59, passed away suddenly Sept. 1, 2020, in Troy.

Eli Sherwood Fowler III, 75

Eli “Woody” Sherwood Fowler III, 75, of Post Falls, Idaho, passed away at The Schneidmiller House in August 2020.

Legals for September, 8 2020

In a reversal, county officials now plan on a mail-in ballot election

Newly appointed Election Administrator Chris Nelson announced the change on Sept. 4. Nelson said he submitted his plan for a mail-in ballot election to the Office of the Montana Secretary of State that day. State officials signed off on the plan by 3 p.m.

Funding still uncertain for Asbestos Resource Program

Two months after the Libby Superfund site was transferred from federal to state oversight, much needed funding for the Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program remains in flux.

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.

Chemical spill at Dickey Lake under investigation

An investigation into a chemical spill that occurred at a Dickey Lake campground last week is currently underway, according to Kootenai National Forest officials.

Trojans fall in season opener

After battling a series of injuries, the Trojans fell 70-16 to Arlee in their Aug. 28 season opener. Luke Haggerty, Troy head coach, said his eight-man team ran the ball well, but fell victim to cramps in the second half.

Logger soccer kicks off

The Libby High School boys and girls soccer teams started off their seasons with loses to Corvallis on Aug. 29.

Libby City Council approves budget

Libby City Council unanimously approved a $5.8 million budget for fiscal year 2021 on Aug. 31. The approval followed a hearing in which members of the public were welcomed to City Hall to comment on the financial road map. No residents provided comments on the budget.

Health officials identify new COVID-19 cases

Officials identified two new individuals infected with the virus: a man in his 20s and a woman in her 60s. Authorities are unsure how the man contracted the virus.

Troy man faces charges related to the kidnapping of his daughter

Benjamin Basham pleaded not guilty to multiple charges in Lincoln County District Court related to the abduction of his daughter in late July.

Suspected arsonist arrested

After recording an unusually high number of human-started fires this year, Lincoln County law enforcement officials have arrested a suspected firebug with a fixation on the end of the world.

Legals for September, 4 2020

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.

County budget released

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners has just under a week to trim roughly 16.4 mills from its proposed $10.7 million operating budget for fiscal year 2021.

W. Glenn Titus

W. Glenn Titus of Troy was called home to The Great Outdoors by his Heavenly Father on Aug. 15, 2020.

Hoffman arraigned for drug possession

Nearly a year after his arrest, Christopher Hoffman was arraigned on a criminal possession of dangerous drugs charge in Lincoln County District Court.

Libby hosts cross country invitational

Libby men's varsity placed fifth and women's varsity went unranked at the Libby Invitational Cross Country meet held on Aug. 29 at the Cabinet View Golf Course.

Lincoln County officials confirm they intend to hold a poll election

Lincoln County officials now intend to hold a traditional election where residents can only vote either at the polls or via absentee ballots despite receiving a previous recommendation to conduct an all-mail election.

Troy City Council approves budget

Troy City Council unanimously approved their budget for fiscal year 2021 during an Aug. 26 meeting.

Sheriff's Office defends need for $4.57 million budget

Although taking the lion’s share of the annual operating budget, officials with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office say there’s not much fat to trim.

Troy and Libby administrators report smooth back to school transitions

After planning all summer, school officials in Troy and Libby put reopening guidelines to the test on Aug. 26 when they welcomed students back into classrooms.

Loggers collar Whitefish Bulldogs

The Libby Loggers kicked off their season with a 21-10 home victory against the Whitefish Bulldogs on Aug. 28.

Legals for September, 1 2020