Ellington

City crews clearing waste from public land once claimed by city council candidate

Libby officials are busy cleaning up piles of waste and debris on public land off City Service Road, land that resident and candidate for city council Darrel “DC” Orr claimed as his in a dispute with nearby Montana Sky earlier this year.

Donations pour in after Marine from Wyoming killed in Kabul

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Donations are pouring in for the widow and unborn child of a U.S. Marine from Wyoming killed in a bombing in Afghanistan.

Demonstrators rally in support of law blocking vaccine mandates

Roughly a dozen demonstrators took to the Lincoln County Courthouse lawn this weekend to show their support for a controversial state law that bans vaccine requirements as discrimination.

Flathead COVID-19 surge strains hospital, health department

Flathead County continues to see an uptick in Covid-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths. The county had 690 active cases on Wednesday — the highest number the area has seen since February, according to local health officials.

Libby High School Educational Trust bestows scholarships

Two members of Libby’s class of 2021 have received scholarships from the Libby High School Educational Trust.

Tax appeal board members sought

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners is on the hunt for a third member for the jurisdiction’s tax appeal board.

Treatment court celebrates first graduates

Three women graduated from Lincoln County Treatment Court last week, marking the program’s inaugural class.

Work at Libby schools beset by problems, shortages

Libby Public Schools administrators have faced more than a couple of setbacks in recent construction and maintenance projects.

Cats claw Trojans at season opener

Despite a promising preseason, the Troy Trojans failed to tame the Clark Fork Wampus Cats during their home opener.

Coal company seeks to weaken Montana water quality standard

Canada's largest coal company is challenging a new Montana water quality standard that aims to limit concentrations of toxic runoff from the company's mines in British Columbia as it travels across the international border into the Kootenai River and Lake Koocanusa.

Legals for August, 31 2021

Biden backs end to wolf protections but hunting worries grow

FARIBAULT, Minn. (AP) — President Joe Biden's administration is sticking by the decision under former President Donald Trump to lift protections for gray wolves across most of the U.S. But a top federal wildlife official on Friday told The Associated Press there is growing concern over aggressive wolf hunting seasons adopted for the predators in the western Great Lakes and northern Rocky Mountains.

Record Yellowstone tourism but timed entry plan not imminent

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — Yellowstone National Park won't implement a timed-entry system at least in the next year but it's possible eventually, the park's superintendent said.

Gianforte encourages vaccines, won't mandate shots or masks

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte continues to negotiate a political tight rope related to COVID-19, encouraging people to get vaccinated while promising he will not mandate vaccines or face coverings.

Fire restrictions lifted for northwest Montana

Officials lifted fire restrictions in Lincoln County and throughout northwest Montana earlier this week following a spell of cool and rainy weather.

Study says COVID riskier for heart than Pfizer

NEW YORK — A study from Israel says COVID-19 carries a far higher risk of heart inflammation than Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine.

With hospitals overwhelmed by virus, Idaho seeks volunteers

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho's hospitals are bursting at the seams as coronavirus numbers continue to skyrocket across the state, prompting state leaders to call on residents to serve as volunteers to help keep medical facilities operating.

Hartley tapped to fill outstanding school board vacancy

Libby Public School Board trustees rounded out their ranks earlier this week, appointing a new member to fill a final vacancy on their panel.

Wolves in Idaho, Montana could get federal oversight

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Two conservation groups asked the Biden administration to reinstate a federal monitoring program to oversee the management of gray wolves in Idaho and Montana following changes in wolf hunting laws in the two states intended to drastically reduce wolf numbers.

Montana law contradicts CDC quarantine recommendations

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Montana law is limiting health departments' ability to issue quarantine orders as it sees a wave of COVID-19 cases threatening the state's health care system.

New wolf hunting, trapping regs approved

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved several new wolf hunting and trapping regulations on Friday.

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:

Loretta M. Thorstenson, 86

Loretta M. Thorstenson, 86, died Aug. 20, 2021, at Libby Care Center. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home. A full obituary will appear in a later issue.

Glenn Dee Johnson, 44

Glenn Dee Johnson, 44, our loyal, hardworking and cherished husband, father, brother, uncle and friend returned to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Aug. 24, 2021, after a courageous battle with melanoma cancer.

Loggers hone skills heading into season opener

The Libby Loggers have a few kinks to work out, but the team nevertheless showed promise in the days leading up to the season opener.

Libby golfers hit the road

The Logger golf squad hit the links hard during the first week of their season.

Libby school officials approve $11.3 million budget

Local property owners can expect significant savings in their property taxes next year owing to the end of a five-year Libby Public Schools levy.

Troy schools see bigger budgets

Administrators with Troy Public Schools signed off an increase in the district’s mill levy for next fiscal year, but said that property owners can expect a drop in real estate taxes thanks in part to an influx of new residents.

Justin Stewart French, 53

Justin Stewart French, 53, of Havre passed away peacefully Aug. 16, surrounded by his loving wife, mother, two daughters and brother after a lengthy battle with post COVID-19 related complications.

Libby man arrested after allegedly drawing, firing gun at campgrounds

A Libby man who sent campers at Warland Creek Campground scrambling after allegedly wandering from site to site with a gun while drunk faces multiple charges in Lincoln County District Court.

Elisha Haines-Tinnell

Donald Tinnell II and Crystal Haines welcomed a baby boy July 27, 2021, at 7:45 a.m. Elisha Haines-Tinnell weighed 8 pounds, 11-and-a-half ounces. He was delivered by Dr. Jana Hall.

Lealani Perez-Gallegos

Chadd Perez and Kaitlyn Packwood welcomed a baby girl July 6, 2021, at 10:15 p.m. Lealani Perez-Gallegos weighed 9 pounds, 5 ounces and was 20-and-a-half inches long. She was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell

Grant Reid Towery

Craig and Andrea Towery welcomed a baby boy July 3, 2021, at 5:34 p.m. Grant Reid Towery weighed 8 pounds, 7.8 ounces and was 19 inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.

Knox Broden

Nate Broden and Rylee Pohlman Higginbottom welcomed a baby boy June 30, 2021, at 1:35 p.m. Knox Broden weighed 9 pounds, 1 ounce and was 21-and-a-half inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.

Peggy Williams appointed mayor of Libby

Mayor Pro Tempore Peggy Williams dropped “pro tempore” from her title Aug. 23 after Libby City Council voted to appoint her to the position through the remainder of the year.

City councilors search for avenues to aid statue project

City councilors continue to look for ways they can assist the American Legion Auxiliary No. 97 in restoring an angel statue that overlooks the veterans section of Libby cemetery.

Legals for August, 27 2021

Gene Havens, 83

Gene Havens, 83, passed away in Libby on Aug. 18, 2021. He was born Nov. 16, 1937, in Conrad.

Cool, wet conditions reduce fire activity

Cool weather and rain helped tamp down fire activity over the weekend allowing firefighters to increase their containment of the South Yaak Fire.

US regulators give full approval to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. gave full approval to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine Monday, a milestone that could lift public confidence in the shots and spur more companies, universities and local governments to make vaccinations mandatory.

Public defender office has backlog of 663 cases in Billings

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A judge in Billings ordered the director of the state's public defender office to appear before him next month to explain why her office is failing to assign public defenders to Billings-area cases in a timely manner and why she shouldn't be held in contempt of court.

Body of hiker, missing since early July, found in Beartooths

RED LODGE, Mont. (AP) — Hikers have found the body of a woman who had been missing in the Beartooth Mountains in southern Montana since early July, Carbon County officials said.

Montana senators blast continued closure of Canada border

Both of Montana's senators criticized the Biden administration's decision on Friday to continue blocking nonessential travel from Canada into the United States for an 18th straight month.

Ralie Foss Harrington

Jason Harrington and Mandi Foss welcomed a baby boy on June 25, 2021, at 3:03 p.m. Ralie Foss Harrington weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20-and-a-half inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.

Jackson Tye

Dominique and Zane Tye welcomed a baby boy July 7, 2021 at 1:41 p.m. Jackson Tye weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.

Logger golf squad ready to roll

A young but promising Libby golf squad teed off their first practice of the year at the Cabinet View Golf Course last week.

Have Vaccines, Will Travel: On the Road With a Covid Entrepreneur

VIRGINIA CITY, Mont. — While many businesses in this southwestern Montana “ghost town” reel in tourists with its mining and Wild West vigilante past, one businessman arrived offering a modern product: COVID-19 vaccines.

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:

Larry Calloway, 73

Larry Calloway, 73, of Troy slid gently from this life to the next Aug. 17, 2021. He was born Nov. 7, 1947, in Blountsville, Ala., to Roy and Eunice Calloway.

George Donald Whedon, 77

George Donald Whedon, 77, of Troy passed away Aug. 6, 2021, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby. He was born Jan. 9, 1944, in St. Helena, Calif., to George and Ruth (Richards) Whedon.

Kendall pleads guilty to attempted burglary

Jeremiah Kendall has struck a plea deal with prosecutors for the crimes allegedly committed during his short-lived escape from custody earlier this year.

FWP officials clear proposed conservation easement

Officials with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are recommending the state agency secure a roughly 27,000 conservation easement on private land in Lincoln County.

Mary Ellen Johnson, 96

Mary Ellen Johnson, 96, of Libby passed on peacefully into the arms of Jesus with her family by her side Aug. 16, 2021, at Home Sweet Home in Eureka. She was born March 12, 1925, in Muncie, Ind., to Benjamin and Frances (Kern) Applegate.

Plans for revamped skate park in Troy begin to cement

Thanks to a recent swell in public support, Troy community organizers and city officials are working with a construction firm to give the municipality’s skatepark a facelift.

Legals for August, 24 2021

Mail-in municipal election back up for debate in Libby

City councilors in Libby are reconsidering a mail-in municipal election in the fall after comparing the cost with opening an in-person polling location.

Biden to require COVID vaccines for nursing home staff

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced that his administration will require that nursing home staff be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition for those facilities to continue receiving federal Medicare and Medicaid funding.

Jenny R. Nelson, 97

Jenny R. Nelson, 97, died on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.

Officials take notice of visitors flocking to Kootenai Falls

U.S. Forest Service officials plan to open discussions with the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners over how best to handle the growing popularity of the swinging bridge over the Kootenai Falls.

Gunshot complaint ends in arrest for assault on a peace officer

A south Libby man faces multiple charges after allegedly fighting with sheriff’s deputies when they responded to reports of gunshots on Farm to Market Road earlier this month.

Robert Harold Graves, 41

Robert Harold Graves, 41, of Libby, died Aug. 15, 2021. He was born Oct. 29, 1979, in White Salmon, Wash., under a rock.

Rolf Franz Ernst Zillmer, 89

Rolf Franz Ernst Zillmer, 89, of Libby died Aug. 13, 2021, at the Libby Care Center. He was born Jan. 23, 1932, in Manhattan, N.Y., to Franz and Irene Zillmer.

Russell Arnold Tiwater

Russell Arnold (Rusty) Tiwater went to live with God on Aug. 15, 2021. He was born in Pendleton, Ore., on July 20, 1949, to Russell and Colleen Coggins.

Gerald L. Hayes, 74

Gerald L. Hayes, 74, of Libby died Aug. 14, 2021, in Great Falls. He was born March 12, 1947, in Portland, Ore., to Sterling and Mary (Panchot) Hayes.

Georgianna Adella Dolezal, 87

Georgianna Adella "Peggy" Dolezal, 87, died Aug. 12, 2021, following a rapid decline in her health. Peggy was born Oct. 15, 1933, in Dickinson, N.D., the youngest daughter of Roy and Eyra Boomer.

George L Masters, 76

George L. Masters, 76, of Libby, passed away peacefully at the Libby Care Center on Aug. 2, 2021. He was born Nov. 5, 1944, in Scobey to Jim and Hazel Masters.

Jacob Theodore Mertes

Jacob Theodore Mertes passed away Aug. 7, at the age of 42.

Sara Helene Mertes

Sara Helene Mertes was born Oct. 1, 1983, to John and Christa (Ijames) Huddleston. She left us Aug. 7, 2021, along with her beloved husband, Jacob Mertes.

Leonard Allen Darsow, 85

On Sept. 1, 2020, Leonard "Len" Allen Darsow, 85, died with his children by his bedside in Gig Harbor, Wash.

Lincoln County competing with other locales for wildfire resources

Officials with the team overseeing the Burnt Peak and South Yaak fires pushed back on rumors that crews were slow walking firefighting efforts earlier this week.

ARPA monies sought to bolster fiberboard plant project

Local officials have made headway towards securing money for a new wood processing facility in Libby, but stress that much work remains to be done before they can begin stocking the factory.

Leonard "Brett" Rehard

Leonard “Brett” Rehard, lifelong Coeur d’Alene, Idaho resident, went to be in the arms of Jesus on July 28, 2021, at Kootenai Health. He was born March 15, 1983, to Lennie and Christy (Gilbert) Rehard.

Legals for August, 20 2021

Bennie David Smith, 85

Bennie David Smith, 85, went to be with our Lord on Aug. 11, 2021, in Decatur, Texas.

After surrendering personal arsenal to feds, Kilgore back in district court

A Libby man brought up on federal charges after allegedly shooting a horse last summer is back in Lincoln County District Court.

Ralph E. Davis

On Monday, July 26, 2021, Ralph E. Davis decided he couldn't stand another Monday. It was an unplanned, unexcused absence. He had heard that there were great fishing streams up north, so he went fishing with his friends and family that have passed.

Georgianna "Peggy" Dolezal, 87

Georgianna “Peggy” Dolezal, 87, died Aug. 12, 2021 at Logan Health Center in Kalispell.

Thomas Wayne Sunell, 66

Thomas Wayne Sunell, 66, of Kalispell died July 16, 2021, at Logan Health Medical Center after a brief unexpected illness. Tom was born July 8, 1955, in Colorado Springs, Colo., to Howard Sulo Sunell and Betty Louise Hutton Sunell.

Edwin William Jewell

Edwin William Jewell journeyed to be with Christ on Aug. 9, 2021. Ed was a Christmas present to his mother, Edith Mae, and his father, Ernst A. Jewell, born Dec. 25, 1931, in their home in Havre.

Troy school officials adopt pandemic rules

Troy Public Schools board members narrowly voted to make masks optional when students return to classes after hearing from a handful of parents last week who overwhelmingly opposed a face covering mandate.

'He died alone, without family'

Earl Stanley went into the Libby Care Center after suffering a bad fall. He died of complications to COVID-19

When Earl Stanley moved into the Libby Care Center after an injurious fall in early July, his family expected him to be back on his feet within a few months.

Logan Health exceeds adult acute-care bed capacity

Logan Health Medical Center surpassed its adult acute-care bed capacity this week after the hospital experienced a surge in both emergency-room activity and patients suffering from COVID-19.

Whitefish, Columbia Falls schools announce opposite mask policies

The two biggest school districts in the North Valley will take opposite approaches to mask requirements when the school year starts in a couple weeks.

Forest Service maxed out as wildfires break across US West

WESTWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service said Friday it's operating in crisis mode, fully deploying firefighters and maxing out its support system as wildfires continue to break out across the U.S. West, threatening thousands of homes and entire towns.

Hot, dry weather stokes Burnt Peak and South Yaak fires

The Burnt Peak and South Yaak fires continued to expand over the weekend, stoked by high temperatures and low humidity.

Earl Stanley

You may have taken notice of the old man smoking his pipe while walking about Libby with his little companion, Riley, a black and white Boston bull terrier. Perhaps you found a compassionate listener to how your day was going. That guy was our Uncle Earl — and he became Uncle Earl to so many.

Russell Arnold Tiwater

Russell "Rusty" Arnold Tiwater went to be with God on Aug. 15, 2021. He was born in Pendleton, Ore., on July 20, 1949.

Legals for August, 17 2021

Libby's soccer team will face competitors on an even playing field this year

After years of using the high school football field as their home turf, Libby’s soccer players will have the chance to practice and play on a full-size pitch this season.

As rural America shrinks, political power shifts

As states turn to drawing new state legislative and congressional districts after census numbers come out Aug. 12, they're likely to find that rural, generally conservative areas have shrunk in the past 10 years and stand to lose power in statehouses and Congress.

Property owner seeks partial reimbursement for main work

A local property owner is seeking partial reimbursement from the City of Libby after undertaking an extensive sewer line upgrade along U.S. Highway 2 benefitting the municipality and nearby businesses.

Grizzly bear in fatal Montana attack was guarding food cache

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A grizzly bear that fatally mauled a Montana man near Yellowstone National Park this spring was likely defending a moose carcass and may have continued to aggressively guard the cache — including by charging at rescuers and investigators — because of a recent fight with another grizzly, investigators theorized.

With housing tight, RVs become permanent homes in Bozeman

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — Finding a place to live in Gallatin County is a fraught task.

Missoula schools to require face coverings for first 6 weeks

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — With the new school year approaching, districts are setting mask policies to reduce the spread of the coronavirus as cases surge in Montana.

William Patrick Weatherly, 17

William “Will” Patrick Weatherly, 17, died July 20, 2021. He was born Sept. 5, 2003, in Oklahoma City, Okla. He was a loving, sweet and talented young man with the whole world ahead of him when his life tragically ended.

Commissioners back feds in lawsuit over wolverines

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners last week waded into civil litigation between the federal government and a coalition of conservation groups over the status of the nation’s wolverine population.

Wildfire bears down on Montana towns as West burns

LAME DEER, Mont. (AP) — A wildfire bore down on rural southeastern Montana towns Thursday as continuing hot, dry weather throughout the West drove flames through more than a dozen states.

Troy outlines pandemic plan as school year approaches

Administrators with Troy Public Schools expect that masks will be optional when students return to classes later this month.

Masks optional in Libby schools

Face coverings will be optional for Libby Public School students when they return to classrooms on Aug. 25.

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:

Marvel J. Thompson, 86

Marvel J. Thompson, 86, born and raised in Libby, died July 30, 2021, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. Marvel was born to Glen and Eileen Leckrone, Oct. 23, 1934. She graduated from Libby High School in 1952.

Polson man accused of posing as U.S. marshal

A Polson man faces a felony charge after allegedly trying to pass himself off as a U.S. marshal to two minors last weekend.

State explains how to comply with Montana's vaccine discrimination law

The Montana Department of Labor and Industry this week offered guidance to government agencies and private businesses on how to adhere to a new state law barring discriminating against people on the basis of vaccination status.

Firefighters prepare for return of hot, dry conditions

Local firefighters are bracing themselves for warm and dry conditions that could inflame fire activity near uncontained lines on the South Yaak and Burn Peak blazes.

Libby gets a taste of Italy

Libby’s menu expanded when Dorio’s, an Italian restaurant with an old-school, home-style flair, made its soft opening last week.

Legals for August, 13 2021

Duane Alan Richards

Duane Alan Richards was born Jan. 1, 1950, in Springfield, Mo. He died Aug. 3, 2021 in Libby, surrounded by his family.

Morris sentenced on assault with a weapon charge

Leroy Robert Morris has received a suspended, 10-year sentence for pulling a handgun during a confrontation near Therriault Pass Road last summer.

Tragedy takes lives of beloved local couple

Two Libby residents, known for their dedication to community service and a love for the outdoors, died in a plane crash in southeastern Minnesota over the weekend along with a relative.

Sheriff's Office rescinds evacuation orders for residents near South Yaak Fire

Following a weekend of minimal fire activity, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office rescinded evacuation orders for Kilbrennan Lake and Eastside roads near the South Yaak Fire on Monday.

Retired teacher puts limelight on city's history with new book

When Jeff Gruber set out to document Libby’s history, he thought the project might take him a few months. Now, after 17 years of cataloging, researching and writing, the first of his three volumes on the city and surrounding areas is hitting bookshelves.

Feds to nix work requirements in Montana Medicaid expansion program

Federal health officials will likely reject Montana's request to include work requirements for beneficiaries of its Medicaid expansion program, which insures 100,000 low-income Montana adults, state officials said.

Wildfire smoke worsens health conditions, increases deaths — and it's getting worse

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — For successive days this week, Colorado ranked among the worst areas in the world for air quality, and statewide alerts warning of the dangerous haze have become a constant part of summer life.

Drought could bring changes to Montana hunting season

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Hunting this fall could be largely shaped by the widespread drought hitting the state this summer, from potential access closures to impacts on wildlife fitness and location.

Troy City Council returns Seifert to health board

Jim Seifert is headed back to the Lincoln County Health Board after Troy City Council voted narrowly to again name him the municipality’s representative to the panel.

Changing of the guard at Libby Family Eye Care

Libby Family Eye Care is getting a new name and optometrist in the coming months.

Sylvia Stufflebeam

Justin and Kimberly Stufflebeam welcomed a baby girl July 1, 2021, at 8:28 am. Sylvia Stufflebeam weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces and was 18.5 inches long. She was delivered by Dr. Kelli Jarrett.

COVID-19 cases on the rise again

After a relatively quiet spring and early summer, the number of active coronavirus cases in Lincoln County appears to be on the rise.

Edwin A. Parris, 83

Our beloved Edwin “Sonny” A. Parris, 83, passed away peacefully July 29, 2021. He was born in Epworth, Ga., in 1938 to Audelee and Lora Parris and joined his family of three brothers and three sisters.

Leonard Brett Rehard, 38

Leonard Brett Rehard was born March 15, 1983, to Leonard Howard Rehard (Lennie) and Christy Ann Sabo (Gilbert) in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and passed away July 28, 2021, at the age of 38.

Legals for August, 10 2021

Prominent Libby couple killed in plane crash

VICTORIA, Minn. (AP) — A relative has identified three people killed in the fiery crash of a small plane in southeastern Minnesota as a surgeon from Omaha, Nebraska, and two of his family members from Libby, Montana.

State launches online dashboard for Montana wildfires

A new online dashboard contains detailed information about wildfires burning across Montana.

State funding to aid local trails

Lincoln County Port Authority has received nearly $50,000 in state funding to spruce up trail sections near Libby Creek.

Tribes, conservation groups sue state for ending 'bad actor' lawsuit

The Fort Belknap Indian Community and a coalition of environmental nonprofit groups said this week they plan to sue the Montana Department of Environmental Quality for failing to uphold its duties under the Metal Mine Reclamation Act.

Man headed to prison for vehicular assault

A northwest Montana man who nearly killed two local people while driving high on meth last year is headed to the Montana State Prison.

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:

More Montana National Guard soldiers to help with wildfires

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte said Tuesday that he would increase the number of National Guard troops helping respond to wildfires.

Jack Ballard announces run for Montana's US House seat

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Democrat Jack Ballard announced Tuesday a run for the U.S. House, in the hopes of unseating Republican Rep. Matt Rosendale.

2 men indicted in alleged $1 million COVID relief scheme

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Federal prosecutors announced charges on Tuesday against two Montana men accused of pocketing $1 million in loans that were meant to cover payroll and other expenses through the federal government's COVID-19 relief program.

Gianforte announces federal aid for school virus testing

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Wednesday allocation of over $35 million in coronavirus relief dollars.

Body of missing teen found in Kootenai River

Searchers have found the body of a 17-year-old boy who fell into the Kootenai River last month.

Marvel J. Thompson, 86

Marvel J. Thompson, 86, died July 30, 2021, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby.

Gwendolyn Ellen Mally, 81

Gwendolyn Ellen Mally, 81, of Stevensville passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 28, 2021. Gwen was born on Oct. 23, 1939, in Richmond, Calif., to Francis Earl and Venita Marie (Byars) Gray.

Angeline Regina Allen

Angeline Regina Allen, a longtime resident of Montana, passed away July 24, 2021, in Colville, Wash. Angeline was born Nov. 1, 1941, to Mike and Elizabeth (Houlk) Hoerner in Columbia Falls.

Drought, resource constraints pose challenges in wildfire fight

With two large wildfires already burning in the Troy area and the West suffering a major drought, local officials want to impress upon residents the severity of the strain on emergency services.

Effort underway to give cemetery angel a 'facelift'

For decades, an angel has stood silent watch over the veterans buried in the City of Libby Cemetery. Now members of a local veterans group want to see her restored in time for her centennial.

City council nixes mail-in ballot for November

Voters likely will cast ballots in person during November’s municipal election after Libby City Council rejected a proposal for a mail-in election this week.

Services in Whitefish strained during major music festival

Whitefish felt the impacts of the Under the Big Sky music festival that recently drew thousands of people to the Flathead Valley.

Facing ventenata, officials switch strategy from eradication to containment

An invasive grass, which some experts worry could hamper Montana’s agricultural sector, has established a foothold in Lincoln County.

Legals for August, 6 2021

Join Tester in supporting the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act

Montana is synonymous with the great outdoors. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the state’s natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Why should we care about the danger facing the unvaccinated?

"We won with poorly educated. I love the poorly educated," crowed former President Donald Trump at a rally in February 2016. I am reminded of this whenever I hear of the political divide between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated. I am reminded of this when I hear the misinformation and lies perpetuated by rightwing politicians, conservative media outlets and the folks who parrot them.

Far-flung areas should be cut from Black Ram timber sale

The Kootenai National Forest (KNF) is waiting for a grizzly bear biological assessment from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the Black Ram timber sale in the Yaak. As proposed by KNF, Black Ram would “likely adversely affect” the Yaak’s 20-plus remaining grizzly bears.

Commissioners took concerns about ARPA spending seriously

On July 21, I attended the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting to make a plea regarding the $3.8 million allocated to county by the American Rescue Plan Act. That plea went something like this: All residents in Lincoln County have been affected by COVID-19 — and the response to it — on some level. For the sake of transparency and fairness, it seems appropriate that the commissioners convene a nonpartisan citizens committee to allow direct participation and representation while considering how to spend that money.

Thomas J. Blinco, 74

Thomas J. “Tom” Blinco, 74, of Libby, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on July 20, 2021. He was born on Nov. 18, 1946, to Leslie and MaryJane Blinco in Anaconda. He worked for the mill in Libby for 30 years, retiring when it closed.

Major landowners close off access

Large landholders in northwest Montana, including Stimson Lumber Co., are closing off access in the wake of drought, hot temperatures and increased wildfire risk.

Rain did little to aid wildfire efforts

The much-anticipated rain overnight Sunday did little to aid efforts to curtail the Burnt Peak and South Yaak fires.

Critical race theory can't be allowed to open the classroom to discrimination

A recent thoughtful and well-reasoned attorney general’s opinion on critical race theory from Austin Knudsen has people on the left stamping their feet and pulling out their hair. The Montana Democrats’ spin machine is on full blast to justify racial discrimination in Montana schools, universities and workplaces. In defense of the controversial teachings, liberal lawyers, legislators and editorial boards are arguing that actively being racist is the only way to make sure people aren’t racist.

Biden sees shortages to stop climate-change fueled wildfires

President Joe Biden is sounding the alarm about the need for more resources to fight a series of wildfires in western states, as climate change has worsened the spread and ferocity of the blazes.

Suspected firebug pleads guilty in separate felony case

A Eureka man still facing multiple arson charges has pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon in Lincoln County District Court.

Logan Health reopens COVID-19 unit

In preparation for what experts believe will be a large and lingering wave of COVID-19-related hospitalizations, Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell has reopened an area of the hospital reserved for patients who test positive for the virus.

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:

Troy Schools buy air quality monitoring system

Troy residents may now keep tabs on their local air quality thanks to a new monitoring system installed by the local school district.

Teske sworn in as commissioner; Libby City Hall accepting applications for mayor

Brent Teske formally joined the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners by taking the oath of office last week, opening up his previous post as mayor of Libby to newcomers.

Robert Johns

Robert (Bob) Johns passed away May 3, 2021, at Castle Rock, Wash. Bob was born to Ed and Alda Johns on March 1, 1941, in Denver.

Legals for August, 3 2021