Ellington

Dufficy bids farewell to City Council Chambers

Outgoing City Councilor Rob Dufficy received a fond sendoff from his colleagues during his last appearance in City Council Chambers on Dec. 20.

Carol Jean Marie Hoffman Burriss, 82

Carol Jean Marie Hoffman Burriss, 82, of Libby passed away Dec. 20, 2021, at her home. Born March 4, 1939, in Crookston, Minn., to Clarence and Mary (Lizzoce) Hoffman, she attended school in Crookston and lived there until she and husband, Gay Gudmunson, moved to Montana.

Dennis Martin Riedlinger, 71

Dennis Martin Riedlinger, 71, died of natural causes Dec. 15, 2021. He was born to Martin and JoAn Riedlinger on June 7, 1950. Dennis grew up and attended schools in Troy.

Year in Review, Part 2

Join The Western News in taking a look back at the biggest stories of 2021, a year that won’t soon be forgotten.

Montana's minimum wage rising 45 cents to $9.20 on Jan. 1

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's minimum wage is rising by 45 cents, to $9.20 per hour, beginning on Jan. 1, according to the Department of Labor and Industry.

2 Minnesota snowmobilers die in southern Montana avalanche

COOKE CITY, Mont. (AP) — Two Minnesota men died in an avalanche while snowmobiling in the mountains north of Yellowstone National Park, where about 3 feet (1 meter) of snow had fallen over the past week, the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center said.

Wildlife officials start feeding elk in central Idaho

KETCHUM, Idaho (AP) — Idaho wildlife officials have started feeding elk west of Ketchum and Sun Valley in central Idaho to keep them out of populated areas.

Move to shorten COVID-19 isolation stirs confusion, doubt

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials' decision to shorten the recommended COVID-19 isolation and quarantine period from 10 days to five is drawing criticism from some medical experts and could create more confusion and fear among Americans.

U.S. home prices surge 18.4 percent in October

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. home prices surged again in October as the housing market continues to boom in the wake of last year's coronavirus recession.

Biden signs $768.2 billion defense spending bill into law

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act into law, authorizing $768.2 billion in military spending, including a 2.7% pay raise for service members, for 2022.

U.S. children hospitalized with COVID in near-record numbers

SEATTLE (AP) — The omicron-fueled surge that is sending COVID-19 cases rocketing in the U.S. is putting children in the hospital in close to record numbers, and experts lament that most of the youngsters are not vaccinated.

McDonald back in court after violations

Authorities say a man sentenced last year for stalking his estranged wife has repeatedly violated the conditions of his deferred imposition.

Commissioners back resident-owned mobile park's grant requests

Lincoln County Commissioners lent their support to two grant applications this week that could assist a Libby-area affordable housing community with infrastructure improvements.

Legals for December, 31 2021

Federal program offers cash to cover COVID-19 funeral costs

BOSTON (AP) — When Wanda Olson's son-in-law died in March after contracting COVID-19, she and her daughter had to grapple with more than just their sudden grief. They had to come up with money for a cremation.

Federal judge says public service districts likely illegal

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana's Public Service Commission districts, which have not been reapportioned in two decades, are likely unconstitutional, a federal judge has concluded.

Idaho leads the country in population growth

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho's population keeps growing at a faster clip than other states.

Construction company owner admits fraud

A Flathead Valley construction company owner accused in a scheme to defraud customers by spending money intended for projects on unrelated business and personal expenses admitted to a wire fraud crime Wednesday in Missoula’s U.S. District Court.

Dispensaries ramp up for legalized pot

A new law going into effect Jan. 1 will be blazing a new trail for Montana cannabis dispensaries.

Alonzo Gary Liebelt

Alonzo (Lonny) Gary Liebelt, Seventh-day Adventist pastor, died at home with his family in Libby on Dec. 22, 2021.

The Year in Review, Part 1

Join The Western News in looking back at the first half of 2021, a year that won’t soon be forgotten.

Judy Lundstrom, 81

On Dec. 15, 2021, Judy Lundstrom — loving mother and grandmother — passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 81.

Brenda Joan Croucher Moderie

Brenda Joan Croucher Moderie took her trip join the Lord on the afternoon of Dec. 18, 2021. Brenda courageously fought for each breath of her life over a period of several years due to pulmonary hypertension.

Organizers gathering suggestions on boosting Troy's outdoor activities

Organizers with an outdoor access program are compiling public feedback on a plan intended to guide the management of recreational opportunities in the Troy area.

Troy officials approve engineering contracts

Troy City Council approved contracts last week with an engineering firm the municipality recently brought on to assist with infrastructure repairs and general projects.

Flight cancellations continue due to bad weather, sick crews

NEW YORK (AP) — Flight cancellations that disrupted holiday travel stretched into Monday, with major U.S. airlines each canceling dozens of flights.

An untenable work environment': Grocery workers brace for Omicron surge

After taking several months off following a bout with COVID-19, Rachel Campos went back to work as a grocery store cashier in July with more knowledge about how to minimize the risk of contracting the disease on the job, and hopes of feeling safer.

Snow turns to frigid temperatures in the Pacific Northwest

SEATTLE (AP) — Emergency warming shelters were opened throughout western Washington and Oregon as temperatures plunged into the teens and forecasters said an arctic blast would last for several days.

Legals for December, 28 2021

2nd lawsuit targets large west-central Idaho forest project

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service violated numerous environmental laws in approving a 105-square-mile logging and restoration project in west-central Idaho, a conservation group seeking to stop the project said in a lawsuit.

Jacobsen says new election system ‘not ready’

Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen announced Monday that the state will hold off on its transition to a new statewide election management system, indicating in a statement that the system has not met all the criteria required for a previously slated January launch.

Two men charged in Butte shooting that left a man dead

BUTTE, Mont. (AP) — Two Montana men face charges in the alleged murder of a 42-year-old man in Butte.

Snowplow driver shortage could mean slower road clearing

The nation's snow belt is facing a severe snowplow driver shortage: Montana is down half its temporary snowplow drivers this year. Kansas is missing nearly a third of all snowplow operators. Pennsylvania needs almost 60% more temporary drivers.

Kalispell joins opioid settlement agreement

The Kalispell City Council on Monday opted to join a statewide settlement agreement against major opioid distributors.

FWP finalizes purchase of 772 acres near Columbia Falls

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks closed a deal Tuesday afternoon to purchase 772 acres of prime wildlife habitat along the Flathead River just east of Columbia Falls from the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co., and its parent company, Glencore.

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:

Jameson Williams

Jennifer Haugsdal and Johnathon Williams welcomed a baby boy Nov. 18, 2021. Jameson Williams weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 19-and-a-half inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Kelly Jarrett.

Martha Bulger

Mark and Miranda Bulger welcomed a baby girl Nov. 23, 2021, at 12:31 a.m. Martha Bulger weighed 7 pounds and was 20-and-a-half inches in length. She was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.

Emmett Wages

Aaron and Chelsea Wages welcomed a baby boy Nov. 23, 2021, at 9:45 a.m. Emmett Wages weighed 6 pounds, .08 ounce and was 20 inches in length. He was delivered by Dr. Jana Hall.

Hunting regulation changes remain open for public comment

A series of proposed changes to hunting regulations, including an adjustment to the mule deer season in Lincoln County, is open for public comment.

Multnomah County deputy pleads guilty to vaccine card scam

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A Multnomah County sheriff's deputy pleaded guilty Tuesday to misusing vaccine cards, according to the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office.

Resolution calling for marijuana tax in the works

City Councilor Kristin Smith said this week that her committee would request that their colleagues petition county officials for an extra tax on recreational marijuana in January at the earliest.

Leak leaves south Libby residents without water

City Administrator Samuel Sikes said a major water leak left residents on the south side of Libby without water earlier this week.

Skranaks commit to hanging wreaths, reiterates need for new home for decorations

The new owners of Managhan’s pledged Dec. 20 to continue helping hang Libby’s holiday wreaths, but said they could no longer store the Christmas decorations.

Sentence handed down in animal cruelty case

A local man under federal supervision after an investigation turned up a personal arsenal containing illegal firearms pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge in Lincoln County District Court late last month.

Montana to change way prisoners are counted

The Montana Districting and Apportionment commission is moving forward with its plan to change how incarcerated people in the state are counted for the purposes of legislative redistricting, voting to send out a request for proposals to vendors who may be able to do the necessary analysis in a meeting earlier this month.

Legals for December, 24 2021

‘Firestorm’ of public comment leads FWP to rethink elk management proposals

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has backpedaled on a controversial elk management strategy after a public response that FWP Director Henry “Hank” Worsech described as a “firestorm.”

Troy seeks grant for Roosevelt Park improvements

State officials have passed along a grant to the National Park Service that could free up over $300,000 in federal funds and matching contributions to help Troy revamp Roosevelt Park.

Parental rights advocates come to Arntzen’s defense

A pair of public school board trustees from Missoula and Kalispell emailed a letter to state Superintendent Elsie Arntzen Tuesday refuting recent criticisms of her leadership of the Office of Public Instruction and praising her “steadfast support” for local school boards, parents and teachers.

Court allows Biden employer vaccine mandate to take effect

A federal appeals court panel on Friday allowed President Joe Biden's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for larger private employers to move ahead, reversing a previous decision on a requirement that could affect some 84 million U.S workers.

OSHA vaccine mandate penalties to start Jan. 10

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration said Saturday that it would not issue citations tied to its coronavirus vaccination mandate before Jan. 10, so that companies have time to adjust to and implement the requirements.

Commissioners pitched on Eureka Airport project

A pricey proposal to add a jet fuel tank to the Eureka Airport met with a muted response from county commissioners earlier this month.

Nicholas Ryan Baeth, 43

Nicholas Ryan Baeth, 43, passed away Dec. 11, 2021, at home in Lancaster, Penn., following a brief but courageous and fearless fight with an aggressive stage IV pancreatic cancer.

Two 17-year-olds die in eastern Idaho avalanche

DRIGGS, Idaho (AP) — Two 17-year-old eastern Idaho boys have died in an avalanche in eastern Idaho.

3-year-old girl killed in central Montana trailer fire

LEWISTOWN, Mont. (AP) — A three-year-old girl was killed in a trailer home fire in central Montana, authorities said Friday.

Former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot warns republic is at risk

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot warned that fidelity is in jeopardy in America, not only in regard to the state and national constitutions, but to the country's spirit as well. He also said there are serious warning signs that the U.S. Constitution and republic are at risk.

Nature reserve buys ranch, grows to more than 700 square miles

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A privately-owned nature reserve that's trying to build a Connecticut-sized park where bison and other wildlife can freely roam on the U.S. Northern Plains says it is purchasing a 50-square mile ranch that abuts the Charles M. Russel National Wildlife refuge.

New conservation agreement aims to protect grizzlies north of Whitefish

A 100-acre piece of prime grizzly bear habitat will remain open and undeveloped near Tamarack Creek north of Whitefish, thanks to the efforts of a conservation-minded landowner and the Vital Ground Foundation.

Libby, Eureka airports to receive federal funds from infrastructure bill

Two Lincoln County airports are slated to receive an influx of money from the massive infrastructure bill signed into law by President Joe Biden last month.

COVID-19 shots for kids are scarce in rural Montana

When children ages 5 to 11 were approved for Pfizer’s lower-dose pediatric COVID-19 vaccine in November, Annie Edwards was eager to get her daughter Hannah, then 5, the shot because of underlying health conditions she has stemming from her premature birth.

FWP takes comment on upcoming fishing contests

State officials have opened public comments for open-water fishing contests in 2022, including angling competitions in Lake Koocanusa and the Thompson Chain of Lakes.

City officials in Troy sworn in

Troy officials formalized the city’s changing of the guard last week with outgoing Mayor Dallas Carr swearing in two city councilors and the municipality’s lay judge.

Linda Joy Christman Voorhies, 67

Linda Joy Christman Voorhies, 67, passed away Dec. 15, 2021, at Logan Health in Kalispell. She was born April 23, 1954, in Longview, Wash., to Patricia and Walter Christman.

Rogene Huisentruit Stindt, 66

Rogene “Genea” Huisentruit Stindt, 66, knocked on Heaven’s door Dec. 14, 2021. She was surrounded by her loved ones, either beside her or holding her close in spirit.

Price sentenced for criminal endangerment, driving under the influence

A local man caught drunk driving with his young child in the vehicle was sentenced last month on criminal endangerment and driving under the influence charges.

Legals for December, 21 2021

Army: 98 percent of active duty got COVID-19 vaccine by deadline

WASHINGTON (AP) — Army officials said Thursday that 98 percent of their active duty force had gotten at least one dose of the mandatory coronavirus vaccine as of this week's deadline for the shots but that more than 3,800 soldiers flatly refused and could start being removed from the military next month.

Man dies after jumping off I-90 bridge fearing oncoming semi

SUPERIOR, Mont. (AP) — A Baltimore man who got into a crash on Interstate 90 in western Montana died after jumping off a bridge, apparently in fear that an oncoming semitractor-trailer was going to strike the crashed vehicles, Mineral County officials said.

Prison receives aluminum, can resume making license plates

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Workers at the Montana State Prison have resumed making license plates after receiving a shipment of aluminum last week, the Department of Corrections said Tuesday.

Man killed by pack of dogs on Northern Cheyenne reservation

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A 58-year-old man was killed by a pack of dogs on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation in Montana, the Bureau of Indian Affairs said Tuesday.

U.S. jobless claims rise but still historically low at 206,000

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week despite signs that the U.S. labor market is rebounding from last year's coronavirus recession.

Holiday wreaths in need of new home

Libby’s annual tradition of adorning city lamps with holiday wreaths has run into yet another logistical challenge.

Montana advances grizzly bear plans that could allow hunting

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana wildlife officials on Tuesday advanced plans that could allow grizzly bear hunting in areas around Glacier and Yellowstone national parks, if states in the U.S. northern Rockies succeed in their attempts to lift federal protections for the animals.

Health worker vaccine mandate blocked in half the states

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal appeals court panel on Wednesday lifted a nationwide ban against President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate for health care workers, instead blocking the requirement in only certain states and creating the potential for patchwork enforcement across the country.

Chase Lee Anderson

Asa Anderson and Katie Salomon welcomed a baby boy Nov. 9, 2021, at 7:25 p.m. Chase Lee Anderson weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 20 inches in length. He was delivered by Dr. Kelli Jarrett.

FWP to survey hunters

State officials are seeking feedback from hunters in a push to understand the results of the 2021 season.

Graham departs Libby Police Department

Police Chief Scott Kessel noted the departure of a member of his small law enforcement team while giving his regular update to Libby City Council last week.

Libby officials renew Fraser's contract

Libby City Council voted overwhelming to renew the municipality’s contract with engineer Mike Fraser on Dec. 6.

Youth shooting program asks for school access

Organizers of a local youth shooting program are petitioning the Libby Public School Board for permission to bring unloaded firearms into a school building for practice exercises.

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:

Ex-boarding school for Native children owning up to its past

PINE RIDGE, S.D. (AP) — Middle schooler Rarity Cournoyer stood at the heart of the Red Cloud Indian School campus and chanted a prayer song firmly and solemnly in the Lakota language — in a place where past generations of students were punished for speaking their mother tongue.

Julie Oldham, 61

Julie Oldham, 61, died in Spokane, Wash., on Nov. 27 after a multi-year battle against cancer. She was born in Libby on Aug. 8, 1960, to George and Eva Oldham. Julie graduated from Libby Senior High School in 1978.

Nolan Kramer

Ramiah and Shannon Kramer welcomed a baby boy Nov. 21, 2021, at 2:15 p.m. Nolan Kramer weighed 5 pounds, 5.7 ounces and was 18 inches in length. He was delivered by Dr. Jana Hall.

Cassandra Lee Clark, 36

Cassandra Lee “Cassy” Clark, 36, died Dec. 4, 2021, in South Dakota. She was born on April 4, 1985, in Libby to Jason and Candy Clark. She attended high school and National American University.

John Allen Brown Sr.

John Allen Brown Sr. peacefully passed away Dec. 9, 2021, at his home in Troy. He was born to Dorothy and James Brown on April 17, 1950, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Wilkes facing new drug charges

A local man accused of aiding a pair of drug dealers sell methamphetamine in Libby over the summer faces new charges in Lincoln County District Court.

Legals for December, 17 2021

Fine levied in fight over mask after Knudsen intervened

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Montana man accused of threatening a restaurant manager with a handgun when he was asked to wear a face covering during the height of the pandemic was fined $100 on a misdemeanor charge, after state Attorney General Austin Knudsen intervened in the case to block more serious charges sought by local prosecutors.

Enforce the 'bad actor' mining law, Governor Gianforte

As a hunter and angler who has lived in the Upper Clark Fork River valley between Deer Lodge and Anaconda for more than 30 years, I can attest to the damaging legacy of mining on our waterways. In 1908, a massive flood carried toxic mine tailings from Butte down the Clark Fork River, contaminating the river and the floodplain.

Ferguson faces petition to revoke

Prosecutors are seeking the revocation of a local woman’s suspended sentence after alleging multiple parole violations.

We now face the consequences of decisions made long ago

I was thinking on a time when I was making heavy decisions. Back then I was looking at the world, looking at what I thought I saw was going on and, most important of all, looking at the human race.

Drunk driver gets suspended sentence, ordered to drug court

A Heron man earned a suspended five-year sentence for driving under the influence, fifth or subsequent offense, in Lincoln County District Court last month.

Ordinance committee to recommend pursuing 3 percent recreational marijuana tax

Libby’s ordinance committee agreed last week to push county officials for an additional tax on recreational marijuana even as the group works on how sales will work in the city.

Montana senators vote to block vaccine rule for private businesses

Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester crossed party lines Wednesday to support a resolution that blocks a federal rule requiring vaccines or weekly testing for workers at private businesses with 100 or more employees.

City council debates investigation into alleged zoning violation

Libby city councilors last week directed staff to investigate a local business that allegedly has taken up shop in a residential neighborhood after failing to secure a lease for a commercial space.

Robert Herman, 85

Robert W. Herman, 85, of Troy passed away Dec. 9, 2021, at his home. He was born Nov. 28, 1936, in Hickory, N.C., to Robert and Bessie Herman.

Richard Anton Kluk

Father Richard Anton Kluk died the morning of Dec. 8, 2021, after a long illness and hospitalization at the Logan Medical Center in Kalispell. He was 68 and served as a priest for 11 years.

Asa Wood redevelopment moving apace

The California-based health care company looking to purchase Asa Wood Elementary School has asked Libby Public School administrators to change the name of the limited liability company it would use to complete the transaction.

Troy officials begin discussing cannabis rules

City councilors in Troy began clearing the smoke around how the municipality might regulate marijuana dispensaries last week.

Ekstedt gives new reason for recusal

Troy City Councilor Chuck Ekstedt has offered a new reason for his recusal in a vote over the appointment of a municipal lay judge last month.

Oversight left Panoramic View subdivision without required fire suppression infrastructure

Property owners at a Libby-area subdivision have gone without a piece of fire suppression infrastructure that should have been included in the development but wasn’t owing to an error in Lincoln County’s subdivision permitting process.

Norma Teresa Munro, 95

Norma Teresa Munro was born Nov. 14, 1926, and passed Dec. 9, 2021, at the age of 95.

Fox News' Murdoch buys Montana ranch from Koch Industries

DILLON, Mont. (AP) — Fox News founder Rupert Murdoch has bought a large cattle ranch in southwest Montana near Yellowstone National Park from a subsidiary of Koch Industries.

Flathead County approves tiny home project

A plan to build nine residential tiny homes on 4.18 acres at 125 Wiley Dike Road in the Lower Valley near Somers won approval from the Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday.

Puma cub gets a buddy at Scottsbluff zoo

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) — Riverside Discovery Center's puma cub now has a friend after acquiring a second puma cub that was found abandoned in Montana.

Company fined after exposing Montana workers to arsenic

BUTTE, Mont. (AP) — A company that turned mining waste into roofing materials at a Montana plant was fined and ordered to conduct medical monitoring of workers on Friday, after pleading guilty to a criminal charge that it exposed employees to arsenic.

Idaho health officials report state's 1st COVID omicron case

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Public health officials on Friday reported Idaho's first case of the omicron variant of coronavirus on Friday in an adult who recently had traveled out-of-state.

Watchdog: Federal anti-terror unit investigated journalists

WASHINGTON (AP) — A special Customs and Border Protection unit used sensitive government databases intended to track terrorists to investigate as many as 20 U.S.-based journalists, including a Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press reporter, according to a federal watchdog.

Legals for December, 14 2021

Senate rejects Biden's vaccine mandate for businesses

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate narrowly approved a resolution Wednesday to nullify the Biden administration's requirement that businesses with 100 or more workers have their employees be vaccinated against the coronavirus or submit to weekly testing.

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:

Schools officials to take second look at coach evaluations

Administrators with Libby Public Schools are reviewing the district’s coaching assessment process after discussing staff evaluations with board members.

District superintendents critical of Arntzen's performance

Asserting that Superintendent Elsie Arntzen’s leadership is “creating serious deficiencies” and undermining public education as a central tenet of democracy — one recognized by the Montana Constitution — the top leaders of the state’s AA schools are demanding the head of the Office of Public Instruction restore the agency and start supporting schools instead of “throwing rocks at local school districts.”

Election critics push for special legislative committee

Two Republican state lawmakers spoke to Montana’s Legislative Council Monday to reiterate an appeal made earlier this fall for the formation of a special legislative committee to investigate alleged irregularities in Montana’s 2020 election. That appeal was originally submitted to legislative leadership in an Oct. 5 letter signed by 86 Republican lawmakers.

Pfizer says COVID booster offers protection against omicron

Pfizer said Wednesday that a booster of its COVID-19 vaccine may offer important protection against the new omicron variant even though the initial two doses appear significantly less effective.

Freight train hits car, kills 2 people in northeast Montana

GLASGOW, Mont. (AP) — A Valley County couple died when the car they were in was struck by a freight train at an unmarked crossing in northeastern Montana, the Montana Highway Patrol said.

Ex-Montana police chief pleads guilty to child porn charge

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — A former Montana police chief pleaded guilty Tuesday to distributing child pornography via social media, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Montana said.

Volunteer ambulance group offers training course

Libby Volunteer Ambulance is offering a training course in early 2022 for anyone interested in joining the local first responder group.

Nordic Way subdivision clears another hurdle

County commissioners approved a resolution of intent to annex property slated for development near Cabinet View Golf Club into the Lincoln County Rural Fire District last week.

Local officials worry IP has found an exit strategy as Superfund site negotiations falter

City of Libby officials and their legal representative are at an impasse in negotiations with a multi-billion dollar company over an agreement that would continue subsiding municipal water for residents due long-standing groundwater pollution.

Man stopped following suspected meth deal faces drug charges

A man that investigators tailed from a suspected methamphetamine deal earlier this year pleaded not guilty to multiple drug charges in court late last month.

Sakura Lea Lamp

Kaleb and Eliana (Puckett) Lamp welcomed a baby girl on Sept. 12, 2021, at the Family Birth Services Birthing Suite. Sakura Lea Lamp weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 21 inches in length. Her grandparents are Tina and Michael Puckett, and Shirin and Kevin Lamp. She was delivered by Joyce Vogel, licensed midwife.

Alphaeus Lee Mease

Keeper Sharkey and Gabriel Mease welcomed a baby boy Nov. 13, 2021, at 11:56 p.m. Alphaeus Lee Mease weighed 8 pounds, 8.2 ounces and was 21 inches in length. He was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.

Taxpayers now have option to donate to local schools

Up to $1 million in tax credit donations to local public schools will be available to Montana taxpayers thanks to a change in state law.

Former Elks Lodge to house a machine shop

Libby City Council gave a proposed machine shop slated for the former Elks Lodge the green light this week to move forward with the project.

Lena Johnston

Kaitlyn England and Zeke Johnston welcomed a baby girl Oct. 5, 2021. Lena Johnston weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces and was 19 inches in length. She was delivered by Dr. Kelli Jarrett.

Body found inside burned camper under investigation

Flathead County authorities are investigating the death of a person found inside a burned camper trailer on Blacktail Mountain.

Officials investigating after mail truck hits Idaho woman

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — Authorities are investigating after a 25-year-old woman was run over by a mail truck outside her eastern Idaho home.

U.S. jobless claims at 52-year low amid seasonal volatility

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits plunged last week to the lowest level in 52 years, more evidence that the U.S. job market is recovering from last year's coronavirus recession.

Legals for December, 10 2021

101-year-old returns to Pearl Harbor to remember those lost

HONOLULU (AP) — When Japanese bombs began falling on Pearl Harbor, U.S. Navy Seaman 1st Class David Russell first sought refuge below deck on the USS Oklahoma.

Johnson receives partially suspended 10-year sentence

A man who led local law enforcement officers on a chase after getting caught stealing from a Libby thrift shop earned a partially suspended sentence with the Montana Department of Corrections last week.

Treasury wants more oversight of all-cash real estate deals

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is looking to expand reporting requirements on all-cash real estate deals to help crack down on bad actors' use of the U.S. market to launder money made through illicit activity.

Cleanup solutions for former vermiculite mine site under consideration

Officials overseeing the Libby Asbestos Superfund Site are a step closer to selecting a cleanup solution for contaminated property in and around the former vermiculite mine.

Troy community meeting focuses on recreational opportunities

Troy officials are hosting a community meeting this week to discuss the future of recreational opportunities in and around the municipality.

Greenchain takes ninth place

The Greenchain placed ninth at the Owen Invitational racking up a team score of 102 last weekend.

Fauci says early reports encouraging about omicron variant

U.S. health officials said Sunday that while the omicron variant of the coronavirus is rapidly spreading throughout the country, early indications suggest it may be less dangerous than delta, which continues to drive a surge of hospitalizations.

Montana man arrested after woman fatally stabbed

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A Montana man was arrested on suspicion of deliberate homicide in connection to the weekend stabbing death of a 67-year-old female relative, police said.

Catastrophic wildfire threat requires forest management

Last year was a historically destructive wildfire season. While we haven’t yet seen the end of 2021, 64 large fires have burned over 3 million acres nationally. The economic damage caused by wildfire in 2020 is estimated at $150 billion. The loss of communities, loss of life, health effects and untold environmental damage to our watersheds — not to mention the pumping of climate-changing carbon into the atmosphere — are devastating. This continuing disaster must be addressed like the catastrophe it is.

Montana's congressional delegation could deliver this Christmas wish

As we approach Christmas, we have one request to Montana’s federal delegation: please do everything in your power to stop the reckless taxing and spending proposal currently working its way through Congress. The biggest gift Montana could receive from Washington, D.C., this holiday season is a dose of common sense, not more federal taxes and debt.

Helium prospecting picking up in north-central Montana

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Helium prospecting is picking up in north-central Montana with Canadian companies expanding south after years of development in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Montana lacks snow plow drivers, road clearing could be slow

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's Department of Transportation warned residents Thursday that it could take longer to clear snow from highways this winter because the state has been unable to hire enough snow plow drivers.

Deal reached to reduce Yellowstone's bison herd by 600-900

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — Officials have agreed to allow as many as 900 bison from Yellowstone National Park to be shot by hunters, sent to slaughter or placed in quarantine this winter in a program that seeks to prevent the animals from spreading a disease to cattle.

COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations declining in Montana

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The number of COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations have been declining in Montana, the state health department told the governor.

Kalispell library director resigns amid dispute with board

The interim director of ImagineIF Libraries has resigned amid growing tension between some library board members and library staff over what she sees as board overreach in how the library is operated.

High interest locally in COVID-19 booster shots

Lincoln County public health officials report a good turnout at vaccine clinics in the weeks following federal authorization of COVID-19 booster shots for all adults.

Richard Cy McPherson, 64

Richard Cy McPherson, 64, of Libby passed away suddenly Nov. 20, 2021, from natural causes with his wife by his side. He was born July 17, 1957, in Prosser, Wash., to Richard Gary and Edith Ellen (Midland) McPherson.

Area bird watchers prep for annual count

Libby-area bird watchers are planning to join thousands of their counterparts throughout the western hemisphere in this year’s Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

Legals for December, 7 2021

Jury finds Orr not guilty

A jury acquitted a former Libby city councilor accused of driving dangerously close to a woman during a property dispute in May following a day and a half trial in Lincoln County District Court this week.

Jo A. Lundin, 73

Jo A. Lundin, 73, of Troy died Nov. 30, 2021, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

Arthur E. Eaton, 68

Arthur E. Eaton, 68, of Libby died Nov. 29, 2021, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. Services will be at 1 p.m., Dec. 9 at the Assembly of God Church in Libby. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

US House candidate Zinke files financial disclosure report

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Republican U.S. House candidate Ryan Zinke filed a financial disclosure that reports he has received nearly $800,000 in consulting fees so far this year and collected between $25,000 and $80,000 in rent from three properties in Whitefish.

Whitefish pulls back on regs for marijuana retail stores

Deciding it wanted to further restrict where marijuana retail stores can operate and how they receive approval, the Whitefish City Council recently pulled an item off its agenda regarding zoning regulations for marijuana sales and production businesses.

Montana man dies of gunshot wound in hunting accident

HAMILTON, Mont. (AP) — A western Montana man has died of a gunshot wound in an apparent hunting accident, Ravalli County officials said.

Fish stranded from dam malfunction on Montana river

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Wildlife workers and volunteers scrambled Wednesday to save trout and other fish stranded by an abrupt drop in water levels on a Montana river that's renowned among anglers.

Vaccine mandate for health care workers halted nationwide by Louisiana judge

A federal judge in Louisiana on Tuesday issued a ruling blocking nationwide the Biden administration mandate requiring millions of health care workers be vaccinated against COVID-19.

First U.S. case of COVID-19 omicron variant confirmed in California

WASHINGTON (AP) — A person in California who had been vaccinated against COVID-19 became the first in the U.S. to have an identified case of the omicron variant, the White House announced Wednesday as scientists continue to study the risks posed by the new virus strain.

American Forest Resource Council lines up against Ripley suit

A regional trade association has signed on against a lawsuit that aims to stop a controversial forestry project south of Libby.

Building Western Montana’s herd — Applications being accepted for association’s heifer program

The Western Montana Stockmen’s Association is seeking to build herds for 4-H and FFA youths by awarding heifers to lucky youths in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula and Sanders counties.

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:

Forest Service holds meeting on proposed wildfire salvage project

U.S. Forest Service officials hosted a public meeting last month to discuss a forest management project that would cover a portion of the timberlands scorched by the South Yaak Fire.

Troy weighs changes to utility billing process

Troy City Council considered changes to how the municipality collects electric utility payments and sets prices and wages for the city’s electric department last month.

Logan Health pauses vaccine requirement

Logan Health has suspended its plan to require employees receive the Covid-19 vaccine following a court’s ruling that temporarily pauses a federal vaccine order for health-care workers.

Alice Thompson Collier

Alice “Shirley” Thompson Collier (nee) Bowen joined her family and loved ones in heaven Nov. 21, 2021 at Logan Health in Kalispell. Shirley was born Dec. 30, 1936, in Libby to “Woody” and “Toots” Bowen.

Marla R. Hanson, 67

Marla R. Hanson, 67, of Libby passed away Nov. 28, 2021, at Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell. She was born Oct. 29, 1954, in Glascow to Roy and Mary (Robbins) Hanson.

Charles Fredrick McFarland, 63

Charles Fredrick McFarland, 63, of Libby passed away at his home of natural causes Nov. 16, 2021. He was born April 20, 1958, in Hartford, Conn., to Charles Anderson and Mary Ann (Quinn) McFarland.

Marie Claire Purdy, 90

Marie Claire (Kuchenski) Purdy, our beloved Mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin, friend, parishioner, classmate, card partner, bus driver and community contributor, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 26, 2021, at the age of 90.

U.S. military explosives vanish, emerge in civilian world

The Marine Corps demolition specialist was worried — about America, and about the civil war he feared would follow the presidential election. And so, block by block, he stole 13 pounds (6 kilograms) of C4 plastic explosives from the training ranges of Camp Lejeune.

Judge blocks law that would allow more guns on campuses

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana lawmakers overstepped their authority in passing legislation that would allow more people to carry guns on public college campuses, a state judge has ruled.

Wildfire burns into central Montana town, destroys houses

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A late-season wildfire pushed by strong winds ripped through a tiny central Montana farming town overnight, burning several homes and grain elevators that had stood for more than a century, authorities said.

Legals for December, 3 2021