Ellington

Thompson Falls man pleads not guilty to strangulation

A Thompson Falls man accused of strangling his wife in a local lodging house pleaded not guilty to multiple charges in Lincoln County District Court on Feb. 8.

Libby boys best Browning for tourney bid

Faced with a physical and fast-paced battle for a spot in the Western A divisional tournament, Libby bested Browning 59-39.

Sheriff's Office Blotter

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

Greenchain wrestlers look forward to hosting divisionals

For the first time in nearly two decades, Libby is set to host the Western Class A divisional wrestling tournament. Athletes and fans from 11 other schools will converge on Ralph Tate Gymnasium from Feb. 26 to 27.

Duane Wilber Hunt, 86

Duane Wilber Hunt, 86, of Polson, passed away peacefully Feb. 16, 2021, in Keizer, Ore. Duane was born March 21, 1934, to Mabel and Harold Hunt in Batesland, S.D.

Rachel "Bernice" Palmer, 89

Rachel “Bernice” Palmer, 89, passed away Feb. 8, 2021. She was born on the vast open prairie in a one-room cabin between Brusett and Jordan on May 9, 1931. Rachel Bernice Shriner arrived, with the help of a neighboring midwife, to William Dee and Rachel Payne Shriner.

Dennis Jesse Shelley

Dennis Jesse Shelley of Chehalis, Wash., left his earthly body Feb. 19, 2021. Dennis was born on Oct. 2, 1953, in Whitefish to Jesse and Marion (Berntson) Shelley.

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 City Council returns to its regular digs

After nearly two and a half months, Troy City Council has returned to its usual chambers in the Troy City Courtroom.

Hunting, fishing licenses to go on sale next week

Hunting and fishing licenses for the 2021 season will go on sale starting March 1, according to a press release from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

County, city and school district endorse tennis court deal

Libby Public School officials approved an upkeep agreement that involves several local governments for area tennis and pickleball courts.

Faster Internet coming to Troy

Light speed internet is coming to Troy courtesy of MontanaSky Networks.

Libby school board considers reiterating face mask policy

When Gov. Greg Gianforte lifted the statewide face covering mandate earlier this month, he made sure legislation was in place to protect business owners who chose not to require masks.

Thomas Vanderweel, 67

A life well lived: Thomas Vanderweel departed on his final journey to heaven Feb. 18 at the age of 67. He peacefully took his leave while surrounded by family and his loyal dog, Teez, who valiantly tried to make him stay.

George W. Baskins, 79

George W. Baskins, 79, passed away Feb. 17, 2021, of natural causes at his home in Libby. He was born Dec. 6, 1941, in Pine Bluffs, Wyo., to Jake and Dorothy Baskins.

Suspected drug dealer ends up in the dog house

When police officers and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies swept through a Troy home looking for a suspected drug dealer last month they found her hiding in a dog kennel, disguised in a wig.

Legals for February, 26 2021

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.

Miles Dexter Briggs, 76

Miles Dexter Briggs, 76, passed away Feb. 19, 2021, at his home in Libby after a short and intense battle with cancer. He was born Dec. 22, 1944, in San Diego to Herb and Anna (Tripp) Briggs.

Learning how to play safely in the snow

Less than halfway through the snow season, western states have already surpassed the national annual avalanche death average.

Supreme Court rules permit for Rock Creek Mine is valid

In a recent ruling, the Montana Supreme Court determined the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation jumped through its proper review hoops prior to granting a mining company a water permit for the proposed Rock Creek Mine Project situated near Noxon in Sanders County.

Bad news for bad actors

If you knew your employer was defrauding their customers, would you come forward? Would you risk termination or being blackballed? House Bill 64 will solve this issue by protecting consumers and preventing retaliation against whistleblowers.

A big thank you to the staff at CPMC

I want to express my thanks for the staff at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.

Urge your commissioners to consolidate county dispatch services

I have waited for the leaders of this community to speak up and warn the Troy County District residents that there is a safety issue. So I must speak up.

Lady Bulldogs run over Lady Loggers

Raining shots from the perimeter and the key without abandon, the high-ranked Lady Bulldogs fetched a 68-28 win from Libby Feb. 18.

Petition seeks to lift mask requirements at local public schools

Urging community members to stand against a vaguely defined dictatorship, Lincoln County residents began circulating an online petition last week to repeal mask requirements at local schools.

Gunderson tackles CWD, e-bikes and oversight committees among other issues at state Legislature

State Rep. Steve Gunderson (R-Libby) likened his experience at this year’s legislative session to juggling running chainsaws. “I’ve got so many irons in the fire,” said the third-term representative during a Feb. 17 interview.

Winter weather delays vaccine shipments

With winter storms battering much of the U.S., Lincoln County — along with thousands of other localities — did not receive COVID-19 vaccine doses last week.

The Western News went too far in rape case article

I believe this newspaper has committed a terrible and callous crime against the 8-year-old girl featured on the front page of the Feb. 12 edition (“Libby man pleads not guilty in rape case”). There are details that should never have been made public; now it’s internationally available for reading on the Internet.

Coverage of rape case should be expunged

I am horrifically appalled about the article entitled “Libby man pleads not guilty in rape case” (Feb. 12). How could anyone in their right mind share such private, sensitive details about this poor young child? Who authorized this to be published? I mean seriously?

Assance arraigned in district court

The man shot and injured by a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputy during a domestic disturbance call in January has pleaded not guilty to the charges stemming from the incident.

Norman M. Coon

Norman M. Coon, 84, of Wautoma, Wisc., passed away Feb. 12, 2021. He was born Aug. 12, 1936, in Linton, N.D., the son of Clifford and Lily (Nelson) Coon. He married Brenda L. Davis on July 8, 1982, in Delta Junction, Alaska.

Garman V. Guthrie

Garman V. Guthrie was born in Maryville Mo., to Glenn and Dora Guthrie on March 16, 1927. He passed away Feb. 15, 2021.

Ronald Paul Chimenti

In the late night hours of Dec. 24, 2020, Ronald Paul Chimenti entered into heaven to be with his Creator after a short battle with COVID-19.

Legals for February, 23 2021

Victim in fatal car wreck identified

Authorities have identified the Libby man found dead after a car accident last week.

Council holds off on health board appointment

Libby City Council held off on making an appointment to the county health board Feb. 16, with members saying they wanted to see a larger slate of candidates for the position.

Helen Lorraine Jamison, 93

Helen Lorraine Jamison, 93, of Taylorville, Ill., passed away Feb. 12, 2021, at Life’s Journey Senior Living in Taylorville. She was born Jan. 10, 1928, in Edinburg, Ill., the second child of Frank and Clella (Huffman) Kauerauf.

David Lee Chapel, 62

David Lee Chapel, 62, passed away peacefully at home Feb. 12, 2021. Dave was born to Lonny and Jo (Bushnell) Chapel on Jan. 22, 1959. He was the third of five children.

Arlene Reynolds, 83

Arlene Reynolds (Rayson) went to be with Jesus on Jan 23, 2021.

Sheriff's office brings back reserve deputy program

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office wants you for its reserve deputy program.

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.

Laina LaVone Weber

Laina LaVone Weber was born April 23, 2001, in Kalispell to Shawn and Billie Weber.

Records reconciliation uncovered additional COVID-19 deaths, officials say

State officials say a reexamination of records led to the discovery of three additional coronavirus-related deaths in Lincoln County.

Legals for February, 19 2021

Libby man dies in wreck on U.S. 2

A 57-year-old Libby man has died after driving off U.S. 2 and crashing early Thursday morning.

Troy City Council agrees to deal with ambulance service

To accommodate their expanding operation, Troy Volunteer Ambulance is en-route to a new home base.

Spring break proposal divides school board

A plan to transition to school calendars with spring breaks every other year has sparked division among Libby Public School officials. After debating the issue during a Feb. 8 meeting, school board members decided to table the proposal.

Black touts vaccination effort while urging residents to remain cautious

Health Officer Dr. Brad Black expressed optimism about the steadily decreasing COVID-19 case numbers locally, but warned residents to stay vigilant in the face of new variants of the coronavirus.

Wait for vaccine leaves resident anxious

For Libby resident Dean Brousseau, the coronavirus vaccine cannot come soon enough.

Gordon charged in string of Christmas night thefts

An 18-year-old accused of being one of the individuals behind a string of Christmas night burglaries now faces multiple charges in Lincoln County District Court.

Fisher sees bright future at Tech

Milliseconds after the snap, Thompson Falls’ left guard found himself lying on his back. Lining up against Jace Fisher, Troy’s 6-foot-6-inches, 310-pound defensive tackle, the guard might as well have been trying to hold back a bulldozer.

Avalanche safety training scheduled for Feb. 20

David Thompson Search and Rescue will hold their annual avalanche safety course on Feb. 20.

End of mask mandate leaves area businesses to come up with individual policies

When Gov. Greg Gianforte rescinded the statewide mask mandate last week, Lincoln County business owners were left to decide whether or not to require face coverings.

Daines votes to acquit; Tester votes to convict

Montana’s two senators voted along party lines Saturday in former President Trump’s impeachment trial.

Polson Pirates plunder Loggers

A second-quarter push from high-ranked Polson cost Libby dearly. After taking the wind of the Loggers sails, the Pirates came away with a 55-44 victory.

Legals for February, 16 2021

It's time to enshrine Direct Patient Care into state law

If the past year’s challenges posed by the pandemic have taught us anything, it’s that Montanans in all corners of the state need increased, more affordable access to health care. My bill moving through the state legislature will do just that.

Middle school wrestling expects boost this year

Libby Public School administrators are ramping up their middle school wrestling program to provide students with a chance to compete this year.

Orr bears false witness against health board chair, city council

Resident DC Orr has demanded that Lincoln County Health Board Chair Jan Ivers divulge the topic of discussion of a secret meeting she held with Libby City Council earlier this month. There’s just one problem: He imagined the surreptitious gathering.

John Allen Mast

John Allen Mast, beloved father, son and brother, went to be with Jesus on Feb. 5, 2021. He was born in Meadville, Penn., on Nov. 5, 1980, to Robert and Sarah Mast.

Libby man pleads not guilty in rape case

A Libby man pleaded not guilty in Lincoln County District Court on Feb. 8 to charges stemming from his alleged rape of an 8-year-old in January.

Southern Pine sells huge tract to wealthy Texas couple

An affluent couple from Texas recently purchased nearly 126,000 contiguous acres west of Kalispell from Southern Pine Plantations, the Georgia-based company that bought roughly 630,000 acres of timberlands in Northwest Montana from Weyerhaeuser in early 2020.

Governor signs liability shield, intends to lift mask rule

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Saying he will lift a statewide mask requirement later this week, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill Wednesday intended to protect businesses and health care providers from coronavirus-related lawsuits.

Richard H. Tholen, 90

Our dad, our hero, Richard H. Tholen, 90, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2020 at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby. He was born June 3, 1930 at Virginia, Minnesota to Hugo “Pappy” and Emily “Ma” Tholen. He graduated from high school in 1948.

Meeting minute change proves controversial

Not only was the Lincoln County Health Board’s recommended candidate for an at-large seat ultimately rejected, the panel this week effectively deemed its vote on the recommendation illegitimate.

Palafox sentenced to 10 years behind bars in animal cruelty case

Describing the level of violence suggested by the crimes committed by Domingo J. Palafox as both frightful and unique for Lincoln County, District Judge Matthew Cuffe sentenced the Troy man to 10 years in state prison.

Sheriff's Office Blotter

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

'I want to help them get back on top'

Six years after walking through the doors of OrthoRehab as a patient, Jared Winslow has returned to the center as a doctoral student in physical therapy.

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:

School board faces increasingly complex decision to sell Asa Wood

After continued negotiations, Libby Public School officials are still not content with a plan to raze Asa Wood Elementary School and erect an assisted living facility in its place.

Montana coal mine closes amid decline in demand

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A Montana coal mine has closed amid a substantial decline in demand for thermal coal.

Lady Lions victorious

The Eureka Lady Lions emerged victorious from this year’s Battle of the Kootenai after defeating the Lady Loggers 60-22.

Dean Volkenand

On Jan. 31, 2021, (Jerry) Dean Volkenand, husband and father of two children, passed away at home with family at his side. He was only 61 years old. He was born Aug. 18, 1959, in Escondido, Calif., to Pete and Betty Volkenand. He traveled around during his childhood due to his father’s service in the U.S. Navy.

Legals for February, 12 2021

Why is Lincoln County getting the short end of the stick on vaccinations?

With the vaccine roll out in Montana it appears a few common sense questions need to be asked. The state has now implemented a dashboard on its website that shows the roll out across the state. When looking at the site on Jan. 28, Lincoln County is among those at the bottom of the list for inoculations.

Consumers deserve to know where their meat comes from

Consumers have the right to know the origin of their beef purchases, and ranchers have the right to a fair and competitive market. This is a reasonable expectation. However, since 2015 Congress specifically exempted beef and pork from labeling laws. Consumers do not know where their beef comes from, and ranchers do not have fair prices.

Good Neighbor Authority project at Skidale gets green light

Logging activity is expected to begin in the Skidale area this month under the auspices of a Good Neighbor Authority agreement.

Commissioners pitched on security system for courthouse

Lincoln County commissioners took a first look at a possible solution to security camera problems in the courthouse and detention center last week.

Kenneth Aldon Hoefner, 86

Kenneth Aldon Hoefner, 86, passed away Feb. 2, 2021, at his home in Cheney, Wash., due to cancer. He was born to Arthur F. Hoefner and Ethel H. (Wetenkamp) Hoefner on Sept. 27, 1934, in Libby.

Coronavirus prevention is all about personal responsibility

Most now realize that those experts we looked to for accurate, sensible and professional guidance to see America through the COVID-19 pandemic have, by and large, failed.

Stanley O. Brookshire

Stanley O. Brookshire, 70, died Jan. 30, 2021, of natural causes at his home in Libby. He was born April 6, 1950, in Phoenix, Ariz., to Glen and Theda Brookshire. He married the love of his life, Shirley Irene “Sheri” Smith on July 29, 1968. They moved to Libby in 1974.

Rodney G. Harma

Our beloved Rodney G. Harma, 85, died Feb. 2, 2021, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby. He was born Feb. 10, 1935, in New Leipzig, N.D., to John and Vieona Harma.

Library adopts Beanstack app

The Lincoln County Library is going digital with a new program for readers.

Richard Dean Noble

In the early morning hours of Feb. 2, 2021, and in the company of his wife and son, Richard Dean Noble died of natural causes. This followed years of struggle with his chronically sick and ever-weakening body. At last, he is pain- and disease-free, and at home with his Lord Jesus.

As demand for mental health care spikes, budget axe set to strike

HELENA, Mont. — When the pandemic hit, health officials in Montana’s Beaverhead County had barely begun to fill a hole left by the 2017 closure of the local public assistance office, mental health clinic, chemical dependency center and job placement office after the state’s last budget shortfall.

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.

Mistrial declared in Hartman case

District Judge Matthew Cuffe has declared a mistrial in the case of the Bonners Ferry man accused of financial and elder exploitation crimes.

Federal food distribution resumes in county

After halting their operation for three months, volunteers with the Lincoln County Food Box Distribution Program announced they are set to resume their meal giveaways for those in need.

Wildkats pummel Lady Loggers

The top-ranked Wildkats slashed the Lady Loggers 61-12, but the Libby squad never threw in the towel.

Greenchain splits dual against Ronan, Frenchtown

The Greenchain split their Feb. 5 dual against Ronan and top ranked Frenchtown. Libby pinned the Chiefs 45-27, but fell 45-21 to the Broncs.

Legals for February, 9 2021

Lawmakers critical of handling of border crossing suspects

Lincoln County commissioners joined a chorus of lawmakers in criticizing federal policies regarding illegal aliens after a Somali national was released from custody following a border crossing and high speed chase last month.

Commissioners acted improperly in appointing Bernhard

On Jan. 20, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners chose to violate Montana Code Annotated (MCA, i.e. "the law") when they appointed Scott Bernhard to the Lincoln County Board of Health. The Commissioners have done what many admonished the health board for doing: failing to follow procedure.

Snow-bike tours a new offering for outdoor enthusiasts

Kyle Allred says the best way to master snow biking is “to make your own track.” That’s what he’s trying to achieve with SnowBike Nation, the local guiding outfit Allred launched at the start of the year.

Planning underway for wrestling tournament

Libby Public School officials are considering hosting a wrestling tournament, which could draw hundreds of participants and spectators from around the state.

Former clients detail Hartman's financial dealings

When Kathleen Peden took the witness stand during the trial of Kip Hartman, a Bonners Ferry man accused of financial and elder exploitation crimes, she was straightforward.

Lady Loggers dig deep to beat Polson

In the last minute of the fourth quarter, it was anyone’s game.

COVID-19 death toll climbs to 12

The death toll from COVID-19 locally climbed to 12 Feb. 4 after county health officials announced three heretofore unknown fatalities associated with the illness.

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:

Stephanie Lodman, 50

On May 15, at 8:15 a.m., Stephanie (Skinner) Lodman departed for the Undiscovered Country, whence no traveler returns. She left with dignity and courage that most of us can only hope for, surrounded by her dogs and kitties and family.

Benjamin Jacob Liebelt, 97

Benjamin Jacob Liebelt, 97, died Jan. 30, 2021, at his home in Libby. He was born Feb. 16, 1923, in Cleveland, N.D., to Carl and Christine Liebelt. On Aug. 27, 1944 he married Annabell Grace Saby and had a son, Lonny Gary, and a daughter, Linda Ann.

Gary Njirich

Gary Njirich was the son of John and Betty Njirich of Columbia, Calif. He was born in Jamestown, Calif., and grew up in Sonora, Calif.

General C. Jones, 86

General C. Jones, 86, died Jan. 29, 2021, in Billings.

Shirley Lavonne McKean, 85

Shirley Lavonne (Amdam) McKean, 85, passed away peacefully at home with family on Jan. 24, 2021. Shirley was born Oct. 31, 1935, in Blackduck, Minn., to Pete and Birdie Amdam, joining her 13-year-old sister, Phyllis.

Few applicants for Libby health board rep position

With the deadline for applications fast approaching, Libby officials on Feb. 1 said they had received paperwork for just one candidate to join the county health board as the city’s representative.

Libby officials approve local marijuana regulations

Libby City Council gave its initial OK on Feb. 1 to an ordinance regulating marijuana use in the municipality now that recreational use is permitted in Montana.

Edgar Lee Warner

On Jan. 20 Edgar Lee Warner passed away peacefully. Ed fought a long hard battle of asbestosis over the last 20 years of his life, displaying his never-give-up attitude and passing it along to everyone he met.

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.

Mourning the death of expertise in Lincoln County

I have had concerns about leadership in our county over the last 10 months. Despite the number of COVID-19 cases, the Eureka Town Council and mayor and our county commissioner are silent.

Greenchain shrugs off Corvallis, Browning

The Greenchain dominated the mat in their second home dual of the year, beating Corvallis 51-24 and Browning 47-23.

Legals for February, 5 2021

Cabinet Peaks offers monoclonal antibody therapy

Officials with Cabinet Peaks Medical Center have in recent weeks unveiled several new services in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Lady Loggers top Troy in cross-county matchup

The Lady Loggers proved themselves the reigning basketball queens of the lower Kootenai by defeating the Lady Trojans 51-29 last week.

Gianforte seeks to drop state lawsuit against Flathead businesses

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte said Thursday he was directing staff at the Department of Public Health and Human Services to "seek dismissal" of lawsuits filed by the previous administration against five Flathead County businesses.

As vaccinations ramp up, hospitalizations decline

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's effort to vaccinate health care workers and those over age 70 against the coronavirus continues to ramp up while cases and hospitalizations decrease. But Gov. Greg Gianforte said Friday he would like to see the state get more vaccine each week.

Ban on insurance coverage for abortion considered

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana House Judiciary Committee on Friday advanced a bill that would ban the coverage of abortion procedures by health insurance plans offered through the state exchange.

Loggers foil Indians for a second time

From the tip-off, Libby dominated the court against Browning, locking down the Indians 72-47.

Former clients were unaware Hartman lacked a Montana license

During the opening week of the trial of a Bonners Ferry man accused of financial crimes, prosecutors called on witnesses ranging from allegedly exploited elderly clients to investigators from the state auditor’s office.

When it rains, it pours at Libby Elementary School

While administrators have come a long way in renovating Libby Elementary School’s roofing system, they still have a few leaks to plug.

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.

Details of Kendall plea deal released

Under the terms of a new plea agreement with prosecutors, Jeremiah Kendall would spend the next two decades behind bars.

Man involved in high speed chase allegedly aided in illegal border crossing

The Washington, D.C., man charged in Lincoln County after leading authorities on a high-speed chase last month now stands accused in U.S. District Court of transporting illegal immigrants.

Legals for February, 2 2021