Ellington

Harold David Avery

On Dec. 10, 2020, the world lost a good man. Harold David Avery was born in Whitefish to Harold W. and Mary Hunt Avery, joining an older brother, Bruce.

Washington, D.C., man charged following chase

A Washington, D.C., man who allegedly led local and federal law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Eureka is being held on a $250,000 bond.

Police investigate possible illegal traps in Libby

Officials with the Libby Police Department and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks have launched a joint investigation into potential illegal trapping operations in or near the city.

Firefighters douse job site trailer

The Libby Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire near the intersection of Second Street and Montana Avenue in Libby on Jan. 23.

County receiving about 300 doses of vaccine a week

As of Jan. 26, health workers in Lincoln County had administered 641 doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Brian Hoff, 57

Brian Hoff, 57, passed away Jan. 6, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colo., after a courageous battle with cancer.

Hartman trial underway in Libby

Opening arguments were heard this week in the trial of a Bonners Ferry man accused of exploiting elderly clients in connection with the sale of annuities in Libby and Troy.

FCC fines local Nazi sympathizer

A 51-year-old Nazi sympathizer residing in Libby faces a $9.9 million fine from the Federal Communications Commission after he plagued various parts of the country with racist, anti-Semitic and threatening robocalls.

Larry Patrick Bowman, 68

Larry Patrick Bowman, 68, passed away peacefully Jan. 20, 2021 at his home with his family, friends and dog by his side.

Kendall again pleads guilty

Jeremiah Kendall has, for the second time, struck a plea deal just weeks ahead of the planned start of his trial on aggravated assault and tampering charges.

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, still pivoting around the U.S. Capitol:

Legals for January, 29 2021

Richard H. Tholen, 90

Richard H. Tholen, 90, died Dec. 15, 2020, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby. He was born June 30, 1930, in Virginia, Minn., to Hugo and Emily Tholen.

Seifert drops grading system proposal

After sparking public outcry, health board member Jim Seifert said he has abandoned an idea to grade area businesses based on their adherence to pandemic restrictions.

School board approves Goodman's contract

After nearly 11 months at the helm, Libby Superintendent Ron Goodman is set to continue his service for another two years.

Golf cart proposal hits dead end -- again

Libby City Council took the wheels off of a proposal that would allow golf carts within the city.

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.

Joan A. Fosgate, 62

Longtime Libby resident Joan A. Fosgate, 62, died unexpectedly of natural causes Jan. 16, 2021.

Ronan Maidens school Lady Loggers

The Lady Loggers fell to the Ronan Maidens 60-24 on Jan. 23.

Libby City Council passes on supporting selenium standards

Since environmental regulators approved new heavy metal standards for Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River last year, conservationists have petitioned local officials to endorse the measures.

Mobile home blaze likely caused by electrical failure

Libby Volunteer Fire Department crews responded to a mobile home fire possibly sparked by an electrical failure Jan. 21.

Dan Kershner, 61

Dan Kershner, also known as “Kersh,” went home to be with the Lord on the evening of Jan. 7, 2021, in Salinas, Calif., after a mighty battle with cancer. He was 61 years old.

Loggers take the Bulldogs to the pound

After duking it out for the first half, the 2-4 Libby Loggers chained the Whitefish Bulldogs 52-39 on Jan. 22.

Commissioners elevate Bernhard to county health board

In a surprise move, Lincoln County commissioners last week appointed to the health board a Eureka town councilor who deems masks ineffective, the pandemic overwrought and COVID-19 vaccines unsafe.

Legals for January, 26 2021

Greenchain trumps Pirates, falls to Wildcats

The Greenchain split their first home dual of the season. The mixed Libby and Troy varsity boys wrestling squad pinned Polson 42-12, but fell to Columbia Falls 48-27 in their Jan. 15 matchup.

Lincoln County moves into second stage of state vaccination program

Local health officials have moved into the second stage of the state’s vaccination effort.

Crismore signals exit from health board

Citing a busy schedule and a perceived interest in a more diverse membership on the Lincoln County Board of Health, Laura Crismore has announced her departure from the panel.

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, still pivoting around the U.S. Capitol:

Kathleen Peters, 86

On Jan. 18, 2021, Kathleen Peters, loving mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 86. She was born on Aug. 16, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Black calls for united front on vaccine effort

Lincoln County’s top doctor called on health board members to publicly back COVID-19 vaccination efforts last week.

Helen Mar Bledsoe, 90

Heavenly Father gently took Helen Mar Bledsoe, who had her son at her side, by the hand and led her home to be with the Lord on Jan. 12, 2021, at the age of 90. Helen Mar was born July 27, 1930, in Berkeley, Calif., to Martin Clarence Buell and Helen Henrietta McCulloch Buell.

Outfitters see benefits to tighter selenium standards

New heavy metal standards for local waterways have left elected officials concerned about impacts on the area’s fishing industry. Local guides, however, celebrated the measures.

Libby administrators eye new remote learning program

For months, Libby educators have struggled to manage students on remote learning schedules. School administrators think they have a solution.

Legals for January, 22 2021

Irene Beller, 91

Irene Beller, 91, passed away peacefully Jan. 4, 2021, at her home in Libby, where she had been with all of her loving children the previous week. She was born April 4, 1929, in Durant, Okla., to Travis and Lucy (Chandler) Wilkerson.

Grady Joy Rathjen

Troy and Dezeray Rathjen welcomed a baby girl on Nov. 10.

Bill would limit rulemaking by local health boards

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana House is considering a bill that would make decisions by local health boards in response to crises subject to approval by elected officials.

Airport's $100M expansion project resumes

After months of delays, a $100 million project to expand Glacier Park International Airport is finally taking off.

Man charged in connection to shooting

A man shot by a Lincoln County Sheriff's Office deputy last week is facing assault and criminal tampering charges.

Eureka boys top young Troy squad

The Eureka Lions tore through the Troy Trojans 68-27 in their first inter-county skirmish of the year.

Ronald J. Massey

Ronald J. Massey passed away in his home in Troy on Jan. 14, 2021. He was born Nov. 28, 1953, in Maywood, Calif., to James and Mary Massey.

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, all centered on the U.S. Capitol:

Chiefs axe shorthanded Loggers squad

Despite coming out swinging, the Loggers weren’t able to keep up with the Ronan Chiefs, falling 54-43 in their fourth game of the year.

Local health order rescinded

Lincoln County’s top doctor rescinded his pandemic-related health order last week.

Peterson nominated to join county health board

In a narrow vote, the Lincoln County Health Board on Jan. 13 gave Jeffery Peterson of Eureka its endorsement to join the body.

Gracie Mae Erickson

Levi and Amber Erickson welcomed a baby girl Oct. 2, 2020, at 8:28 a.m.

Ivers reappointed as health board chair

After weeks of withering criticism, including calls from at least one current colleague to step aside, and despite professing no interest in the job, Jan Ivers was reappointed as chair of the county health board Jan. 13.

Taylor Jason Brossman

Ricky Brossman Jr. and TerriJo Lampton welcomed a baby boy Nov. 6, 2020. Taylor Jason Brossman weighed 5 pounds, 12-and-a-half ounces.

Sauls faces charges after assault

A Eureka man with a criminal history faces multiple charges in Lincoln County District Court for his role in assaulting a man in that community last year.

Micaiah James Stiverson

Nicole and Zach Stiverson and sons, Bennett and Judah, welcomed a baby boy Nov. 7, 2020. Micaiah James Stiverson weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and was 21 inches long. He was delivered by Joyce Vogel and Julia Weaver.

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.

Legals for January, 19 2021

Edward Allen Bailey, 77

Edward “Ed” Allen Bailey, 77, of Wallace, Idaho, passed away Jan. 7, 2021, at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Ed was born May 14, 1943, in Arlington, Wash., son of the late Owen and Clara Longley Bailey, longtime residents of Wallace, Idaho.

Libby school officials could keep district mask mandate in place

While state and local officials may rescind their mask mandates in a matter of weeks, Libby Public School administrators plan to maintain their face covering policy until the threat of the coronavirus abates.

Local vaccination effort heads into Phase 1b

Local health officials could move into Phase 1b of the state’s vaccination distribution plan as soon as next week.

Wicked winter storm leaves thousands in dark

Gary Neff’s morning took a turn when a tree crashed into his master bedroom around 9 a.m. While Neff and his wife were in their living room at the time, they saw the adjoining wall bow in and debris come flooding through the roof.

Procession honors Kila boy who succumbed to rare condition

Maverick Bench has come home.

Governor relaxes COVID-19 restrictions on businesses

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Wednesday that he is removing existing health mandates issued by his predecessor, saying the restrictions are harmful to the state's businesses.

Cabinet Peaks announces first baby of 2021 in Libby

Gabriel Isaiah James Scalf was the first baby born in Libby in 2021.

Loggers squeak out a win over Indians

Breaking with recent history, the Loggers defeated the Browning Indians in a 48-45 nail-biter on the road.

No DUIs recorded over holiday

Libby saw zero driving under the influence infractions over New Year’s Eve, said Chief of Police Scott Kessel.

Golf cart ordinance proposal revived

After stalling out last year, a proposal that would allow Libby residents to drive golf carts on certain streets is roaring back to life.

Alarm system upgrade coming to north county annex

The North Lincoln County Annex is poised to get a new security system.

Matthew Edwin Valentine, 37

Matthew Edwin Valentine, 37, died peacefully in his sleep at home in Troy on Jan. 4, 2021. He was born Sept. 20, 1983, in Snohomish, Wash., but spent most of his life in northwest Montana.

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.

Legals for January, 15 2021

Man shot after deputies respond to domestic disturbance

Officials are investigating a law enforcement-involved shooting after Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a disturbance about 8:30 a.m., Jan. 14.

Commissioners assume direct oversight over asbestos program

In a move aimed at trimming local bureaucracy, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners assumed oversight of the Asbestos Resource Program.

Commissioners tap Bennett as chair

Lincoln County Commissioner Jerry Bennett took over as the committee’s chair this week.

Wildcats pounce on Loggers' mistakes

Despite mounting aggressive half-court traps and full-court presses, Libby couldn’t stop the offensive onslaught mounted by Columbia Falls.

Garry Owen Downey, 68

It is with great sadness that the family of Garry Owen Downey, 68, shares the news of his passing on Jan. 1, 2021, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby. Garry was born in Libby on April 29, 1952. He served three years in the U.S. Air Force and retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2017.

Browning Indians tower over Lady Loggers

Giving no quarter up or down the court, the Browning Indians vanquished the Lady Loggers 61-19.

Carr faces drug, theft charges

A man arrested for theft from a local pawnshop last month now faces drug charges in Lincoln County District Court.

McDonald receives deferred imposition of sentence

Lincoln County District Judge Matthew Cuffe handed down a four-year sentence with a deferred imposition to a man accused of electronically stalking his estranged wife earlier this year.

Donald L. Brittain, 60

Donald L. “Butch” Brittain, 60, died unexpectedly of natural causes Dec. 17, 2020, in Marion, Montana. He was born Jan. 30, 1960, at Bend, Ore., to Donald and Dolores Brittain.

Warrant issued for missing Eureka man

A Lincoln County judge issued a felony warrant last month for a Eureka man missing since summer.

Citing insurance concerns, city council tables tennis court agreement

Libby City Council held off on adding its signature to joint agreement for the upkeep of local playing courts Jan. 4, with members citing insurance questions, among other concerns.

Fire south of Libby under investigation

The cause of a structure fire south of Libby in late evening Jan. 7 remains under investigation.

Peck backs Seifert, but not proposal

Count County Commissioner Mark Peck (D-1) among those who reacted strongly against a controversial plan floated last month to grade businesses based on their compliance with pandemic restrictions.

In Glacier, latest effort to preserve a native trout species a success

A project to rid a couple of high mountain lakes in Glacier National Park of non-native fish and replace them with native species was a success, Park fisheries biologist Chris Downs said.

Montana Legislature highly recommends face masks, for now

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's legislative leaders are highly recommending but not requiring face coverings for people participating in the Legislature, after Friday's initial meeting of the body's COVID-19 panel.

Montana liability bill intended to limit virus litigation

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Montana Senate committee is considering a bill that would provide liability protection for businesses and health care providers against lawsuits related to the pandemic.

Herman Albert Doleźal, 93

Herman Albert Doleźal, 93, passed away Jan. 10, 2021, after almost three years of compassionate care at Libby Care Center. He was born April 8, 1927, in Cedar Rapids, Neb., the oldest son of Adolph and Sophia Doleźal.

Legals for January, 12 2021

Officials developing new election procedures after ballots briefly went missing

Box containing ballots was recovered on Nov. 6.

A ballot box was left temporarily unaccounted for in the days after the November election. Officials stressed that the votes it contained were tabulated within the timeframe allowed by the state and were never at risk of being tampered with.

Alberta Watt Savage, 90

Alberta Watt Savage, 90, died Dec. 7, 2020, at her home in Troy of natural causes. She was born Oct. 11, 1929, to Albert and Vera Watt in Harlem. She grew up all over Montana while her father worked as an electrician.

Cougars cut into Trojans

The Stillwater Cougars slashed the Trojan varsity 76-29 during their Jan. 5 matchup. While Troy managed to hold on for the opening minutes of the game, they fell behind starting at the end of the first quarter.

Greenchain ready for the mat

After a month of honing in their technique and conditioning, Greenchain wrestlers are getting ready to grapple in their Jan. 8 season-opening dual.

School officials tepid on plan to demolish Asa Wood

A plan to demolish the Asa Wood Elementary School building to make way for an assisted living facility is losing favor with the Libby Public School Board.

Year in Review, Part IV

Join The Western News in taking a look at the biggest stories of the second half of 2020, an unforgettable year.

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:

Gianforte: Public health directives will change in coming weeks

Black's local health order will expire when statewide mandates are lifted

Gov. Greg Gianforte said he would not immediately repeal the statewide mask mandate despite leveling criticism at the directive while on the campaign trail.

City Hall issues reminder of winter weather parking ban

Libby Police Chief Scott Kessel is reminding residents that parking restrictions are in effect within city limits through the end of March.

Legals for January, 8 2021

Trump, on tape, presses Ga. official to 'find' him votes

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump pressured Georgia's Republican secretary of state to "find" enough votes to overturn Joe Biden's win in the state's presidential election, repeatedly citing disproven claims of fraud and raising the prospect of a "criminal offense" if officials did not change the vote count, according to a recording of the conversation.

Daines among GOP lawmakers working to overturn election

WASHINGTON (AP) — A growing number of Republican lawmakers are joining President Donald Trump's extraordinary effort to overturn the election, pledging to reject the results when Congress meets next week to count the Electoral College votes and certify President-elect Joe Biden's win.

Lady Trojans show spirit after Dickensian preseason

The Lady Trojans head coach turned to Charles Dickens to sum up the team’s preseason.

Despite late rally, Loggers fall to Broncs

After a sluggish first half, Libby upped the pressure in the fourth quarter of their season opener against Frenchtown. The push landed them just short of the mark. The Broncs bucked the Loggers 50-47 on Jan. 2.

Trojans get learning experience courtesy of Blue Hawks

From the tip-off, the Blue Hawks sunk their talons into the Trojan varsity squad. By the time the buzzer sounded, Thompson Falls had secured a 76-13 victory in the Jan. 2 season opener in Troy.

Contractor charged for allegedly fleecing customers

A local contractor pleaded not guilty to theft charges after his former customers accused him of failing to complete the work he agreed, and was paid, to do.

Local officials begin rolling out vaccinations

Coronavirus vaccinations are rolling out in Lincoln County, but officials caution that many factors will determine how and when an individual receives a vaccine.

State distribution plan details vaccine rollout

As Montana rounds into the new year, state and local officials are focused on transitioning into the next phase of the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan after nearly 17,000 high-risk health-care personnel received their first doses of the vaccine in December.

Lady Loggers head into season with deep bench

Thanks to a strong showing from the freshman class, the Lady Loggers took to the courts against Frenchtown with three teams this year.

An energized Loggers squad prepares for the court

Although their season might have been delayed by a month, the Libby Loggers were ready to hit the courts dribbling on Jan. 2 in their first game against Frenchtown.

Year in Review, Part III

Join The Western News in taking a look a the biggest stories of the first half of 2020, an unforgettable year.

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.

Legals for January, 5 2021

Trump's $2,000 checks all but dead as GOP Senate refuses aid

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's push for $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks was all but dead Wednesday as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell proposed an alternative approach of loading up the bill with other White House priorities that appeared destined to fail.

Delayed start to winter athletics as administrators work on COVID measures

Better late than never, high school winter sports seasons are set to kick off on Jan. 2, nearly a month behind the usual schedule. School administrators are taking extra precautions this year to reduce the risk of the coronavirus spreading within indoor arenas.

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:

Ronald Eugene Thompson Sr.

Ronald Eugene Thompson Sr. of Ravenswood, W.Va., passed away Dec. 18, 2020, at Ravenswood Care Center.

Celeste Allison Gregory

Celeste Allison Gregory passed away Dec. 27, 2020. Celeste was born to Cameron and Danette Gregory on Sept. 13, 1984.

Wicka sentenced for role in barricade situation

Lincoln County District Judge Matthew Cuffe followed the terms of a plea deal struck with a Libby man who barricaded himself against law enforcement last year, but warned that any slip-ups could result in a 10-year sentence.

Palafox found guilty after bench trial

Lincoln County District Judge Matthew Cuffe found a man accused of abusing a pet dog guilty on two counts of tampering with a witness following a Dec. 23 bench trial.

John Edward Walbridge, 73

John Edward Walbridge, 73, died Dec. 23, 2020, at his home in Troy of natural causes. He was born on Sept. 17, 1947, in Thompson Falls to Johnnie and Lela May Walbridge.

In fast-moving pandemic, health officials try to change minds at warp speed

Nine months into the pandemic that has killed more than 320,000 people in the U.S., Kim Larson is still trying to convince others in her northern Montana county that COVID-19 is dangerous.

State GOP lawmakers blast Daines over water compact

A historic water-rights agreement between the federal government and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes became law on Sunday, as President Donald Trump reluctantly signed a $2.3 trillion spending bill that included the pact as well as a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package.

Year in Review, Part II

Here is the second installment of The Western News' look back on 2020, an unforgettable year.

Hileman receives suspended sentence

A Libby man facing his tenth driving under the influence charge received a suspended, five-year sentence in Lincoln County District Court on Dec. 7.

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.