Ellington

Miller sentenced on sexual abuse charge

A Troy man accused of sexually abusing a boy earned a partially suspended 45-year sentence in Lincoln County District Court on June 21.

Firefighters battle fire near Callahan Creek

Firefighters with the U.S. Forest Service are battling a three-acre fire in the Callahan Creek area southwest of Troy.

Officials urge residents to take precautions with fireworks

Libby officials are reminding residents that fireworks are illegal within city limits and asking them to take extra precautions while celebrating the Fourth of July given the dry weather.

Loggers secure win against North Idaho, but struggle in Big Bucks Tourney

While the Loggers struggled to put the barrel to the ball for most of the Big Bucks Tournament last week, they capped the midsummer slugfest with an 8-4 victory over the North Idaho Lakers.

Roby found guilty of misdemeanor, acquitted of two felony charges

A jury acquitted a Libby woman on two felony charges, but found her guilty of a misdemeanor after she assaulted her husband during a domestic dispute last year.

Libby residents celebrate Pride month with potluck

“You are loved, screw the haters,” shouted Beckie Guerra to laughter and applause, kicking off Libby’s celebration of Pride month in Firemans Park on Saturday.

Drought woes in dry US West raise July 4 fireworks fears

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Many Americans aching for normalcy as pandemic restrictions end are looking forward to traditional Fourth of July fireworks. But with a historic drought in the U.S. West and fears of another devastating wildfire season, officials are canceling displays, passing bans on setting off fireworks or begging for caution.

Pipe Creek Road could see temporary closure next month

Officials with the Kootenai National Forest last week alerted residents to the potential temporary closure of Pipe Creek Road later in the summer.

Library officials craft plans for resource center in Troy

The Lincoln County Library system is teaming up with local groups to launch a community resource center to Troy.

Robert Allen Robinson

Robert “Bobby” Allen Robinson of Duvall, Wash., went to race with the angels June 11, 2021, after a sudden illness.

Libby Food Pantry seeks new home

The potential redevelopment of Asa Wood could prove a windfall for the school district, but not for the food pantry that calls the building home.

Blood shortage prompts widespread call for donations

Facing a critical blood shortage, the nonprofit transfusion medicine organization that supplies dozens of hospitals and clinics throughout Montana, Idaho and Washington with blood products recently urged individuals to donate blood as soon as possible to their local clinic.

Ague arraigned on multiple assault charges

Timothy William Ague, 60, pleaded not guilty charges of sexual assault and assault on a peace officer in Lincoln County District Court on June 21.

Legals for June, 29 2021

Whitefish’s Don ‘K’ re-elected as state GOP chair

Whitefish businessman Don “K” Kaltschmidt was re-elected over the weekend as chairman of the Montana Republican Party.

Nearly all COVID deaths in US are now among unvaccinated

Nearly all COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. now are in people who weren't vaccinated, a staggering demonstration of how effective the shots have been and an indication that deaths per day — now down to under 300 — could be practically zero if everyone eligible got the vaccine.

Montana man arrested for causing fire near Yellowstone

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Montana man was arrested Wednesday for causing a fire near Yellowstone National Park that has burned 46 square miles (120 square kilometers) and torched more than two dozen homes and other structures.

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:

Chance David Collier, 20

Chance David Collier, 20, died on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 in Kalispell. He was born June 14, 2000, in Libby.

Environmentalists threaten to sue Montana over new wolf laws

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A coalition of environmental advocacy groups threatened Wednesday to sue the state of Montana if it implements new laws passed earlier this year permitting the snaring of wolves and expanding trapping seasons, which they say could pose a threat to the state's grizzly bear and lynx populations.

Libby school officials detail coronavirus spending

Administrators with Libby Public Schools last week clarified their spending plans for the more than $4.25 million in federal coronavirus aid the district has received.

Commissioners set cost of living increases for county employees, officials

Lincoln County commissioners passed a series of resolutions to set cost of living increases for county officials and employees during a June 23 meeting.

Highway patrol responds to multiple crashes in county

Montana Highway Patrol officers responded to two crashes in south Lincoln County during the afternoon hours of June 21.

Troy officials amend municipality's budget

Troy City councilors last week approved amendments to the municipality’s budget after an infusion of federal funds and other unanticipated revenues and expenditures threw the financial road map off-kilter.

Libby firefighters douse hay fire north of town

The Libby Volunteer Fire Department extinguished a hay fire near Rainy Creek on June 21.

Carr, Ekstedt in rematch to serve as mayor of Troy

Incumbent Troy Mayor Dallas Carr will face off against City Councilor Chuck Ekstedt in this year’s general election.

Newcomers aplenty in Libby mayoral, city council races

Libby residents will have to choose from a slate of municipal candidates when casting their ballots this November. Three contenders have thrown their hats in the ring for the mayoral race. Seven residents have submitted paperwork for three seats on the city council.

ARPA dollars arrive in Libby

Libby City Hall has received its first influx of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, officials said this week.

Cabinet View Golf Club repays loan to City Hall

Cabinet View Golf Club has cleared its debt to the City of Libby.

Orr pleads not guilty to assault with a weapon charge

Darrel “DC” Orr, accused of trying to run down a woman in his pickup truck last month, has pleaded not guilty in Lincoln County District Court.

Legals for June, 25 2021

With help from Masters, Libby rallies against Eureka

The Kootenai Valley Rangers may have gotten the jump on the Loggers during their June 18 county rivalry matchup, but they didn’t stay ahead long. Thanks to a late game rally and a walk-off home run, Libby bested Eureka 8-5.

Martin appointed to school board in Libby

Libby Public School Board members landed on Kristan Martin as their top pick for an open seat on the panel.

Flathead Electric switches gears, plans for level two charging station in Libby

Libby is getting a level three electric vehicle charging station, it’s just not going in at the chamber of commerce building.

Rosendale votes against holiday marking end of slavery

Montana's lone Congressman Matt Rosendale was one of only six members of the U.S. House of Representatives who voted this week against both the legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday and a proposal to award Congressional Gold Medals to fallen U.S. Capitol police officers killed in the line of duty.

Bear bites camper near Mystic Lake in Custer Gallatin forest

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — A bear bit a person who was camping near Mystic Lake in the Custer Gallatin National Forest over the weekend, the U.S. Forest Service said.

Victoria Elena Haugen

Victoria Elena Haugen passed away Dec. 28, 2019, at the Brendan House in Kalispell following a five-month battle with lung cancer.

Frederick Henry Martz, 78

Frederick "Sonny" Henry Martz peacefully passed away June 15, 2021, at the age of 78. He was surrounded by his loving wife Donna and daughters Sherry and Julie.

Robert E. Lee, 72

Robert E. Lee, 72, of Marion passed away unexpectedly May 24, 2021. He did not make it to 99 years old and was not shot by a jealous husband while crawling out a window, but he never grew up.

Stiger steps down as principal

Andrew Stiger has stepped down from his position as Libby Elementary School principal.

Officials examine new rules governing local health boards

Legal experts are deciphering the implications of a pair of new state laws that could have wide-ranging and unintended consequences in how local officials manage public health issues.

Vaccine effort turns into slog as infectious variant spreads

As cases tumble and states reopen, the potential final stage in the U.S. campaign to vanquish COVID-19 is turning into a slog, with a worrisome variant gaining a bigger foothold and lotteries and other prizes failing to persuade some Americans to get vaccinated.

In mental health crises, a 911 call now brings a mixed team of helpers

By the time Kiki Radermacher, a mental health therapist, arrived at a Missoula, Montana, home on an emergency 911 call in late May, the man who had called for help was backed into a corner and yelling at police officers.

Gianforte donates salary to facility treating drug addiction

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Wednesday that he will contribute his salary from the first quarter of 2021 to a Hardin facility treating substance abuse in southeast Montana.

Commissioners back Rabbit Tracts partnership

Lincoln County Commissioners approved a contract for a forestry project that would forge a partnership between private landowners and public officials.

County commissioners approve cost of living increases

Lincoln County Commissioners have approved a 1.8 percent cost of living increase for county employee salaries for the coming year.

Legals for June, 22 2021

Choose truth and cooperation over lies and divisiveness

The board members of the Kootenai Forest Stakeholders Coalition (KFSC) feel obligated to speak up about the role of public input in public land management actions. The KFSC is a collaborative group dedicated to seeking common ground and finding good solutions to help guide public forest management.

Libby school officials draw parents' ire for promoting vaccine drawing

Parents pressed Libby school officials this week about the role of district staff in promoting a prize-drawing contest aimed at boosting local vaccination rates.

Troy yanks Seifert off of health board

Troy city officials have removed Jim Seifert from the Lincoln County Health Board.

State aircraft sidelined after Montana fire helicopter crash

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A Montana firefighting agency imposed a 48-hour stand down of all its aircraft after a helicopter crash landed and burned in heavy winds.

State takes aim at scents, lures in CWD fight

In an effort to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is poised to curb the use of cover scents and lures hunters use in pursuit of game animals.

DUI task force looks to bolster enforcement, prevention

The Lincoln County DUI Task Force is placing renewed emphasis on prevention and enforcement this year.

Margie Lorraine Puckett (Corbett)

Margie Lorraine Puckett, 84, ran into the arms of Jesus on June 10, 2021, at her she-shed in Kalispell with her daughter Becky, son-in-law Keith and ever-faithful cat Saco by her side. Born Feb. 27, 1937, on a farm near Harrisburg, S.D., to Lorenz and Laura Messner, Margie was the youngest of six children.

Republican leadership celebrates successful legislative session

Montana voters spoke clearly last November. They elected Republicans up and down the ballot, giving legislative Republicans a clear mandate to make good on our campaign promises of protecting the Montana way of life, improving economic opportunities, protecting citizens’ rights and preventing government overreach.

Troy would be wise to roll out the welcome mat for bikepackers

This is a short letter to people of Troy and what is coming their way. In 2019, a long distance mountain bikepacking route was established from Whitefish to Mexico. It is called the Western Wildlands Route. It goes down 17 Mile by my studio and then on to Troy.

Graves faces fifth DUI charge

A man well known to local law enforcement for driving under the influence is now facing his fifth drinking and driving charge in Lincoln County District Court.

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, much of it about fossil fuels:

Loggers split doubleheader with Bitterroot Red Sox

Libby locked down the Bitterroot Red Sox in the first game of their June 15 doubleheader, but slipped in the nightcap.

Ethel Fiscus-Fletcher, 85

Ethel Fiscus-Fletcher, 85, passed away June 10, 2021, at Rangely Hospital in Rangely, Colo. She was a resident of Rangely for the last five years, and former resident of Wyoming and Montana.

Legals for June, 18 2021

Ziply Fiber expands in Troy and Libby

Ziply Fiber has expanded its services to hundreds of locations in Troy and Libby in recent months as part of a push to increase access to fiber-optic internet.

Libby earns state grant for wastewater plant work

Mayor Brent Teske announced June 7 that Libby secured about $464,000 from a state program for repair and upgrade work at the city’s wastewater plant.

Libby officials celebrate getting listed as one of state's best small towns

Municipal officials keep a framed copy of a 2018 Reader’s Digest article naming Libby “the most charming small town in Montana” up on a wall at City Hall — and it’s soon to get company.

Mattis pleads guilty after striking deal

The man accused of raping a child in January faces 15 years behind bars after striking a plea deal with prosecutors last month.

Joann Schatz

Our devoted mother and wife, Joann R. Schatz passed away on Oct. 2, 2020, on the eve of her 66th wedding anniversary.

Health board opposes publicizing metric associated with coronavirus tests

The Lincoln County Health Board has voted against publicizing cycle thresholds, a metric that some board members argued could provide a more nuanced look at the severity of coronavirus infections but public health experts say can be dangerously misleading when diagnosing patients.

Libby schools consider spending plans for over $4 million in federal funds

Administrators with Libby Public Schools are finalizing plans for how best to spend over $4.25 million in federal coronavirus relief funds.

Troy to consider applicants for health board seat

Troy City Council is opening up the municipality’s seat on the Lincoln County Health Board for applications after coming under fire for an administrative error that led to a faulty appointment to the panel last year.

County chip seals portion of Panoramic View Drive

After over a decade of dealing with dust coming off of Panoramic View Drive, homeowners living near the roadway can expect to receive some long-term relief.

Chance David Collier, 20

Chance David Collier, 20, died on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 in Kalispell.

Loggers split doubleheader with Whitefish

While the Loggers took the first game of their doubleheader against Whitefish on June 11 with a come-from-behind victory, the Glacier Twins built an early lead in the nightcap that Libby wasn’t able to overcome.

New outfitter takes e-biking to the next level

The Allred brothers have a solution to the overcrowding in Glacier National Park and other outdoor hotspots.

Statistics show domestic violence on the rise in Montana

Montana law enforcement officers responded to a domestic violence call every 1.75 hours in 2020 — and experts say that's likely a significant underrepresentation of the problem.

Melvin W. Bloom, 80

Melvin (Mel) W. Bloom, 80 passed away at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on November 15, 2020.

David Lee Griffiths, 72

David Lee Griffiths, 72 passed away at his home in Angeles City, Philippines on June 3, 2021.

Exclusive resort can use treated wastewater for snowmaking

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — An exclusive Montana resort has been granted a permit to use treated wastewater in its early season snowmaking operations, the state Department of Environmental Quality said.

Glenda G. Christmann, 69

Glenda G. Christmann, 69, died on Saturday, June 12, 2021.

Legals for June, 15 2021

Bernhard departs county health board

After a four-month stint on the Lincoln County Health Board, Scott Bernhard has tendered his resignation.

Candidates interviewed for open school board seat

Libby Public School Board members interviewed a slate of five candidates this week in hopes of filling an open seat on the panel.

Summer Food Service Program launches June 7

Libby Public Schools is sponsoring a federal summer food program to guarantee breakfast and lunches for children during the three-month break.

Keystone pipeline canceled after Biden had blocked permit

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The sponsor of the Keystone XL crude oil pipeline said Wednesday it is pulling the plug on the contentious project after Canadian officials failed to persuade President Joe Biden to reverse his cancellation of its permit on the day he took office.

Pamela Dianne Dalby, 75

Pamela Dianne Dalby, 75, of Troy passed away April 4, 2021, in her home on Bull Lake. She was born on Feb. 2, 1946, in Pasadena, Calif., to Harry and Pauline Dalby.

Edgar Carl Farnham, 80

Edgar Carl Farnham, 80, died June 6, 2021, at the Libby Care Center. He was born June 26, 1940, in Sacramento, Calif., to Edgar and Agnes Farnham. He graduated from high school in San Juan, Calif.

Hecla forging ahead with Northwest Montana mines

Officials with an Idaho-based mining company developing two large copper and silver mines in Northwest Montana said they are undeterred by a recent ruling that could let the state label its CEO a "bad actor" because of a failed mine cleanup more than two decades ago in a different part of the state.

LeeRoy Hoffman, 77

LeeRoy “Butch” Hoffman, 77, of Buhl, Minn., passed away May 23, 2021, in his home with his family at his side.

Kendall pleads not guilty to charges stemming from escape

A sullen Jeremiah Kendall appeared in Lincoln County District Court on Monday, pleading not guilty to the slew of felony charges he picked up during his short stint on the lam in April.

Driver of sedan likely to receive citation after collision

Investigators say the collision between a sedan and a dump truck that snarled traffic along U.S. Highway 2 about midmorning June 8 occurred after the driver of the smaller vehicle failed to yield.

Forest Service temporarily closes road and Leigh Lake Trail

U.S. Forest Service officials have closed off trails leading to Leigh Lake the road servicing the Leigh Lake trailhead for the coming week. Officials instated the order to keep the public safe during blasting activities for trail maintenance and construction.

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:

Legals for June, 11 2021

Keyshawn Davis to fight at Tokyo Olympics despite going pro

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Keyshawn Davis' quest for Olympic gold is back on.

Terrence D. Miller

Terrence “Terry” D. Miller went to be with our heavenly father May 23. He was born in Jamestown, N.D., on Aug. 27, 1962, to Tom and Arlene (Young) Miller.

Audrey Elaine Chiaverini

Audrey was born to Palmer and Helen Johnson in Elgin, Ill., on Nov. 10, 1930. She died May 5, 2021.

Probation department poised to exit probationary period

Justice Court officials are pushing commissioners to continue funding the county probation department after what they describe as a successful two-and-a-half year trial period.

Commissioners ponder pay increases for county officials

Lincoln County authorities voiced their support for a 1.8 percent boost in salaries for elected and appointed officials for the coming year.

Lady Loggers season ends at state tourney

After a strong season, the 9-13 Libby softball team fell short at the state tournament against Billings Central Catholic and Corvallis. The trip to Butte marked the first state championship the Lady Loggers have participated in since 2018.

Tennis squads end season with winning records

In a break with recent history, the Loggers’ tennis squads came away from their seasons with winning dual records and two bids for the state championship.

Ague faces sexual assault, assault on a peace officer charges

A Libby man under investigation for allegedly molesting a minor now also faces an assault on a peace officer charge.

Loggers enjoy success at state track meet

The Libby Loggers saw success at last week’s Class A state track meet, securing multiple top-10 finishes along with some hardware.

School officials in Troy consider budget amendment

Administrators with Troy Public Schools are considering amendments to the district’s budget to account for unforeseen expenses related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Peck says governor's office has thrown its weight behind fiberboard plant effort

It’s early days yet, but County Commissioner Mark Peck (D-1) said last week that efforts to bring a medium-density fiberboard factory to Libby are gaining steam.

Officials close to hiring a superintendent of schools for county

Commissioners approved June 2 a resolution to appoint an interim county superintendent of schools.

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 hosts meet to fundraise for new track and field facilities

Troy School District administrators and parents organized an elementary school track meet as part of their latest push to raise funds for much-needed repairs to the district’s track and field facilities.

Legals for June, 8 2021

Edmundson enters Alford plea

A Pipe Creek Road man accused of leveling a handgun at a UPS deliveryman late last year has pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon by way of an Alford plea.

John Ross Harris, 74

On May 31, 2021, Johnny “JR” Harris, 74, of Libby passed peacefully surrounded by his family. He was born Dec. 16, 1946, in Phoenix to William and Gertrude (Hamilton) Harris.

Robert Brown, 88

Robert “Bob” Brown passed away at the North Idaho Hospice surrounded by family on May 19, 2021, at the age of 88 after a brave fight with cancer. His courage in life and death served as an example of Christian faith and love to all who knew him.

Earl O. Stevens, 84

Earl O. Stevens, 84, died Feb. 16, 2021, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby.

Judge sides with Montana in mining pollution case

A Montana judge has sided with state environmental regulators who are using a law that provides protection from repeat polluters against an Idaho-based mining company and its chief executive.

Kenneth Clifford Hoerling

Kenny Hoerling, as most knew him, passed away in Washington state on April 21, 2021. Ken and his beautiful bride, Patty Hoerling, lived in Troy for 20 years.

Farmers to Families program wraps up in county

Lincoln County Food Box Distribution Program volunteers wrapped up their final meal giveaway last week after a year of helping locals weather the pandemic and the associated economic crisis.

Lady Trojans hope to build on tough season

After a shaky start, the Troy softball team rounded a corner and closed out their season with a 4-19 record.

Website launched to help residents track ARPA monies

Gov. Greg Gianforte announced the launch of a website and call center on June 1 to keep Montanans informed as to how the state will spend more than $1.5 billion in federal aid.

Breathing apparatuses need replacing, fire chief says

Officials with the Libby Volunteer Fire Department hope to secure federal funds to assist in the replacement of aging breathing apparatuses.

Soaring material prices dampen museum's success in securing grant funds

Efforts to refurbish the roof of the Libby Heritage Museum have fallen short due to a spike in building materials.

Legals for June, 4 2021

Montana's top prosecutor bans critical race theory programs

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's top prosecutor issued an opinion Thursday labeling critical race theory and some antiracism programs taught in schools as "discriminatory" and said they violate federal and state law.

Judge temporarily blocks new Montana campus carry law

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A judge temporarily blocked on Friday a new law allowing firearms to be carried on public university campuses in Montana.

LaMar Edward Lindsay, 90

LaMar Edward Lindsay, 90, of Libby passed away, surrounded by his family, April 11, 2021. LaMar was born to Earl and Ida (Brookbush) Lindsay on Sept. 26, 1930, in Libby, where he resided his entire life.

Ripley Project gets USFS go-ahead

U.S. Forest Service officials gave the go-ahead last week for a project that will treat over 12,000 acres of timberlands in south Lincoln County.

Aniyah Smith

Cameron Smith and Makayla Williams welcomed a baby girl on April 26, 2021. Aniyah Smith was born at 10:39 p.m.

Steven Floyd Flett

Sean Flett and Kimberly McConnell welcomed a baby boy on May 7, 2021, at 8:33 a.m. Steven Floyd Flett weighed 7 pounds and was 20 inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.

Panoramic View chip sealing project expected to begin this week

Commissioners hope to begin chip sealing a county-owned stretch of Panoramic View this week.

ARP wraps up two abatement projects

Contractors have completed two emergency abatement projects launched after workers discovered contaminated mine tailings buried in a pair of Libby properties.

Troy secures state grants for campground, trailhead

Troy City Council recently received two state grants totaling $36,000 in an effort to boost the municipality’s tourist attractions.

Jeremiah Orr

Eric and Joyce Orr welcomed a baby boy on May 4, 2021, at 3:18 a.m. Jeremiah Orr weighed 5 pounds, 6.7 ounces and was 18-and-a-half inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Kelli Jarrett.

For class of 2021, it's time to set forth

"While we were denied so much, I would offer there was something motivating about being held in place while the world goes forward."

State gives green light to vaccine incentives

When state Rep. Jennifer Carlson (R-Manhattan) presented House Bill 702 to her fellow lawmakers, she touted it as a straightforward piece of legislation.

Accused bicycle thief arraigned

Back in Lincoln County District Court after a brief disappearance, an accused bicycle thief has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Former Libby city councilor charged after allegedly trying to run down woman

Former Libby City Councilor Darrel “DC” Orr is facing a felony charge for allegedly trying to run down a Montana Sky employee after they had his camper towed off of company property.

Legals for June, 1 2021