Tuesday, March 30
State lawmakers target local COVID rules from all angles
Since the start of Montana's legislative session, Republican state lawmakers have considered a variety of novel ways to limit how local governments can respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Basham receives deferred sentence
Benjamin Jay Basham will serve a deferred, three-year sentence for allegedly absconding from Montana with his six-year-old daughter last summer.
Teck fined $60 million for polluting Koocanusa tributary
A Canadian coal mining company faces $60 million in fines after pleading guilty to polluting a tributary of Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River.
Strict COVID-19 guidelines could mean less stimulus money
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — As Montana lawmakers decide how to allocate millions of dollars in American Rescue Plan Act money, some Republicans are looking at ways to reduce the federal stimulus funds awarded to local governments, Native American tribes and schools that have stricter COVID-19 guidelines than the state.
Adjudication hearing date set for Warren
Cathie Iris Warren is refuting allegations she violated the terms of probation by once again raising and caring for animals.
Legislature passes bill to require trapper education course
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Legislature has passed a bill to require a trapper education course for most people before they purchase a license to trap animals.
Montana man pleads not guilty in US Capitol breach
MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A Montana man who federal prosecutors have said was among the first people to breach the U.S. Capitol while Congress was certifying the Electoral College vote on Jan. 6 has pleaded not guilty to several charges and is asking the judge to release him from custody pending trial so he can provide for his family.
Proposal to add guns to Montana state flag fails
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A proposal to change the Montana state flag to prominently feature firearms failed Friday to pass a vote by the state House, after a Republican lawmaker said such a change would honor the state's history.
State evidence not enough for charges in Ranch For Kids case
The Lincoln County Attorney’s Office will not pursue charges against a former facility for troubled youth in Rexford after reviewing a state investigation into allegations of child abuse at the site.
Commissioners, mayor and volunteer board members met in violation of state law
Two county commissioners, a mayor and members of a local board met over breakfast earlier this month to discuss the future of the Troy Area Dispatch District, in what open meeting law experts deem a violation of the Montana Constitution and state law.
Legals for March, 30 2021
Friday, March 26
Flower Creek watershed report nears completion
Without the Flower Creek watershed, there is no City of Libby.
End of year traditions return to local schools
After canceling or modifying spring traditions and sports seasons last year, south Lincoln County Schools are ramping end-of-school events back up.
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:
Assance charged with additional counts of assault with a weapon
Prosecutors have brought additional charges against a man shot and injured by sheriff’s deputies during a domestic disturbance call in January.
City council waives fee for KPFL
Libby City Council agreed March 15 to waive the Ponderosa Room fee for Kootenai Pets For Life’s (KPFL) mid-April rummage sale.
Jordan pleads guilty to drug possession
The man arrested pant-less last year after his presence in an area known for drug sales aroused the suspicion of sheriff’s deputies has pleaded guilty to a single felony charge stemming from the incident.
Richard Lee Thompson, 64
Richard “Rich” Lee Thompson, 64, of Libby passed away March 15, 2021, due to complications following a motor vehicle accident on Feb. 25.
Haphazard attempts to make drugs cheaper could damage innovation
All Democrats and many Republicans are committed to making prescription drugs more affordable.
Deferred sentence revoked for Brewer
A man serving a deferred sentence for criminal endangerment is back in the care of the state Department of Corrections after picking up a driving under the influence charge in Missoula.
Senate Bill 100 will hurt a lot of Montanans for little gain
Senate Bill 100, the Welfare Fraud Prevention Act, would impose significant challenges to Montanans who rely on assistance to survive.
Tyranny must be opposed lest it flourish
Fear has been used for thousands of years to suppress the masses. Tyranny knows no boundaries. Unopposed, it flourishes malignantly.
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.
Richard Williams, 85
Richard (Dick) Williams, 85, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of March 15, 2021, at the Libby Care Center after several years of failing health.
Montana Senate moves bill to end same-day voter registration
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's Senate is moving forward with a bill to end same-day voter registration.
Justices say accident victims can sue Ford in state courts
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the Ford Motor Co. can be sued in the state courts of people who were killed or seriously injured in accidents involving Ford vehicles.
City council approves capital fund
Libby City Council voted unanimously March 15 to create a capital improvement fund, the first step in creating a fiscal tool to prepare for major expenditures down the line.
Rescue teams turn up missing outdoorsman
Following a day of search and rescue operations, on March 24 authorities found a missing Libby man who disappeared in the brush with his dog earlier this week.
Tester, Daines push for National Asbestos Awareness Week in April
Montana’s U.S. senators are pushing a resolution that would again designate the first week in April as National Asbestos Awareness Week.
Dozens quarantined after virus resurfaces at schools
Libby Public Schools saw a coronavirus outbreak this week, which put dozens of students and staff members into quarantine.
Tuesday, March 23
Rich Thompson, 64
Rich Thompson, 64, of Libby, died March 15, 2021, at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Services will be at 11 a.m., March 27 at the City of Libby Cemetery. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby.
Superfund site handoff going well, officials say
Just over nine months since oversight of residential and commercial properties in the Libby Asbestos Superfund Site shifted from federal to state hands, officials say all is going according to plan.
Tax filing deadline extended to May 17
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana is extending its deadline for filing 2020 tax returns to May 17 to match the new federal deadline, Gov. Greg Gianforte said Thursday.
Schools outline coronavirus relief spending
Lincoln County schools are set to receive an infusion of federal funds thanks to recent coronavirus relief legislation.
Troy officials ink land deal with ambulance group
A buy-sell agreement between Troy Volunteer Ambulance and the City of Troy is off to the title company.
Fantozzi hopes to bring mental health issues into the foreground
Touting a background in mental and public health, Amy Fantozzi, newly minted county health board representative, said she would use science to guide her decisions on the panel.
Softball squad warming up for season
After a couple days of indoor practice, the Libby softball team hit the fields March 17 to take advantage of last week’s good weather.
Libby tennis players prep for return to courts
Libby tennis players got back into the swing of things with their first practice of the year last week.
Nathan J. Bunton, 49
On March 14, 2021, Nathan J. Bunton passed away at age 49. Nate was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He leaves behind his wife, Julie; his children, Michael, Sara and Aspen; and 11 grandchildren.
Verna Anna Welch, 95
Verna Anna Welch, 95, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord at home with her daughters by her side. She began her life in Ekalaka on December 23, 1925, the daughter of Albert and Anna Frye.
Matthew Ryan Gilman, 46
Matthew (Matt) Ryan Gilman, 46, passed away Feb. 26, 2021, in Whitefish. He was born at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish on May 3, 1974, to Martin and Laurie Gilman. He was the youngest of three children.
Mayor pledges corrective action after city cemetery damaged
Mayor Brent Teske apologized March 15 for damage done to the City of Libby Cemetery by municipal work crews over the winter and said disciplinary action was being taken.
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.
Lambertsen charged for role in Christmas break-ins
The second half of a pair of alleged burglars accused of ransacking multiple vehicles and a home Christmas night was arraigned in Lincoln County District Court on March 8.
Hagen arrested after string of robberies
A Libby man faces a single robbery charge so far after allegedly stealing from local gas stations while armed earlier this month.
Legals for March, 23 2021
Friday, March 19
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.
Verna Welch, 95
Verna Welch, 95, died March 17, 2021, at her home in Libby of natural causes.
Montana has 19 confirmed cases of COVID-19 variants
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana has a total of 19 confirmed cases of COVID-19 variants in 11 counties, the state health department said Wednesday.
Montana adults to be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine April 1
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana residents ages 16 and older will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on April 1, Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Tuesday.
Forest officials eye potential projects
The Kootenai National Forest is set to receive another boost in federal funding courtesy of the Great American Outdoors Act.
'Bear aware' season is in full swing
With the onset of spring comes an uptick in wildlife activity in northwest Montana.
Loggers prep for track and field season
Libby track and field athletes began pounding pavement this week, getting in shape for their upcoming season.
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:
Donald Quinn
Donald Quinn passed away peacefully March 11, 2021, after living with dementia for the past few years. True to Don’s personality and spirit, he went out on his own terms. He surprised all by surviving COVID-19 this past summer. He was able to enjoy a car ride around Gull Lake on the Saturday before his passing and then laid down to begin his journey to reunite with the love of his life, Fran. How Minnesotan is that!
Keith Walsh
After many years of serious health challenges, Keith Walsh’s bright spirit sped from his old “clay jar” toward his heavenly home in the wee hours of March 16, 2021.
Libby City Council selects health board rep
Libby City Councilors appointed Amy Fantozzi of the Western Montana Mental Health Center as the municipality’s representative to the county health board March 15.
Golf club nears potential sale of land near back nine
The Cabinet View Golf Club is closing in on a land deal that would allow it to partially repay the City of Libby for an outstanding loan, officials say.
Warren faces revocation after getting caught with animals
A local woman barred from owning animals after a jury found her guilty of multiple counts of animal cruelty in 2017 is accused of gathering a veritable menagerie of farm animals in recent months.
Charges against trailer park owner dismissed
Justice Court Judge Jay Sheffield has dismissed charges against the owner of two local trailer parks who stood accused of environmental health violations.
Libby man succumbs to injuries sustained in wreck
A Libby man has died from injuries he suffered in a traffic accident last month.
Francis G. Rieley
Francis G. “Bill" Rieley passed away March 5 in Libby.
Longtime game warden reflects on career in Lincoln County
After longtime game warden Tamie Laverdure-Fitchett reinjured her back a few years ago, a doctor advised her to consider a change in career or, at the very least, get out of the field.
Legals for March, 19 2021
Tuesday, March 16
Investigation clears deputy involved in shooting
Officials have declared that the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office deputy who shot and injured a man during a January domestic disturbance call used an appropriate and justified amount of force.
New asbestos regs let health officials penalize offenders
Local public health officials have brought into effect another regulation to protect residents from residual asbestos.
School levies set to decrease in Libby
Libby Public Schools is expecting a significant change in its levies next year. But breaking with recent history the shift will result in a slump, rather than a bump, in taxes.
Loggers reflect on season after falling in divisionals
After a hard-fought season, the Libby Loggers ended their year at the Western A Divisional tournament in Butte.
Red Dog could revive its pizza menu as takeout only
Local flatbread-lovers rejoice: The Red Dog Saloon may soon begin serving its famed pizza again.
Wrestlers return from Miles City with medals in tow
The Greenchain capped off a winning season last week with several medals at the state tournament in Miles City.
Arms, not vaccine, in short supply
While securing a steady supply of COVID-19 vaccine is no longer a problem, finding arms to jab has emerged as a sticking point.
Mission statement debate exposes fissures on county health board
Gathering together for an inaugural work meeting, Lincoln County Health Board members navigated fault lines exposed by the pandemic while brainstorming a new mission statement.
Earl O. Stevens Jr., 84
Earl O. Stevens Jr., 84, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Feb. 16, 2021, with his wife and best friend, Ada Stevens, by his side.
Getting back to the basics at Rosita's
When Jose Enrique Figueroa Castillo founded Rosita’s 12 years ago, he had a plan to bring authentic Mexican cuisine to Lincoln County. After resuming ownership of the restaurant, his commitment to the craft remains just as strong.
Substitute teachers, seasonal workers will see bump in pay
Libby Public School board members have approved a bump in pay for certain employees.
Seepage near Libby Creek nonhazardous, officials say
Recreationalists walking the trail along Libby Creek were alarmed to find an orange-colored substance seeping into the stream in January, though officials have since deemed the runoff nonhazardous.
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.
Eddie Wayne Vanmeter
Eddie Wayne Vanmeter passed away peacefully in his sleep Dec. 17, 2020, at his residence in Libby.
Man dies after being ejected from vehicle in Lincoln County
A 35-year-old Columbia Falls man died after being ejected from his vehicle in Lincoln County Saturday.
Susan Kay Boyd, 66
Susan Kay Boyd, 66, died March 12, 2021, at her home following an extended illness. She was born in Omaha, Neb., to Ted and Jeannine (Gash) Boyd on Sept. 16, 1954.
Legals for March, 16 2021
Friday, March 12
Local schools consider ending mask mandates
With vaccine rollouts for staff on the horizon and pressure mounting from local activists, schools in southern Lincoln County are considering lifting mask requirements in the coming months.
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:
Doris Brown, 78
Doris Brown, 78, was born in Harlem on Jan. 19, 1943. She passed away Feb. 21, 2021, at Kalispell Regional Hospital.
A story of the plague year
Sara Whitehouse first saw her roommate go into the COVID ward. She never came out. Then it was Whitehouse's turn
When Sara Whitehouse tested positive for the coronavirus she feared the worst.
Beverly Jane Eby, 86
Beverly Jane Eby, 86, of Moyie Springs, Idaho, previously of Libby, passed away on Feb. 22, 2021, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She went to our Lord very peacefully at the Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene.
Edmundson accused of aiming firearm at deliveryman
The Pipe Creek Road homeowner accused of greeting a UPS deliveryman with a leveled handgun late last year has pleaded not guilty to assault with a weapon.
Mattis pleads not guilty to additional charges
Prosecutors have brought more charges against a Libby man accused of raping an 8-year-old in January.
Emmett Willoughby
Megan James and Ellis Willoughby welcomed a baby boy Dec. 11, 2020, at 8:31 a.m.
Charlotte Graves
Jonathon and Jordan Graves welcomed a baby girl on Dec. 22, 2020, at 8:30 a.m. Charlotte Graves weighed 8 pounds and was 21-inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Kelli Jarrett.
Auden Tallmadge
Adam and Alyssa Tallmadge welcomed a baby boy on Jan. 7, 2021, at 5:57 a.m.
City wildlife management plan undergoes edits
Out of 78 deer harvested in and around Libby during the winter, just one has thus far tested positive for chronic wasting disease.
Congress OKs $1.9T virus relief bill in win for Biden, Dems
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Congress riven along party lines has approved the landmark $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, as President Joe Biden and Democrats claimed a major triumph on legislation marshaling the government's spending might against twin pandemic and economic crises that have upended a nation.
Loren Robert Kujawa, 94
Loren Robert Kujawa, 94, passed peacefully in his sleep at home March 9, 2021. A lifelong Libby resident, Loren was born Jan. 12, 1927, to his parents, Mary Rose Brouillard and Joseph Kujawa.
Legals for March, 12 2021
Tuesday, March 9
Reining in D.C. will take a convention of states
The Montana Senate last week voted on a crucial measure to address the current fiscal crisis ongoing in Washington, D.C.
First cases of coronavirus variant detected in Montana
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Three cases of a variant of COVID-19 first identified in the United Kingdom were detected in Gallatin County, Montana officials said Wednesday. These are the first cases of the more contagious variant confirmed in the state.
Betty Louise Hutton Sunell Ross, 85
On March 5, Betty Louise Hutton Sunell Ross, entered Heaven’s gates after spending 85 beautiful years as an angel here on this earth. Betty was born in Libby at the Hutton Ranch Homestead to her parents, Evelyn Catherine Hutton and Harold “Happy” Hutton.
Mussels found on moss balls in pet stores
Officials with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks recently detected zebra mussels in aquarium moss balls in pet stores throughout the state.
COVID relief bill sets Empire Builder running full-time again
Amtrak’s Empire Builder route along Montana’s Hi-Line is on track to return to full-time service.
Sauls receives sentence for role in assault
Jacob Orion Sauls will spend the next five years under the supervision of the state Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to a single count of failure to register as a violent offender.
Cuffe deems voter ID bill as one of the most important of his career
State Sen. Mike Cuffe (R-Eureka) never thought he would carry legislation like Senate Bill 169. But when presenting the act, which would revise voter identification laws, the six-term congressman said it might be the most important bill he will sponsor in his career.
School officials prepare for mass vaccination of staff
School employees will soon have access to vaccines thanks to a recent federal push to protect educators from the coronavirus.
Bail reduced slightly in criminal endangerment case
District Judge Matthew Cuffe slightly adjusted bond last week for a suspected drug dealer after he nearly caused a traffic accident with a law enforcement vehicle, lessening it from $175,000 to $150,000.
Land transfer bill is a Trojan Horse
Twenty-six days. That’s how long it took legislators to resuscitate legislation that supports transferring public land to the state, an idea Montanans have rejected time and again. The newest effort, state Rep. Steve Gunderson’s house bill 320, is a misleading and cynical attempt to set the stage for yet another transfer push.
Thank you, Cabinet Peaks Medical Center staff
To say that this past year has thrown us all for a loop would perhaps be an understatement. The unexpected had to become the expected, and there has rarely been a moment to sit back and enjoy the good things you, the employees of Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, have done.
Wilma Rebecca Shearer
On Feb. 20, 2021, Wilma Rebecca Shearer fell asleep in death. She was surrounded by her family.
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.
Despite trying times, Trojans saw improvement
Trojan head coach Justin Young described this year’s boys basketball season as one the craziest of his career.
Bill would give hunters a mulligan for CWD-infected animals
Dallas Carr had one thought running through his mind when he put his crosshairs on the bull moose.
Firefighters quench Woodway Avenue blaze
The Libby Volunteer Fire Department responded to a Woodway Avenue house fire on the afternoon of March 1.
Jorgensen sentenced after striking deal
The man arrested after getting his vehicle stuck on the edge of a U.S. Border Patrol agent’s driveway while intoxicated last year will undergo substance abuse treatment before serving a suspended sentence.
Legals for March, 9 2021
Friday, March 5
Libby City Council weighs options for health board rep
City councilors in Libby are mulling appointing one of their own to the county health board if better-suited candidates fail to apply.
Montana runs on coal, let's not forget it
For more than 20 years, I've worked with many key industry leaders, stakeholders, state officials and the past two presidential administrations on developing energy policy. Montana has always been a resource-rich, energy-blessed state.
Clean energy can usher in an age of prosperity
President Joe Biden has made it clear that clean energy is a priority for his administration. Clean energy will lead to jobs and prosperity if Montanans embrace the opportunity.
Vaccine eligibility expands next week
In an effort to further protect residents most vulnerable to the coronavirus, Gov. Greg Gianforte this week expanded the list of people eligible for a vaccine.
Students launch anti-mask campaign; school officials encourage civic engagement
Hoping to end masks requirements at Libby Public Schools, a group of students are circulating a petition among community members.
Garberg earns suspended sentence
District Judge Matthew Cuffe handed down a suspended, five-year sentence to a Great Falls man who led local law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Libby last year.
Green energy jobs are good paying jobs
In reading Gov. Greg Gianforte’s recent State of the State address, I appreciated his emphasis on getting businesses open and generating good-paying jobs.
Fourth of July bash returns to Troy
After a one-year hiatus, Troy is set to host its old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration this summer.
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.
Ernest Denver Sells, 93
Ernie passed peacefully and without pain March 1, 2021, with his daughter by his side. Ernest “Ernie” Denver Sells, 93, was born Jan. 24, 1928, in Sherwood, Tenn., to Johnnie and Angeline (Smith) Sells.
Lisa Seaberg
Lisa (Robertson) Seaberg of Havre sadly passed away Feb 21, 2021. Lisa was the sixth child born to Roger and Mary Robertson.
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 March, 5 2021
Tuesday, March 2
Rabbit Tracts partnership possibly in line for DNRC grant
Montana officials are reviewing a proposal for a local forest management project that promises to forge a partnership between private landowners and county, state and federal entities.
Greenchain takes third in divisionals
After a weekend of hard-fought battles, the Greenchain came in third-place overall at the Western Class A Divisional wrestling tournament.
Feds steer clear of BNSF suit against CARD clinic
The federal government decided last week it will not intervene in a lawsuit against the Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby that alleges the nonprofit clinic committed Medicare fraud by using federal monies to perform “unnecessary” screenings and treatments on its patients.
Troy schools looking to remove gymnasium flooring
Troy Public Schools is seeking a contractor to remove old flooring in the high school gym.
Deputy involved in shooting back on the job
The deputy who shot and injured a man during a domestic disturbance call has returned to work after taking paid administrative leave, officials said last week.
EPA signs off on selenium standards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given its stamp of approval to new selenium standards for Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River.
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.
Board narrowly approves school calendars
In a narrow vote, Libby Public School Board members approved academic calendars for the next two years with alternating spring breaks.
Ballard faces new charges in district court
A suspected drug dealer faces a criminal endangerment charge in Lincoln County District Court after nearly causing a collision with a law enforcement vehicle on U.S. Highway 2 earlier this month.
Changing of the guard: Rice retires after decades in Libby
When Dr. Gregory Rice arrived in Libby, advancements in medicine were undergoing a revolution. His biggest fear in those first years was not keeping up with the outside world.
