Friday, May 28
Niemi takes over as KVCS administrator
Kootenai Valley Christian School is expecting a changing of the guard by the end of the month.
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:
Veterans serve on the front lines of suicide prevention
Rick Morrow knew time was limited when he got the call. A distraught woman had told his pastor that her husband, an Army veteran, was suffering a severe mental health crisis. While the pastor wasn’t sure if he could help, he said he knew someone who could.
Borchardt-Robertson pleads no contest in stabbing case
The Washington man accused of stabbing a local man multiple times on a walking path in 2018 likely will spend the next 40 years in the custody of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Daily service returns on Empire Builder
Amtrak resumed daily service on its long-distance passenger routes Monday, including the Empire Builder that connects Montana's Hi-Line communities and brings tourists to Whitefish.
Miller pleads guilty to sexual assault
A Troy man accused of sexually abusing a boy faces 20 years behind bars after striking a deal with prosecutors.
Loggers show signs of improvement in loss to Lakers
After keeping Kalispell in check for five innings, the Loggers floundered late in their May 26 game against the Lakers, eventually falling 14-4.
Rod Newton, 67
Rod Newton, 67, of Troy passed away on May 25, 2021, after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was raised in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Kendall earns 10 years without parole for escape
Jeremiah Kendall’s brief time on the lam earned him an extra 10 years with the Montana State Prison with no chance of parole.
Rosendale underscores opposition to earmarks during tour of Libby Dam
Montana’s sole representative to the U.S. House toured the Libby Dam during a visit to Lincoln County last weekend.
Beagle, Boltz and Gilliam-Smith shine at divisional meet
The Libby Logger track team came in seventh place at the divisional track meet in Columbia Falls earlier this month.
Vaccination promotion dropped after potentially running afoul of new state law
A push to boost vaccination numbers in Lincoln County backfired last week when officials determined the effort may violate a new state law meant to bar vaccine requirements.
Legals for May, 28 2021
Tuesday, May 25
New charges brought against Kendall
Prosecutors filed a slew of new charges against Jeremiah Kendall last week, all stemming from his brief stint on the lam in April.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity
Chief updates Libby City Council on crime figures
The Libby Police Department saw a spike in service calls, arrests and citations in April over the same month last year, which Chief Scott Kessel attributed to the early pandemic lockdown measures.
New Montana state record walleye caught in Holter Lake
Trevor Johnson of Helena reeled in a nearly 3-foot-long walleye from Holter Lake near Helena on May 10.
Montana superintendent supports lifting school mask mandates
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's head of public instruction wrote a letter to school superintendents on Wednesday strongly recommending that districts end their mask mandates and make the wearing of face coverings a personal choice starting in the fall.
Bethany Thomas signs letter of intent
Libby senior Bethany Thomas, a key infielder for the Lady Loggers, will continue her career in softball at Concordia University.
Loggers win final game of Wood Bat Classic
The Loggers flipped a switch during last weekend’s Loggertown Wood Bat Classic.
Sterling enters Alford plea
A Troy man arrested after allegedly flashing a handgun last year during an incident at a former girlfriend’s home has struck a plea deal with prosecutors.
LaMar E. Lindsay, 90
LaMar E. Lindsay, 90, of Libby died April 11, 2021, at Hidden Meadow Memory Care in Columbia Falls.
Peck announces plans for fiberboard factory
County Commissioner Mark Peck (D-1) announced plans to establish a medium-density fiberboard factory (MDF) near Libby that could employ upwards of 150 people.
Ammon Bundy files paperwork to run for Idaho governor as Republican
BOISE, Idaho — Ammon Bundy, a far-right activist who legally can't step on Idaho Capitol grounds or be in the building, is running for governor, according to a filing with the Idaho secretary of state.
Hundreds of dead fish found in lower Madison River
BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — Montana fisheries biologists are investigating after hundreds of fish were found dead in a stretch of the lower Madison River south of Three Forks, the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks said Friday.
Montana regents ask state high court to block campus gun law
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Board of Regents on Thursday asked the state Supreme Court to block a new law that would allow people to carry guns on public university campuses while the justices decide who has the constitutional authority to set such policies.
School district surveys student interest on new sports offerings
Administrators with Libby Public Schools have sent out a survey to gauge student interest in new athletic activities.
Gianforte lauds Ski Dale project during Libby visit
Stressing the need for more jobs and increased forest management in Lincoln County, Gov. Greg Gianforte toured a forestry project and the site of what may become a wood processing plant last week.
Troy officials mishandled health board appointment
Officials in Troy admitted last week to skipping steps when appointing a new city representative to the county health board amid questions from residents about the process.
Kusener sentenced on drug charge
Lincoln County District Judge Matthew Cuffe handed down a partially suspended 10-year sentence to accused drug dealer Kimberly Kusener on May 17.
Commissioners restate plans to chip seal portion of Panoramic View
Lincoln County commissioners last week reiterated plans to chip seal a portion of Panoramic View soon, but could not offer a solid date.
Legals for May, 25 2021
Friday, May 21
John Vernon Hall, 66
John Vernon Hall, 66, died April 20, 2021. Many people knew him as “Johnny” or “Johnny Cakes.” Born in Libby, he was the son of Jeraldine and Siebert Hall.
Traffic stop leads to arrest on drug charges
A March traffic stop initiated after a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputy recognized a woman without a license driving a pickup in Libby led to an arrest on drug charges.
Crisis intervention team in the works for Lincoln County
After years of dealing with people on the worst days of their lives, Vanessa Williamson started looking for ways to improve how local first responders intervened in crises.
Montana regents vote to challenge new campus gun carry law
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The board that oversees Montana's university system voted unanimously Wednesday to file a lawsuit against the state seeking a ruling over whether the state Legislature or the Board of Regents has the constitutional authority to regulate the possession of guns on campuses.
Spring J. Koehler
There will be a graveside memorial service for Spring J. Koehler on Saturday, May 29, 2 p.m. at the City of Libby Cemetery. A celebration of life get together will follow at the VFW in Troy, MT, 5:00pm.
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 inks buy-sell agreement with ambulance service
Troy officials signed a buy-sell agreement last week officially handing over a piece of municipal property to the city’s volunteer ambulance service.
Trevert Lee Shelley, 79
Trevert Lee Shelley, 79, of Stevensville, passed away at home on May 12, 2021, of natural causes.
Steven Thomas Gibson
Steven Thomas Gibson went home to his Lord early in the morning of May 2. He had bravely endured a long battle with liposarcoma. Steve passed away at home with his wife of 49 years, Merry Ann, and his two sons, Zack and Mark.
Hilton charged in connection with alleged beating
A Libby man faces multiple charges after allegedly beating a man after threatening him with a firearm in April.
Yaak WINGS Benefit raises more than $47k
After cutting back on fundraising efforts last year owing to pandemic restrictions, the organizers of the Yaak WINGS Benefit held one of its most successful annual charity drives last weekend.
County commissioners seek more info on local USFS project
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners have sent a letter to U.S. Forest Service officials highlighting concerns about how a local forestry project would address wildfire risks near private properties.
Loggers prepare for Wood Bat Classic
Less than a month into their season, the Libby Loggers are gearing up for the Loggertown Wood Bat Classic.
Growing support for sidewalk improvements in Libby
There are stretches of Libby with easily accessible sidewalks. They just don’t tend to go anywhere.
Gianforte signs recreational cannabis policy into law
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed a policy into law on how recreational marijuana will be regulated and taxed in the state after more than half of voters approved legalizing cannabis for adults 21 and older last November.
Legals for May, 21 2021
Tuesday, May 18
Raymond faces endangerment charge after November pursuit
A 25-year-old man who evaded law enforcement personnel from multiple agencies last year now faces a felony criminal endangerment charge in Lincoln County District Court.
Loggers see wins against CFalls, Ronan, Polson
The Logger tennis squad saw mixed results during matches last weekend.
Grayson Sandman
Logan Sandman and Falina Kamrud welcomed a baby boy April 12, 2021, at 3:27 p.m. Grayson Sandman weighed 7-and-a-half pounds and was 20-and-a-half inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Jana Hall.
Libby approves deer management plan
Libby City Council approved a portion of a wildlife management plan pertaining to the municipality’s urban deer population as a resolution May 3.
Commission backs zoning changes to golf course land
Libby officials set into motion May 10 the rezoning of a stretch of golf course-adjacent property south of town eyed for future residential development.
Library resumes pre-pandemic schedule
After more than a year of operating on restricted schedules, Lincoln County Library branches have expanded their hours back to pre-coronavirus levels.
Lynn Golden Walker, 87
Lynn Golden Walker, 87, died May 14, 2021, at Libby Care Center. He was born Nov. 1, 1933 in Syracuse, Utah, to Golden Steed and Ada Walker.
After reappearing in Montana range, grizzly killed over cows
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Wildlife officials in central Montana have killed the first confirmed grizzly bear in modern times in the Big Snowy Mountains south of Lewistown, state wildlife officials said Friday.
Kirk Winn
Mick Avidiya and Danika Winn welcomed a baby boy on March 25, 2021, at 12:25 p.m. Kirk Winn was 8 pounds, 2 ounces and was 21-and-a-half inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.
Forest Service officials seek funds for deferred maintenance projects
U.S. Forest Service officials are seeking between $1.8 and $2.3 million to address deferred maintenance projects in the Kootenai National Forest next year.
Gordon "Bill" Price, 61
On May 11, 2021, ladies man and outlaw Gordon “Bill” Price passed away at the age of 61 after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on April 9, 1960, in Libby.
Rangers rescue two bikers after avalanche on Sun Road
Glacier National Park rangers rescued two bicyclists who were trapped by an avalanche Thursday night on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Neither was injured.
Hayden Fox Glenn, 92
Hayden Fox Glenn, of Huntsville, Ala., passed away shortly before dawn April 16, 2021, at age 92, a quiet end to a full life, well lived.
Public schools prepare to include private, homeschool students in extracurriculars
Libby Public Schools administrators are grappling with the practical implications of a new state law that allows private and homeschool students to participate in public school extracurriculars.
Plans for graduation ceremonies revert back to normal
As concerns about the coronavirus pandemic wane, school officials in south Lincoln County are planning largely traditional graduation ceremonies.
Kitchen fire leaves Minnesota Avenue home uninhabitable
Firefighters with the Libby Volunteer Fire Department reined in an out-of-control kitchen fire in a Minnesota Avenue house on May 13 that left the home unlivable.
Elliott Walkup
Robert and Shannon Walkup welcomed Elliot Walkup on April 6 at 12:57 p.m. Elliot weighed 4.79 pounds and was 18 inches in length. Elliot was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.
Legals for May, 18 2021
Friday, May 14
Driver rams through building on U.S. Hwy. 2
Local first responders extricated the driver of a pickup truck after the vehicle careened off of U.S. Highway 2 and tore through a roadside building just outside of Libby.
JoAnn Fay Coon
It’s with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our precious mother, JoAnn Fay Coon (Olson). She joined her Heavenly Father April 28, 2021, in Hinton, Alberta, Canada.
Accused Kendall accomplice pleads not guilty
The 77-year-old man authorities accuse of aiding and abetting Jeremiah Kendall during a short-lived flight from custody pleaded not guilty to felony obstruction of justice earlier this week.
Benson takes reins as school board chair; one vacancy remains
Libby Public Schools Board was left with one vacant seat following this year’s district election.
School officials secure grant to cleanup Asa Wood
For nearly two years, Libby Public School District administrators have struggled to redevelop the defunct Asa Wood Elementary School due to the high cost of mitigating toxic building materials on the property.
The Keep, a 'curiosity boutique,' opens on Mineral Avenue
Judging by the sign posted outside, passersby might mistake The Keep, one of Libby’s newest businesses, for a roadside gift shop.
Pederson leaves $1.2 million in endowment for Lincoln County groups
A lifelong resident of Libby has left more than $1 million in estate gifts for Lincoln County.
Zachary "Sid" Adam Leary, 15
Zachary “Sid” Adam Leary, 15, is survived by his loving parents, John and Angela; his brothers, Noah, William (Christina) and Jerid (Rose); niece and nephews, Adrian, Bentley and Shaylee; his many aunts, uncles and his grandparents, Mike and Dottie Harmon, JC Reece, Lisa Murphy, Doug Leary; and adopted grandparents, David and Hazel James.
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:
Mining ban considered to protect bird species in U.S. West
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Biden administration announced Tuesday it will consider a ban on new mining on large expanses of public lands in Western states to protect a struggling bird species, the greater sage grouse.
Peck to step down June 4
County Commissioner Mark Peck is stepping down effective June 4 to take a new role with the Lincoln County Port Authority.
Tom Wood has big shoes to fill
I am humbled and grateful for the confidence and support from Libby Volunteer Fire Department members, my friends and family, in giving me the opportunity to fill the role as fire chief.
CDC: Fully vaccinated people can largely ditch masks indoors
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a move to send the country back toward pre-pandemic life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday eased indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks inside in most places.
Legals for May, 14 2021
Tuesday, May 11
Libby Volunteer Fire Department battles propane fire
The Libby Volunteer Fire Department responded to a May 7 propane fire on Second Street.
Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness seek volunteers
With summer approaching, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness are looking for volunteers to help maintain trails and educate hikers.
Libby schools take first look at wood-fueled heating system
With oil and gas prices on the rise, Libby Public Schools officials are looking into replacing their diesel heaters with wood-burning boilers.
Gianforte signs bill blocking public health mandates
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed into law a bill Friday that prohibits actions — such as those taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus — that would affect the bottom line for businesses.
Mariners take the wind out of Libby's sails
The Mission Valley Mariners sailed away from the Libby Loggers with a 25-2 win over the weekend. The May 7 defeat marked the Logger A team’s home field opener.
Second Knotty Pine project meeting held to dispel rumors, misinformation
U.S. Forest Service officials held a public meeting last week in hopes of dispelling persistent misinformation surrounding an upcoming forestry project.
Businesses struggle to find workers
Troy Douthit, manager of Venture Inn, has been feeling the pinch.
Georgia Lee Woody Plaas, 73
Georgia Lee Woody Plaas of Libby passed away June 30, 2020, in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico after an extended period of declining health. She was 73.
Duane F. Boyd, 72
Duane F. Boyd, 72, died March 29, 2021, at his home in Libby of natural causes. He was born May 21, 1948, in Fort Smith, Okla., to Frank and Iva Boyd.
Teske doubtful about reelection run
Libby Mayor Brent Teske said last week that he does not plan to seek reelection, but left the door open for a future run.
Vernon Bennie Lautt
Vernon Bennie Lautt passed away April 28, 2021. He was born Sept. 6, 1942, to Ben and Katie Lautt in Hardin, where he grew up. He later joined the U.S. Army and served his country from 1960 to 1963.
Golf cart ordinance passes second reading
A new ordinance allowing golf carts on Libby streets under certain circumstances received a second reading by city councilors on May 3.
Protesters demand removal of health board members
They also want health officials to stop promoting the COVID-19 vaccine
A small group of local pandemic deniers and anti-vaxxers upped longstanding efforts to remove members of the Lincoln County Health Board unsympathetic to their views.
Legals for May, 11 2021
Friday, May 7
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:
Duane F. Boyd, 72
Duane F. Boyd, 72, died Monday, March 29, 2021, at his home in Libby of natural causes. Services will be held at 11 a.m., May 8 at the Libby Christian Church. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.
Ronald Clint Ward, 38
Ronald “Ronny” Clint Ward, 38, passed away April 29, 2021, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Neb. Ronny was born to Harley (Bub) and Helen (Torres) Ward in Libby on July 31, 1982.
Montana ends unemployment pay boost amid worker shortage
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana is ending its participation in the federal unemployment program that gives people extra weekly unemployment benefit payments as the state struggles with a worker shortage, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Tuesday.
City council approves draft grant agreement with golf club
Libby City Council narrowly approved the newly hammered out terms of its forthcoming $541,000 grant to the Cabinet View Golf Club on May 3.
Vendors market pushes back against Libby Chamber
Mere weeks after Libby Chamber of Commerce officials asked City Hall to put the kibosh on a rival farmers market, vendors from that bazaar turned up in droves to defend the right to do business at a location of their choosing.
Kendall pleads guilty to escape charge
Wife pleads not guilty to obstruction of justice
Citing a decision to take a new path in life, Jeremiah Kendall pleaded guilty to a single count of felony escape May 3.
New election administrator focuses on created informed electorate
Taking office less than three months after the contentious 2020 election, Paula Buff, Lincoln’s new election administrator, has her work cut out for her.
Commissioners separate treasurer, superintendent positions
Lincoln County Commissioners passed a resolution to separate the county’s treasurer and superintendent of schools positions. The action lets commissioners appoint an interim superintendent.
Lambertsen, Gordon strike deals
Two men accused of a string of Christmastime break-ins last year have changed their pleas after striking deals with prosecutors.
Isiah Bray
James and Sierrra Bray welcomed a baby boy on March 16, 2021, at 5:40 p.m. Isaiah Bray was 7 pounds, 2 ounces and was 21-inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.
Bench warrant issued for accused bicycle thief
District Judge Matthew Cuffe issued a bench warrant April 26 for an accused bicycle thief who has failed to show up for scheduled court appearances.
Legals for May, 7 2021
Tuesday, May 4
Alleged drug dealer pleads guilty
Kimberly D. Kusener, 39, pleaded guilty to a single count of felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to distribute in Lincoln County District Court on April 12. Authorities allegedly found 64 grams of methamphetamine on her during a traffic stop in November.
Sharon Starr Fulmer, 70
Sharon Starr Fulmer, 70, known to friends and family as Starr, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 2, 2021, in Libby. She fought long and hard, and was tougher than most.
Zinke in the running for new House seat
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Former congressman and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said Friday that he's running for Montana's newly awarded U.S. House seat.
Gianforte to sign bill curtailing local governments, businesses
After sending it back to the Legislature with several proposed amendments, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte is poised to sign a bill that would invalidate mask requirements, occupancy limits and other pandemic response measures adopted by local governments and health officials.
Protecting the Flower Creek watershed
After months of site visits, meetings and drafting, officials have completed a much-needed protection plan for Libby’s water source.
Meehan, Twins walk away on Loggers
WHITEFISH — Hayden Meehan drove in five runs and got the win on the mound in the Glacier Twins’ 28-0 victory over Libby in Class A American Legion baseball Wednesday night.
Warren asks for, receives new public defender
The adjudication hearing of a woman accused of breaking the terms of her suspended sentence by owning animals was postponed last week after she sought a new defense attorney.
School mask requirement lifted
Libby Public Schools officials lifted the district’s mask requirement on May 3.
Panoramic View dust up enters 11th year
Dust coming off of Panoramic View Drive began coating the Elletsons’ property in 2010. Eleven years, countless meetings and a public health abatement order later, the Elletsons, and other residents who live beneath the road, are still seeking a permanent solution.
Evelyn Joyce Shaw Zillmer, 85
Evelyn Joyce Shaw Zillmer, 85, died April 28, 2021, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby. She was born July 17, 1935, in Madison County to Gerald and Leudema Shaw.
Just over $1 million in infrastructure spending headed toward Lincoln County
Just over $1 million in state infrastructure funding is set to flow into the coffers of Lincoln County organizations and local governments. The funds would come from a set of nine bills in the final stages of consideration in Helena.
Two men involved in border crossing enter guilty pleas
Two of the men arrested after an illegal border incursion that led to a high speed chase earlier this year have pleaded guilty to immigration charges.
Commissioners favor bringing back Logger Days in some form
County Commissioner Mark Peck hopes to see Libby Logger Days make a comeback.
Sheriff's Office server room nearly suffers a meltdown
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office’s server room needs an upgrade.
Libby’s Jay Beagle a three-sport standout
Jay Beagle is chasing a mark.
Zachary A. Leary
Zachary A. Leary, 15, of Libby passed away April 30, 2021. Services will be 1 p.m., May 6 at the Fred Brown Pavilion, 334 City Service Road, Libby. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby.
Montanans following through with 2nd COVID-19 vaccine dose
KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) — About 96% of Montanans who have received their first COVID-19 vaccine have been returning to get their second dose, state health officials said.
Donald Lee Knauss, 80
Donald Lee Knauss, 80, passed away April 30, 2021, at his home in Libby. Don was born July 2, 1940, in Whitefish to Earl Lee and Clara Jane (Bigger) Knauss.
