Ellington

Value of livestock killed by predators to exceed funding

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The value of livestock killed by predators such as grizzly bears and wolves is expected to exceed the budget for compensating ranchers for such losses this year, the Montana Livestock Loss Board said.

Poirer to serve as infection prevention and employee health nurse at CPMC

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center has tapped Libby resident Lacey Poirer as its new infection prevention and employee health nurse.

Wary, weary world slams doors shut, fearing omicron variant

BRUSSELS (AP) — Taking an act-now-ask-questions-later approach, countries around the world slammed their doors shut again to try to keep the new omicron variant at bay Monday as more cases of the mutant coronavirus emerged and scientists raced to figure out just how dangerous it might be.

Merriam-Webster's word of the year for 2021 is 'vaccine'

Even the dictionary knows you've been "doing your own research."

Biden pushes shots, not more restrictions as variant spreads

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will urge Americans to get vaccinated including booster shots as he seeks to quell concerns Monday over the new COVID-19 variant omicron, but he won't immediately push for more restrictions to stop its spread, his chief medical adviser said.

Supreme Court set to take up all-or-nothing abortion fight

WASHINGTON (AP) — Both sides are telling the Supreme Court there's no middle ground in Wednesday's showdown over abortion. The justices can either reaffirm the constitutional right to an abortion or wipe it away altogether.

Honor Guard's funeral duty triples due to COVID-19 pandemic

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AP) — The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the Minot Air Force Base Honor Guard in the number of funerals in which these volunteer men and women have provided military honors.

Keep wildlife wild by supporting NREPA

Too often in the world today there is truth in the statement, “These are wild animals, yes, but they are not free animals.”

Biden sets out oil, gas leasing reform, stops short of ban

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Friday recommended an overhaul of the nation's oil and gas leasing program to limit areas available for energy development and raise costs for oil and gas companies to drill on public land and water.

Missing Montana man killed in crash in Idaho, police say

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho State Police say that a driver killed in car crash, on Friday night in Boise County, has been identified as a missing Montana man.

Heidi Joy Holcomb, 40

Heidi Joy Holcomb, 40, passed away Nov. 14 at the Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska.

Leichty pleads guilty to possession with intent to distribute

A man accused of bringing methamphetamine into Libby via train and selling it locally pleaded guilty last week to felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute.

Query of hospital threats finds voicemail by former senator

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — An investigation into a complaint that public officials tried to intimidate employees of a Montana hospital into treating a COVID-19 patient with unapproved medication uncovered a voicemail left by a former state senator in which she said she didn't think "senators would be too happy to hear about" the hospital's care of the patient.

Libby students performed well on standardized tests

South Lincoln County public school students saw success in standardized testing last spring, overcoming coronavirus-related academic hurdles and long-standing socio-economic challenges.

Montana man pleads guilty to pandemic relief loan fraud

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The owner of an eastern Montana restaurant pleaded guilty Tuesday to spending $75,000 from a federal COVID-19 relief loan to buy vintage automobiles rather than using it as working capital for his business, the U.S. Attorney's Office said Tuesday.

Visitors flock to Montana state parks

Montana state parks saw a surge in visitation for the second year in a row with more than 2.9 million visitors passing through the public lands between January and September.

Traenkner appointed Troy city judge

Troy City Council selected a lay judge to preside over the municipality’s court last week.

Troy to allow Muscovy ducks in city limits

Troy City Council inched closer to permitting ducks within city limits earlier this month by opening up the municipal code for edits.

It's money, not conservation, at play here

If there is one thing we can depend on, it is Michael Garrity and the Alliance for the Wild Rockies litigating another forest restoration project proposed by the U.S. Forest Service. This time Mr. Garrity wants to stop the Ripley Project, which is in the Kootenai National Forest and adjacent to the community of Libby.

Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act reflects Montana values

The Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act is supported by 75 percent of Montanans. The bill in its whole accurately reflects Montanan values.

Keep kids healthy through vaccination

As Montana physicians caring for children, we recommend strongly and without reservation that all newly eligible children — as well as all teenagers and adults — receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Bipartisan infrastructure bill invests in Montana

As a farmer, I know firsthand that good things take time.

Oregon lawmakers seek extra $18m for refugee resettlement

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — As Oregon prepares to take in approximately 1,200 Afghan refugees in the next 12 months, state lawmakers are asking the Legislature's emergency board for an additional $18 million to expand services and capacity.

Legals for November, 30 2021

Logan Health to require COVID-19 vaccine of all staff

Logan Health is requiring its entire staff to have received at least once dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by Dec. 6 in order to comply with a federal rule announced earlier this month.

South Dakota Supreme Court rules against pot legalization

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a lower court's ruling that nullified a voter-passed amendment to the state constitution that would have legalized recreational marijuana use.

Well wishers "hug" Cabinet Peaks Medical Center

Scores of south Lincoln County residents encircled Cabinet Peaks Medical Center last weekend in a show of support for local health care providers.

William Albert Dawson

William “Bill” Albert Dawson, born June 2, 1940, in Billings to Jack and Jeannette Dawson, passed away Nov. 20, 2021, due to complications from RSV.

The Santa experience this year is a mix of laps, distancing

NEW YORK (AP) — Santa is back this year, but he pleads caution as he continues to tiptoe through the pandemic.

Fighting gas prices, US to release 50 million barrels of oil

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday ordered 50 million barrels of oil released from America's strategic reserve to help bring down energy costs, in coordination with other major energy consuming nations, including India, the United Kingdom and China.

Idaho govenor, top health official again urge COVID vaccine

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho Gov. Brad Little and the state's top health official in what is likely their last coronavirus town hall of the year urged residents to get vaccinated or get the booster shot if they're eligible.

Louise E. Raper, 79

Louise E. Raper, 79, died Nov. 17, 2021, at her home in Troy of natural causes. She was born Feb. 23, 1942, in Kerrville, Texas, to Bill and LaNell Orcutt.

School board ironing out plans for new kitchen

A plan to construct a new kitchen for Libby Public Schools is solidifying as district officials move forward with the sale of Asa Wood Elementary School.

CPMC acquires new equipment for STD diagnoses

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center recently announced the addition of new equipment to speed up diagnosis times for two common sexually transmitted diseases.

Jury finds repeat offender guilty of driving under the influence

A jury found a man caught passed out behind the wheel of a car parked at a gas pump earlier this year guilty of driving under the influence and driving with a suspended or revoke license last week.

Boise inks deal with Amazon for airport improvements

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Boise officials have approved a lease agreement with online retailer Amazon as part of the company's plan to build a cargo facility at the Boise Airport.

Montana jury orders state to pay $16M to child abuse victim

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — A Montana jury has awarded $16.6 million in damages to a victim of child abuse after a judge ruled the state failed to properly investigate abuse allegations before the 6-month-old girl suffered a traumatic brain injury that led to blindness, developmental delays and seizures.

FVCC library acquires extraordinary Western book collection

The Old West is back and wild as ever at the Broussard Family Library and Learning Commons at Flathead Valley Community College, thanks to a significant donation of Western literature.

Idaho creates chronic wasting disease management zone

LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho Fish and Game Commission has designated a chronic wasting disease management zone in north-central Idaho, allowing hunts to kill up to 1,000 deer to determine the extent of the disease.

Legals for November, 26 2021

Police: Missing 5-year-old Idaho boy was likely abducted

FRUITLAND, Idaho (AP) — Police investigators in southwestern Idaho now say a 5-year-old boy missing since July was likely abducted.

Health department receives ARPA dollars for records, inspection systems

County commissioners unanimously approved spending federal relief dollars for the health department’s proposed new records and online inspection systems earlier this month.

U.S. OKs gold mine exploratory drilling in eastern Idaho

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A Canadian mining company hoping to build an open-pit gold mine in Idaho west of Yellowstone National Park can resume exploratory drilling, the U.S. Forest Service said Friday.

Asbestos Resource Program director to step down

Virginia Kashdan is stepping down as the director of the Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program after helping provide a local voice during changes in the management of the Libby Superfund Site over the last few years.

Program in Big Sky works to increase rental availability

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — A program in the resort community of Big Sky that offers landlords cash to convert vacation rentals or seasonal homes into long-term homes for locals converted 21 homes and housed 58 locals in its first three months.

Truett William Garrison

Tammy and William Garrison welcomed a baby boy Aug. 27, 2021. Truett William Garrison weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces and was 21-inches in length. He joins his big brother, Jaxon. His grandparents are Gordon and Wanda Garrison, and Barbara Fitzpatrick and Keith Heftued. Care provided by licensed midwife Joyce Vogel

Cracking open Troy's book of the dead

Few details remain about the life of Norman S. Artman beyond a single line entry on his death in a neatly ruled book in Troy City Hall.

Libby to accept payments via state water assistance program

Mayor Peggy Williams announced Nov. 15 that Libby City Hall would soon accept payments through the new state Low Income Home Water Assistance program.

Massive conservation easement a done deal

The Trust for Public Land, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and Stimson Lumber Co. recently completed a project that permanently protects the resources on more than 27,000 acres in Northwest Montana.

Blacktail Ski Area sold to Washington resort company

Washington-based Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort on Thursday announced it has purchased Blacktail Mountain Ski Area in Lakeside.

Structure fire an accident, not arson, C-Falls fire chief says

Columbia Falls fire Chief Karl Weeks said Friday that a house fire on Hodgson Road that killed two people earlier this week was an accident, not arson.

Sen. Tester expects uncertainty over Fed leadership to hamper inflation actions

WASHINGTON — A senior Senate Democrat suggested that uncertainty over who will run the Federal Reserve has limited action to rein in U.S. inflation and urged President Joe Biden to renominate Fed Chair Jerome Powell for another term.

Chronic wasting disease found in two deer in Idaho

LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) — Idaho wildlife managers say two deer killed in north-central Idaho have tested positive for chronic wasting disease. It's the first time the contagious and fatal neurological disorder has been detected in the state.

Legals for November, 23 2021

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:

CPMC Foundation cancels gala for second year

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center Foundation, citing safety concerns, is canceling its flagship fundraising gala for the second year in a row.

Black backs call for health board to reassess pandemic response

Lincoln County’s top doctor endorsed last week a call for health board members to look inward and perhaps plot a new strategy on the COVID-19 pandemic as new cases spring up and deaths inch upwards.

Learning loss program seeing success

Libby Elementary School educators are seeing early success with an after school program designed to address learning loss caused by classroom closures during the coronavirus pandemic.

Eureka man charged for allegedly attacking father with a knife

Authorities have charged a Eureka man with assault with a weapon and partner or family member assault after he allegedly ran a knife along his father’s neck in May.

Pilot dead after crashing while fighting Colorado wildfire

ESTES PARK, Colo. (AP) — A pilot died after crashing while fighting a wildfire burning near Rocky Mountain National Park on Tuesday, authorities said.

Power restored in Libby following strong windstorm

Crews have completed repairs to local electrical grids after more than 10,000 area residents lost power during a windstorm earlier this week.

U.S. jobless claims drop seventh straight week to 268,000

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell for the seventh straight week to a pandemic low of 268,000.

Man gets life in prison for road-rage, trooper shootings

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A western Montana man who responded to a plume of diesel exhaust with a murderous rage was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

ImagineIF Libraries reviewing gender identity books after complaints filed

ImagineIF Libraries has received several formal requests to remove two books from its collection because of subject matter that deals with gender identify and sexual content.

Jan. 6 rioter who carried spear, wore horns, draws 41 months

Jacob Chansley, the spear-carrying Jan. 6 rioter whose horned fur hat, bare chest and face paint made him one of the more recognizable figures in the assault on the Capitol, was sentenced Wednesday to 41 months in prison.

Idaho Senate panel kills three COVID-19 vaccine bills

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho Legislature appeared ready on Wednesday to wrap up the extended 2021 session after a Senate committee killed three bills having to do with COVID-19 vaccine legislation.

White House: 10 percent of kids have been vaccinated in 1st 2 weeks

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says about 10 percent of eligible kids aged 5 to 11 have received a dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine since its approval for their age group two weeks ago.

Second group of states challenges health worker vaccine mandate

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A second set of states has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers.

Marquis charged with failure to register

A sex offender living in Eureka pleaded not guilty to a felony failure to register charge in Lincoln County District Court on Nov. 15.

Legals for November, 19 2021

Sawyer Richey

Kelvin and Paige Richey welcomed a baby boy Sept. 28, 2021, at 3:15 p.m. Sawyer Richey weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 21 inches in length. He was delivered by Dr. Jana Hall.

The Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act is popular with everyone but Daines

The Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act is popular, and for good reason. Over 70 percent of Montanans support the bill because they understand that forestlands, and the headwaters within those lands in particular, need protection.

Samuel Jeremiah

Samuel Jeremiah was born to Joe and Kaydee Yoder at their home in Rexford on Sept. 30, 2021.

The Ripley Project, like our forest, serves many purposes

The governing board of the Kootenai Forest Stakeholders Coalition (KFSC) has voted unanimously to support a legal defense of the Forest Service’s Ripley Project. This vote represents the strength of the collaborative process that the coalition is dedicated to as well as its importance

Salvage project in the works for area burned by South Yaak Fire

U.S. Forest Service officials are taking comments on a proposed salvage project covering an area scorched by a wildfire this summer.

Library gets tech boost from ARPA grant

Lincoln County Library is planning to expand their digital offerings thanks to a $32,500 federal grant.

Forest Service officials anticipate federal funding

Following a devastating wildfire season, U.S. Forest Service officials are eagerly awaiting funds from a $1 trillion federal infrastructure bill that would go towards managing forest fire fuels.

Arson investigated after 2 killed in northwest Montana fire

COLUMBIA FALLS (AP) — Two men were killed in a house fire in northwestern Montana that's under investigation by authorities as possible arson.

Thank you, Libby, for supporting the chainsaw extravaganza

The Venture Inn and Country Inn want to thank our community for your great attendance and support of our fifth annual International chainsaw event.

Patriotic Concert the perfect salve for a divisive time

I rise and salute Lorraine Braun. At a time when bashing our country and all that it stands for is so popular, Lorraine stands tall and delivers a grand gift to our community: The Patriotic Concert. Dozens of kids singing their hearts out in praise of America. You should not miss the next one.

Chandler Steele Dutton

Chandler “Chan” Steele Dutton passed away unexpectedly in Olympia, Wash., on Nov. 10, 2021, just shy of his 41st birthday.

Court deals another blow to Biden's shot-or-test mandate for businesses

A U.S. appeals court has extended its Nov. 6 order pausing President Joe Biden's shot-or-test mandate for businesses with 100 or more employees.

Schools look to health department in effort to vaccinate children

Although federal officials are encouraging public school districts to organize COVID-19 vaccine clinics for students, local administrators say they are waiting on the county health department to take the lead.

COVID-19 recovery articles should include medical costs

I read Will Langhorne’s informative article about the Libby law enforcement officer’s adventure surviving COVID-19 (“Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputy on the mend after bout with COVID-19,” Oct. 29). However, Langhorne neglected to tell us what his hospital and rehab bills will be.

Troy officials interview city judge candidates

Troy officials interviewed four candidates for the municipality’s city judge position last week.

Sofia Annalise Byler

Sofia Annalise Byler was born to Elam and Josephine Byler at home Sept. 11, 2021. She weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 21 inches in length. Grandparents are: Ben and Barbara Girod, and Daniel and Seraphine Byler. She was delivered by Joyce Vogel, licensed midwife

State commission seeks comment on grizzly relocation sites

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission is seeking public comment on proposed grizzly bear relocation sites.

Fight over US wolf protections goes before federal judge

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A U.S. government attorney urged a federal judge Friday to uphold a decision from the waning days of the Trump administration that lifted protections for gray wolves across most of the country, as Republican-led states have sought to drive down wolf numbers through aggressive hunting and trapping.

Collision in Libby leaves truck flipped on its side

A collision near downtown Libby last week left a truck flipped on its side but didn’t appear to result in any serious injuries.

Byrd pleads not guilty to slew of charges after disturbance

A Libby man faces strangulation, assault and tampering charges after allegedly injuring his wife during a fight over a birthday gift for her son in October.

Where there's a mill, there's a way

When Josh Byers moved his family to Troy earlier this year, he didn’t expect that running a backyard sawmill would be in the cards.

Commissioners: Dispatch center consolidation expected in coming years

Commissioners said last week that they expect to consolidate the county’s various dispatch services within three to five years.

Ray Snyder, 82

Ray Snyder, 82, a lifetime resident of the Kootenai Valley, died Nov. 11 in Libby. He was born Nov. 5, 1939, on the Bowman Place north of Libby, the youngest of 10 children born to Myer and Viola Snyder.

Legals for November, 16 2021

Business group opposes Idaho lawmakers setting vaccine rules

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The state's top business lobby group will oppose any attempts by the Legislature to impose restrictions on businesses requiring employees get COVID-19 vaccines, the group's president said in a letter to lawmakers on Tuesday.

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:

Libby ordinance committee takes up recreational marijuana

Libby City Council’s ordinance committee began debating how to regulate future recreational marijuana sales this week and raised the prospect of reviving an effort to regulate medicinal cannabis facilities in town.

Stuart William Swenson

Stuart William Swenson — husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather — passed away quietly Oct. 31, 2021. He was just shy of his 85th birthday.

Dane Lyman McNabb, 72

Dane Lyman McNabb passed away Oct. 22 at Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell. He was 72.

State approves conservation easement near Libby

State officials approved a nearly 30,000-acre conservation easement that would maintain public access to private timberlands south and east of Libby last month.

County eyes ARPA funds to help with landfill project

Commissioners pledged $900,000 in federal relief dollars toward the expansion of the county landfill this week, but taxpayers likely will still see future increased refuse assessments to help cover the multimillion dollar project.

Becky Gibson

We lost our “Granny” on Nov. 2, 2021. She was born Rebecca Lynn Snow on Sept. 24, 1961, to Patricia Patton and Ray Snow in Fruita, Colo. She was the second of Patty and Ray’s four kids.

Stahl sentenced on distribution charge

A woman who arrived in Libby with methamphetamine to sell this summer earned a partially suspended sentence in Lincoln County District Court last week.

Zinke hits on forest management, housing and political division during stop in Libby

Former Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke stressed the importance of streamlining public land management and incentivizing affordable housing development during a campaign stop in Libby this week.

Tribes, groups sue to force Montana to enforce mining law

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana tribes and conservation groups sued state environmental regulators Wednesday after Gov. Greg Gianforte's administration dropped a legal claim against a mining executive over decades of pollution from several mines.

'Strong' start to kids vaccine campaign, but challenges loom

WASHINGTON (AP) — The campaign to vaccinate elementary school age children in the U.S. is off to a strong start, health officials said Wednesday, but experts say there are signs that it will be difficult to sustain the initial momentum.

Supaman visits Libby schools

An award-winning Apsaalooke rapper and hip-hop dancer held performances at Libby Public Schools earlier this week.

Montana soldier is 1st female Army sniper course graduate

FORT HARRISON, Mont. (AP) — A Montana soldier is the first woman to graduate from the U.S. Army's sniper course, the Montana National Guard announced.

Legals for November, 12 2021

Montana’s third leading cause of death in 2020 was COVID-19

COVID-19 associated deaths were the third leading cause of death in Montana last year, and the same ranking likely will hold true for 2021, according to a new report released by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.

Dixie Lee Sichting, 81

Dixie Lee Sichting, 81, passed Nov. 3, 2021, at home with her family by her side. She was born Feb. 4, 1940, to William and Ruth Smith.

Feds urge schools to provide COVID-19 shots, info for kids

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is encouraging local school districts to host clinics to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to kids — and information to parents on the benefits of the shots — as the White House looks to speedily provide vaccines to those ages 5 to 11.

As constituents clamor for ivermectin, Republican politicians embrace the cause

When state senators in South Carolina held two hearings in September about covid-19 treatments, they got an earful on the benefits of ivermectin — which many of the lawmakers echoed, sharing experiences of their own loved ones.

Harold M. Wise, 77

Harold M. Wise, 77, fell asleep in death Oct. 29 after a short battle with cancer.

Lawsuit: NRA illegally funded Rosendale, other GOP candidates

WASHINGTON — A new lawsuit alleges U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley accepted $973,411 in illegal campaign contributions from the National Rifle Association during his 2018 Senate Campaign.

Montana commission finalizes congressional district lines

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's redistricting commission chair selected on Thursday a congressional district map proposed by Republicans, dealing a blow to Democrats who hoped to craft a western district that would give them a better chance of winning.

Fired Montana dishwasher pleads not guilty to stabbings

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A judge on Friday set a $1 million bond for a Montana man accused of stabbing and cutting his former co-workers after after being fired from a dishwashing job at a restaurant.

FSPW volunteers clear more than 66 miles of trail

Volunteers with the Friends of the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness (FSPW) cleared more than 66 miles of trail in Lincoln and Sanders counties this year, organization officials say.

Smith to focus on cleaning up old ordinances, infrastructure

After securing another term on Libby City Council, Kristin Smith plans to continue tackling outdated zoning ordinances and revamping local infrastructure.

Gerald A. Neve

Gerald “Jerry” A. Neve passed away early Nov. 1, 2021, at home surrounded by his wife and daughter. He was born Dec. 7, 1937, in Omaha, Neb., to August Nicolaus Neve and Mary Elizabeth Nilius Neve. At his fourth birthday party, his birth date would become instrumental in shaping him into the proud Marine, country-loving, flag-waving patriot that he was.

Eureka prepares for border reopening

It’s been more than 19 months since Brandy Carvey last spent a holiday with her fiancé.

Libby City Council urged to take action on encroaching grizzly bears

Taylor Loop resident Martin Dunbar urged Libby City Council to alert the public about a sloth of grizzly bears in the area and develop a plan to deal with the animals in the future.

Beverly L. Lewis, 87

Beverly L. Lewis, 87, died Oct. 31, 2021, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. She was born on Aug. 28, 1934, in Chicago to Fred and Dorothy Roberts. Her family moved to Jamestown, Calif., when she was 9 years old.

Judge maintains bail in sexual assault case

District Judge Matthew Cuffe has denied a bail reduction for a Eureka man accused of pressuring a juvenile for sex, sexual assault and assault with a weapon.

City council prepares to take up rules for marijuana sales

At the behest of Police Chief Scott Kessel, members of Libby City Council’s ordinance committee will begin considering rules around the sale of recreational marijuana locally this week.

Employee accused of worksite thefts

An employee of a Helena-based homebuilder faces a felony charge in Lincoln County District Court for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars worth of equipment in 2021.

Ford to require COVID vaccines for 'most' US salaried employees

Ford Motor Co. will require most U.S. salaried employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 8 or be put on unpaid leave, a move likely to affect return-to-work policies at other employers.

Legals for November, 9 2021

Sheriff's office, health department eye vehicles

Facing a tight vehicle market, commissioners green-lit the purchase of two vans last week using federal coronavirus relief funds.

Vehicles, programs and an air curtain burner top health department's ARPA request

Health department officials gave the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners last week a little more than $300,000 wish list for American Rescue Plan Act monies.

Ekstedt narrowly edges out Carr

In a tight race that drew an unusually high number of ballots, Troy residents elected Chuck Ekstedt as mayor over incumbent Dallas Carr.

Voters keep Williams on as Libby mayor

Beach, Berke and Smith secure city council seats

Libby residents turned out in droves for this year’s municipal election, sending one newcomer to city council despite generally favoring incumbents.

Idaho's COVID numbers drop slightly, crisis standards remain

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations and newly confirmed coronavirus cases has been dropping in Idaho, but the numbers are still high enough to leave hospitals overtaxed, Idaho Division of Public Health Administrator Elke Shaw-Tulloch said Tuesday.

Another Oregon county looks to join Idaho

BURNS, Ore. (AP) — Another rural, conservative county in Oregon has expressed interest in becoming part of Idaho.

Police: Idaho woman stole items from victim in mall shooting

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A 54-year-old Idaho woman was jailed after police say she stole from the body of a security guard killed during a Boise mall shooting.

Eager parents rush to get kids pediatric COVID-19 vaccines

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — In the hours after the COVID-19 vaccine was formally approved for use in younger children Tuesday, social media pages lit up with eager parents seeking appointments for their grade-schoolers.

Canada lynx to keep species protections under legal deal

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — U.S. wildlife officials have agreed to keep federal protections in place for the snow-loving Canada lynx, under a court settlement approved Monday by a judge in Montana.

Woman faces deliberate homicide charge in pedestrian death

POLSON, Mont. (AP) — A western Montana woman has been charged with deliberate homicide after Lake County officials said it appeared she intentionally struck a woman with her car, killing her.

Montana School Boards Association leaving national group

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana School Boards Association has voted to leave the National School Boards Association next summer, saying the organization has lost its focus in supporting local school boards offering professional development and advocating for quality education.

Firefighters, EMTs aid men after fall into river

Libby first responders provided medical aid to two anglers who fell into the Kootenai River last weekend.

Darrell M. Thomson, 59

Darrell M. Thomson, 59, passed away at home on Oct. 5, 2021, after a long battle with asbestosis and heart problems. Darrell took up hunting and fishing while growing up and continued enjoying both in his later years, only stopping when his health intervened.

Governor nixed a kids' vaccine campaign, so health officials plan their own

Gov. Greg Gianforte's administration quashed plans for a public service campaign to promote COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible teenagers over the summer, a former state health official said. That has led public health and medical experts to plan their own ad campaigns, in anticipation of the administration not publicly backing shots for kids 5 and up when doses for those children roll out.

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:

Rebo charged with failure to register upon return to Montana

A recently returned Montana man faces a felony charge in Lincoln County District Court for failing to register as a sexual or violent offender upon his homecoming.

Troy officials warn of a man impersonating a law enforcement officer in the area

Local law enforcement officials have issued a warning regarding a man impersonating a law enforcement officer in the Troy area.

Health board looking for a governing body

Members of the Lincoln County Board of Health broached the topic of adopting a governing body during a work meeting last month.

Troy accepts state grant for museum

Troy City Council has approved a $4,904 state grant as part of a push to revamp the municipality’s museum.

Libby museum needs help paying for new roof

The Heritage Museum in Libby needs a new roof, and its board of directors is pushing to get the last of the fundraising completed so the project can progress on schedule.

Legals for November, 5 2021

Williams elected as mayor; Beach, Berke and Smith secure city council seats

Roughly double the number of usual voters turned out for tight races in south Lincoln county in this year’s municipal elections.

Special counsel requests information in hospital complaint

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Legislature's special counsel has given Montana's attorney general a Nov. 5 deadline to turn over information related to his office's investigation into a complaint over the way a COVID-19 patient was being treated at the hospital in Helena.

Aluminum shortage disrupts Montana license plate production

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana has become the latest state to stop making license plates because of disruption in the U.S. aluminum supply — another example of supply chain problems caused by the pandemic.

19 states sue Biden administration over COVID vaccine rule

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Eighteen states filed three separate lawsuits Friday to stop President Joe Biden's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal contractors, arguing that the requirement violates federal law.

Montana commission delays choosing congressional districts

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's redistricting commission delayed a decision on a map dividing the state into congressional districts after an all-day meeting on Saturday.

Eldon Phillips

Eldon Phillips passed peacefully Oct. 17, 2021.

Voting will look a little different in Libby this year

Lincoln County officials are reminding voters to be cognizant of procedural changes when casting their ballots on Election Day, especially following the construction of a local election center and the passage of new state voting laws.

Grizzly trapped south of Libby

Wildlife specialists captured an adult male grizzly and deployed additional traps for other bears that may be roaming around a residential area south of Libby last week.

'This is our heritage'

Efforts to spruce up Troy cemetery seen as way to preserve city's history

Walking among the graves of the legends and laypeople who helped build Troy, Mayor Dallas Carr says he feels a link with the city’s past he hasn’t been able to find anywhere else.

Hinz faces assault charges

A local man stands accused of assaulting his wife and repeatedly threatening to kill her and anyone who helps her.

FWP holds virtual meeting on proposed hunting regs

State officials held a virtual open house meeting last week in hopes of informing the public on a series of proposed changes to regional and statewide hunting regulations.

Lee Tonner, 87

Lee Tonner passed away Oct. 12, 2021, at the age of 87. His family was important to him and he is very deeply loved by his relatives and others who knew him. He gave his own love freely, without judgment or conditions. He was a sweet soul.

Ballard sentenced on endangerment, possession charges

Wallace Ballard will spend the next five years with the state Department of Corrections after his Oct. 18 sentencing in Lincoln County District Court.

Lady Loggers defeated by Polson Pirates

The Lady Loggers saw no quarter against the Polson Pirates, falling in three games on Oct. 30.

Court says coal mine expansion permit ignored pollution law

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana environmental regulators ignored the law when they permitted an expansion of a massive strip mine that is the sole source of coal for a large power plant despite concerns over water pollution, a state judge ruled.

Loggers fall short in playoffs

Libby’s bid for the state championship fell short last weekend following a 54-12 loss to Billings Central in the first round of the Class A playoffs.

Health board debates process for divvying up at-large seats

Health board members broached the idea of cementing geographical preferences for at-large seats during an Oct. 19 work meeting, but failed to make much headway.

Legals for November, 2 2021