Ellington

Martin Todd Gehrke, 58

Martin Todd Gehrke, 58, of Bellingham, Wash., died suddenly Sept. 29, 2021, at home while watching his beloved Dodgers. He died from complications of stomach cancer, but kept his positivity, dignity and determination to live a normal life throughout the course of his illness.

Tanner W. Meacham, 17

Tanner W. Meacham, 17, died on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Missoula. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Arrangements are pending and will be announced.

Northwest Montana hunters have successful opening weekend

The start of the general deer and elk hunting season produced the highest number of harvested white-tailed deer at game check stations in Northwest Montana since 2017.

Idaho police flagged Boise mall shooter for owning firearms despite Illinois felony

BOISE, Idaho — The man identified by police as the perpetrator of Monday's fatal shooting at the Boise Towne Square mall was a felon who had been flagged by Idaho State Police in April on suspicion of illegally possessing firearms, according to public records.

Man convicted for killing dog back in district court

A Eureka man convicted of aggravated animal cruelty with a firearm enhancement after shooting a dog last year could see his suspended sentence revoked.

Judge orders stay in case seeking to remove Snake River dams

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday granted a stay in litigation seeking to save endangered salmon runs on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Cause of Montana Amtrak derailment still under investigation

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A preliminary report on an Amtrak train derailment in Montana last month that killed three people and injured dozens more offered no clues about what triggered the accident, but said the train's emergency brakes were activated and that Amtrak estimated the damage at more than $22 million.

Idaho lawmakers to reconvene legislature in November

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho lawmakers will gather in Boise next month to consider legislation banning COVID-19 vaccine mandates by the federal government and private employers, top lawmakers in the House and Senate said Monday.

David W. Meacham, 51

David W. Meacham, 51, died Oct. 24, 2021 in Kalispell.

CHC staff to aid Libby schools

Administrators with Libby Public Schools approved bringing on a nurse and support staff from a local clinic to buttress mental and physical health earlier this month.

U.S. jobless claims drop to pandemic low of 281,000

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell to a pandemic low last week as the job market continues to recover from last year's coronavirus recession.

After school program aims to bridge learning gap left by pandemic

Libby Elementary School administrators are starting an after school intervention program addressing coronavirus-related learning loss among second and third grade students.

Asbestos abatement project wrapped up on Lincoln Boulevard

Contractors have completed an asbestos abatement project triggered after construction unearthed W.R. Grace mine tailings and contaminated vermiculite near downtown Libby.

Engineering firm selected for Troy water system project

Troy city councilors have hired an engineering firm to oversee much-needed repairs to the municipality’s water system.

Ammon Bundy: Report on far-right group undercounted members

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The founder of a far-right anti-government group says a report estimating the organization's fast growth over the past year undercounted by half. Ammon Bundy took issue with the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights report, saying People's Rights is actually much larger and more of a network than an official organization.

Joe Louis Vignali

Joe Louis Vignali — husband, father, brother and friend — gave up his earthly duties and moved on to his eternal home Oct 16, 2021. His wife Lynne, daughters Jessica and Krystal, and brother Jerry were at his side.

Loggers face Billings Central in first round of playoffs

Fresh off a shutout against Corvallis, the Loggers are headed to the state Class A playoffs with high hopes.

Carvey reaffirmed as health board appointee

Commissioners upheld their decision to add Eureka’s Dr. Dianna Carvey to the health board after more than 30 minutes of public testimony in a packed meeting room inside the Lincoln County Courthouse this week.

Montana Democrats want investigation of attorney general

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Republican leaders in the Legislature on Monday approved a request by Democratic lawmakers to look into the Montana Department of Justice's involvement in investigating a complaint made by the family of a COVID-19 patient at a Helena hospital.

Lincoln County Sheriff's deputy recovering from COVID-19

After nearly losing his life to COVID-19, Ben Fisher has changed his mind about getting vaccinated against the virus.

City council votes to pursue grant for wastewater projects

Libby City Council voted to pursue grant money Oct. 25 aimed at funding much-needed wastewater improvements.

Authorities ID victim in fatal Evergreen shooting

Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal shooting Sunday night in Evergreen.

Legals for October, 29 2021

Commissioners reopen public comments on health board appointment

Residents will get another chance to weigh in on the appointment of Eureka’s Dr. Dianna Carvey to the Lincoln County Health Board this week.

Troy approves increase in power bills

Troy residents will soon see a slight increase in their power bills.

Chuck Ekstedt, Troy Mayor

Chuck Ekstedt, Troy Mayor

Libby schools roped into nationwide school threat hoax

Local law enforcement officials have determined that a student threat made against Libby Public Schools last weekend was a hoax.

Montana Supreme Court overturns man's marijuana conviction

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Supreme Court has overturned a man's conviction for transporting drugs after finding the arresting officers violated his constitutional right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure.

Dems seek investigation of AG's possible 'abuse of power'

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Democratic leaders in the Montana Legislature are asking for an investigation into whether the attorney general abused his power by sending a Montana Highway Patrol trooper to a Helena hospital over a complaint from the family of a COVID-19 patient.

Loggers bound for playoffs

After a victory over Corvallis, Libby is bound for the Class A football playoffs this week.

Blackfeet Nation celebrates life of Chief Earl Old Person

BROWNING, Mont. (AP) — The Blackfeet Nation honored Chief Earl Old Person with a weeklong memorial, ending with a funeral service Friday in the Browning High School gym.

Paul W. Miller, 87

Paul W. Miller, 87, died at his home in Libby on Oct. 23, 2021.

Michael Bree, 73

Michael Bree, 73, peacefully slipped away from us at Spirit Mountain Hospice House in the early morning hours of Oct. 21, with his family by his side, after a long and courageous battle with mesothelioma.

FWP officials address top hunting season questions at Libby gathering

With changes affecting this year’s hunting regulations, local game wardens held an open meeting on the eve of the big game general season last week.

Troy amends election plans after past ballot monitoring procedures prove troublesome

Lincoln County officials have revised local election plans after finding ballot monitoring procedures in Troy fell short of state regulations.

Justice Department suing local Nazi sympathizer

The U.S. Department of Justice is suing a Nazi sympathizer living in Libby in an effort to collect a $9.9 million fine from the Federal Communications Commission after he plagued various parts of the country with racist, anti-Semitic and threatening robocalls.

City council candidate accuses Black Lives Matter of meddling in health board appointment

Libby City Council candidate Darrel “DC” Orr warned last week that the Black Lives Matter campaign is orchestrating the removal of a recently appointed local health board member.

Dallas Carr, Troy Mayor

Dallas Carr, Troy Mayor

Legals for October, 26 2021

Hugh Taylor, Libby Mayor

Hugh Taylor, Libby Mayor

Eureka man charged with sexual assault, solicitation of incest

A Eureka man faces sexual assault charges in Lincoln County District Court after allegedly groping a minor and repeatedly badgering her for sex.

Health board member pushes colleagues to take COVID-19 seriously

After a serious bout with COVID-19, county health board member Debra Armstrong last week pushed for the development of a more robust plan to treat the disease locally, but stopped short of promoting vaccinations.

DEQ closes complaint on Libby dumpsite

Municipal workers spent an estimated 22-and-a-half hours cleaning waste from a dumpsite linked to a Libby City Council candidate found on public land earlier this year.

Duck tales: Troy considers exception for waterfowl breed

A fowl question came before Troy City Council last week: Are chickens any cleaner or easier to manage than ducks?

Vote for a candidate with experience, vote for Peggy Williams

The city election is coming up on Nov. 2 with two distinct candidates actively running for mayor. Hugh Taylor was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2018 and “ran” in 2019. Only three people ran for three positions in 2019 so there wasn’t an election. The people have never voted for Hugh Taylor.

Health board needs qualified members using modern medicine

I appreciate The Western News' coverage of the process the county commissioners used thus far to appoint a new health board member. The stealth used to appoint Dr. Dianna Carvey was a shock and raises questions about what else our commissioners do behind closed doors

Defending Montanans from the Democrats' tax and spend spree

Democrats, led by President Joe Biden, U.S. senators Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, are rushing a reckless $3.5 trillion tax and spending spree bill through Congress that would reshape the very foundation of America and push the U.S. down the path of socialism.

Hospital: Public officials threaten doctors over COVID care

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Three public officials threatened doctors at a Montana hospital after they refused to treat a COVID-19 patient with ivermectin, a drug to treat parasites that is not federally approved to treat the respiratory disease, officials of St. Peter's Health in Helena said.

State appeals decision to block Montana's new abortion laws

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's Attorney General is appealing in the state Supreme Court against a decision by a district court judge to block several laws restricting abortion access while a legal challenge is underway.

Judge: Arco partly responsible for aluminum plant cleanup

COLUMBIA FALLS, Mont. (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that the Atlantic Richfield Co. is partially responsible for millions of dollars in cleanup costs at the former Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. plant that it sold more than 35 years ago.

Media groups appeal ruling over closed GOP meeting

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Members of the Montana media are appealing a state judge's ruling in a lawsuit over whether Republican members of a legislative committee legally held a secret meeting before voting on bills involving abortion and transgender health care.

Daniel Earl DeShazer, 86

Daniel Earl DeShazer, 86, returned to the loving arms of his heavenly father on Sept. 27, 2021, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, after a battle with COVID-19. He was born March 14, 1935, near Rexford to Earl Olin DeShazer and Edna Margaret Smith.

Knotty Pine project moving ahead

U.S. Forest Service officials are moving ahead with a local project that came under fire earlier this year after becoming the subject of rampant misinformation on social media.

Vincent tapped for Upper Columbia Conservation Commission

Gov. Greg Gianforte appointed a third generation Libby man to a conservation commission designated to protect Montana waterways from invasive species earlier this 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:

Byron Paul Phillips, 73

Byron Paul Phillips, 73, was born Sept. 12, 1948, to Ellis Bradley Phillips and Isabel Shipman Phillips. He joined brother Greg (then two years old) and was followed two years later by brother Dale.

Peggy Williams, Libby Mayor

Peggy Williams, Libby Mayor

Legals for October, 22 2021

Joanna Faye Kester, 97

Ten-year Libby resident Joanna "Jo" Faye Kester, 97, died Oct. 10, 2021, at her son's home in Libby. She was born May 26, 1924, in Terre Haute, Ind., and grew up on her family's farm near Cory, Ind. Jo was one of eight children, born to Goldie and Rudolph Kester.

County backs Forest Service in Ripley Project lawsuit

Local elected officials and community organizers are linking arms in opposition to a legal challenge to a controversial U.S. Forest Service project near Libby.

School staff in Libby get suicide prevention training

Following a series of teen suicides in the Flathead Valley, Libby Public Schools staff underwent training designed to help them identify at-risk individuals.

Montana State edges Weber State 13-7 in defensive battle

OGDEN, Utah (AP) — Freshman kicker Blake Glessner's two field goals in the third quarter made the difference in a defense-heavy contest as Montana State edged Weber State 13-7 Friday night.

Officials release name of Libby man who died in crash

Public health officials have released the name of a Libby man who died in a crash earlier this month in southwest Montana.

Montana and Wyoming see increase in coal production

BILLING, Mont. (AP) — Coal production has increased in Montana and Wyoming due to demand in the Asia Pacific region.

Blackfeet Tribal Chief Earl Old Person dies of cancer at 92

BROWNING, Mont. (AP) — Earl Old Person, the chief of the Blackfeet Tribe in Montana and former chairman of the tribal business council, has died of cancer. He was 92.

Columbia Falls becomes 11th Montana area with a resort tax

COLUMBIA FALLS, Mont. (AP) — Columbia Falls in northwestern Montana is the 11th Montana community to enact a resort tax.

Black sees signs for optimism but warns of possible hard winter

Pointing to low vaccination numbers locally, Dr. Brad Black warned that the county could see continued suffering and death from COVID-19 as winter approaches.

Broncs buck Loggers 48-14

Facing off against the top-ranked Class A team in the state, the Libby Loggers fell 48-14 against Hamilton on Oct. 15.

Libby city councilor faces lawsuit

A contracting company managed by Libby City Councilor Zach McNew is facing a lawsuit related to an installation project it oversaw.

Samuel Eugene Evans

Samuel Eugene Evans passed away July 4, 2021, in Sacramento, Calif. Sam was born May 25, 1989, to Kandis Peterson and Ted Yarding in Tucson, Ariz.

Elaine Verdon, 91

Elaine Verdon, a life-long Montana resident, died Oct. 13 at the Touchmark memory care unit in Helena after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. She was 91.

Kristin Smith, Libby City Council

Kristin Smith Libby, City Council

DC Orr, Libby City Council

DC, Libby City Council

Legals for October, 19 2021

Merck asks US FDA to authorize promising anti-COVID pill

WASHINGTON (AP) — Drugmaker Merck asked U.S. regulators Monday to authorize its pill for treating COVID-19 in what would add an entirely new and easy-to-use weapon to the world's arsenal against the pandemic.

Clayton Lloyd Rockwell

On Oct. 7, 2021, Pastor Clayton Lloyd Rockwell went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spent his last hours recreating on the Yaak River, and it was the river that became his entry into eternity.

'We've lost the war': Idaho doctor says COVID is here to stay

BOISE, Idaho — With the pandemic in its 19th month, Idaho intensive care units still have high numbers of COVID-19 patients.

Lawsuit argues new Montana law suppresses student vote

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A lawsuit filed Tuesday is challenging a new Montana law banning voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts in certain areas of college campuses.

Atkins charged for drug possession after domestic dispute

A local man faces drug charges after officers from multiple law enforcement agencies responded to an August disturbance call at a Libby area trailer park.

Professor on leave amid probe into posts on women, Muslims

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A University of Montana computer science professor has been placed on paid leave while the university investigates now-deleted blog posts that maligned women, Muslims and people who are LGBTQ, the university said Tuesday.

Montana reaches record COVID-19 hospitalizations at 510

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana reached a record number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 on Wednesday while one district moved its middle and high school classes to virtual learning to slow the spread of the respiratory virus among students, few of whom follow the school's mask mandate, officials said.

Glacier's Sun Road closes early for season

Due to continued winter weather, the alpine sections of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park will remain closed for the season.

Lady Loggers slice through Browning

The Lady Loggers swept the Browning Indians on the volleyball court last week. The varsity team secured an Oct. 9 win over three games, giving the Lady Loggers a 5-2 conference record. Their counterparts on the junior varsity and froshmore teams saw victories over five and three games, respectively. The Libby varsity squad won their games 25-21, 25-23, 25-13. Ember Rode secured seven of Libby’s 11 service aces. Sidney Rusdal followed with two service aces. The Lady Loggers landed 29 kills across the three games. Rode took 12 and Julia Martineau secured three. Rusdal took all 26 of the Lady Loggers set assists. Libby secured a total of 62 digs. Martineau landed 19 and Braylin Brooks followed with 11. The Lady Loggers are scheduled to play at Butte from Oct. 15 to 16.

Scott proposes residential development near Libby golf course

Lincoln County commissioners approved a preliminary plat agreement for a roughly 70-acre subdivision south of the Cabinet View Golf Club proposed by Libby dentist and cross-country ski enthusiast Ben Scott on Oct. 13.

Lincoln Theatre a coming attraction in Troy

Following a roughly six-year hiatus, Lincoln Theatre is scheduled to reopen next month, bringing the old school, big-screen experience back to Troy.

Donna Burrell

Not one to ever quit, Donna only left us when God gave her no other choice. With her loving husband and children at her side, Donna was taken from us Oct. 7, 2021.

Christian Olsen Penner, 69

Christian Olsen Penner, 69, passed away Sept. 28, 2021, quietly in his home in Troy with his wife by his side. He was born in 1952 to JoAnn Olsen Klever in Phoenix.

Janet G. Hanson, 66

On Sept. 23, a welfare check was conducted at Janet G. Hanson’s apartment in Libby, where she was found unconscious, and was later determined to be in a diabetic coma. From the Libby emergency room, Jan was transported to the Boise intensive care unit in the early morning hours of Sept. 24. She was removed from life support, with her children bedside, on Sept. 25, 2021.

Zach McNew, Libby City Council

Zach McNew, Libby City Council

Eureka doctor appointed to county health board

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners selected a Eureka area doctor Oct. 13 to fill the vacant at-large seat on the county health board.

Libby pool effort remains afloat

Plans to build an aquatic facility in Libby remain alive, but treading water, a spokesman for the local group behind the effort told city officials last week.

Idaho lawmaker posts meme appearing to advocate violence

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A far-right Idaho Republican lawmaker has posted a meme on Twitter appearing to advocate violence against journalists, educators, conservationists, the state's largest university and other organizations ahead of an upcoming election in November.

Evon Louise Ekstedt Sizemore, 78

Heaven gained a true master angler and a most extraordinary woman on Aug. 2, 2021. Our mother — a wife, grandma, sister and true friend to everyone — Evon Louise Ekstedt Sizemore, 78, passed away at the Libby Care Center.

Cheryl Ann Macek Rovang

On Aug. 22, 2021, a sweet loving and caring lady, Cheryl Ann Macek Rovang, went to sleep in peace with her family present. Cheryl was born in Cleveland to Pearl Helen Mueller and John Macek on Oct. 24, 1948.

Rob Dufficy, Libby City Council

Rob Dufficy is running for reelection on Libby City Council this November.

Legals for October, 15 2021

Border residents rejoice as U.S. says it will lift travel ban

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Beleaguered business owners and families separated by COVID-19 restrictions rejoiced Wednesday after the U.S. said it will reopen its land borders to nonessential travel next month, ending a 19-month freeze.

Marthe faces multiple charges after alleged assault

An out-of-town visitor faces a felony assault charge in Lincoln County District Court after local authorities responded to a disturbance call outside a Libby area restaurant in mid-September.

With deaths and hospitalizations mounting, it is time to put aside disinformation

It has been agonizing for me to watch the mounting hospitalization rate and death toll in Lincoln County. There have been 29 deaths and 115 hospitalizations in just the last three months. This is far more deaths and hospitalizations than we had in the previous 18 months of the pandemic. It is also one of the worst death rates in the region from COVID-19.

Similarities between 9/11 and Jan. 6 are striking

I’ve been thinking about writing this letter for some time, but decided to wait until after the 9/11 anniversary commemorations, which have now gone by.

Gary Beach, Libby City Council

Gary Beach, Libby City Council

Melissa Berke, Libby City Council

Melissa Berke, Libby City Council

Census data show small drop in Lincoln County's population

Despite evidence suggesting Lincoln County is seeing an influx of newcomers, the county’s population has remained relatively stable over the last 10 years, according to the latest census count.

A big thank you to the Libby Video Club

I would like to thank "Jim" from the Libby Video Club for his helpfulness and time. With the change happening at Montana Sky, I was looking for an easier way for my 95-year-old dad to get TV.

Instead of examining real problems, we're focused on fantasy

I just read Will Langhorne's Oct. 5 article, "Local lawmakers join push to review election security.”

Sheriff seeks to avoid taking budget hit for unexpected cost overrun

Sheriff Darren Short urged the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners last week to share the burden of a cost overrun on a major overhaul of local emergency services’ communications systems.

Daines' push to reopen border hits wall

Despite drawing bipartisan support, a Montana-led effort to reopen traffic across the U.S.-Canada border fell short in Congress last week.

Victorious at last: Trojans pummel Plains to end multiyear drought

Troy bucked a 19-game losing streak and won their first home game as an eight-man team in a 56-14 rout of Plains last week.

Local wildfires dying out

After nearly four months of battling the Burnt Peak Fire, U.S. Forest Service officials have lifted a closure order for the Keeler Creek area.

Bulldogs rally to edge out Loggers

The Libby Loggers watched an early lead evaporate Friday as the Whitefish Bulldogs rallied for a 27-14 win.

Health experts: School mask rule spreads misinformation

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — State-employed public health experts said the Montana health department used "misleading and false" claims in support of an emergency rule that urged schools to consider parental input when adopting rules for wearing masks to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the Montana State News Bureau reported.

Small states cry foul on federal rental relief redistribution

States with small populations say a federal plan to take back unspent emergency rental aid and redistribute it elsewhere is unfair, potentially depriving them and their residents of millions of dollars to address broad affordable housing challenges.

Judge blocks new Montana abortion laws amid legal challenge

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A judge has blocked three laws restricting abortion access in Montana while a legal challenge is underway.

Montana coal mine admits violating safety regulations

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A central Montana coal mine pleaded guilty Thursday to federal charges the company violated environmental and employee safety regulations as part of a plea agreement that calls for a $1 million fine, the U.S. Attorney's Office for Montana said.

Researchers hunt graves at Montana's Rosebud Battlefield

It was the early afternoon of June 17, 1876, when a bullet ripped through Cpt. Guy Henry's cheek.

Idaho hospital says crush of COVID patients getting worse

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho (AP) — The Northern Idaho hospital that was the first in the state to institute health care rationing due to surging COVID-19 cases says the situation is growing worse.

Take advantage of this opportunity to build Montana's workforce

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), our state has an opportunity to make unprecedented investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.

Legals for October, 12 2021

Ghost towns: Nursing home staffing falls amid pandemic

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — When Natalie Walters arrived at her father's nursing home, the parking lot was nearly empty and, inside, the elevator made no stops. On the 13th floor, the lights were off and the TVs silent. The last time she was allowed inside, nine months earlier, aides passed in the hall and a nurse waved from the records room.

Jasiah Zane Dimond

Nate Dimond and Kyla Huston welcomed Jasiah Zane Dimond on Sept. 25, 2021, at 1:54 p.m. Jasiah weighed five pounds, 10 ounces and was 19 inches in length. Jasiah was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.

Dan Kershner

Dan Kershner died Oct. 2, 2021, after a yearlong illness.

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:

Fire retardant could be 'game-changer' in fighting wildfires

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — U.S. officials on Tuesday approved a long-lasting fire retardant that could significantly aid in fighting increasingly destructive wildfires by stopping them before they ever start.

Idaho governor repeals political rival's executive order

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho governor on Wednesday issued an executive order repealing his political rival's executive order from the previous day involving COVID-19 vaccine passports and mandatory testing.

7 passengers on derailed train sue Amtrak, BNSF Railway

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — An Illinois law firm filed lawsuits Monday against Amtrak and BNSF Railway on behalf of seven passengers who were on an Amtrak train when it derailed in north-central Montana late last month, killing three and injuring dozens of others.

Lawyers urge California bar to probe key adviser's role in Trump bid to overturn 2020 election

WASHINGTON — A group of prominent lawyers, including former governors and judges, urged the California bar on Monday to launch an investigation into John C. Eastman's role in advising President Trump on how he could overturn his election defeat, including by having his vice president refuse to count the electoral votes in seven states won by President Biden.

Woman burned rescuing her dog from Yellowstone hot spring

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — A woman from Washington state suffered burns from her shoulders to her feet when she tried to rescue her dog from a Yellowstone National Park hot spring.

Montana to consider 9 maps for new congressional district

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's bipartisan redistricting commission has narrowed down the possibilities for congressional maps that would create two U.S. House seats in the state for the first time in 30 years.

Legal firm sues Montana over law banning vaccine mandates

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Montana law firm is suing the state over a rule that bans businesses from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for their employees.

North Dakota trooper cleared in fatal interstate shooting

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota state trooper who fatally shot a Montana man along an interstate last month has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Law enforcement could face lean years ahead as federal pandemic funds run dry

Buoyed by federal coronavirus relief funds, Lincoln County officials financed a roughly $400,000 increase in public safety spending this fiscal year while lowering law enforcement’s reliance on local tax dollars.

Rayome drops out of Libby mayoral race

Resident Kenny Rayome Jr. has withdrawn from the Libby mayoral race, citing his job as the city’s water plant operator as a conflict of interest.

Annual ski swap moved to Plummer Gym

With the snowy season fast approaching, Turner Mountain Ski Area is holding its annual ski swap this weekend.

Malyevac places 18th at state tourney

After a stellar season, Reece Malyevac capped his second year with the Libby Logger golf team by taking 18th at the state tournament last week.

Lady Loggers knock off Whitefish in three

The Lady Loggers caged the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs over three games during an Oct. 5 match.

Accused drug dealer pleads guilty

One of three individuals arrested in Libby after local detectives busted open a drug ring in late summer has entered a guilty plea after reaching a deal with prosecutors.

Sikes appointed city administrator of Libby

Libby City Council backed Mayor Peggy Williams’ appointment of Samuel Sikes as city administrator this week, but not before clashing over procedure.

Nova Maria Lentz

Joel and Samantha Lentz welcomed a baby girl Sept. 10, 2021, at 8:48 a.m. Nova Maria Lentz weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and was 20-and-a-half inches long. She was delivered by Dr. Jana Hall.

Legals for October, 8 2021

Drone flights force grounding of firefighting aircraft

BIG SKY, Mont. (AP) — Authorities say unauthorized drone flights over a Montana wildfire prevented firefighting aircraft from being used against the blaze burning in rugged terrain south of Big Sky.

Commissioners review state plan consolidating work on Superfund site

Lincoln County commissioners scrutinized a proposal to consolidate operations and maintenance work for most operable units in the Libby Asbestos Superfund Site under one plan last week.

Missoula judge denies halting mask requirements in schools

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A district judge in Missoula has denied a request by several parents to halt mask mandates in Missoula schools while a legal challenge of the mandates is underway.

Lady Loggers fall to Ronan over four games

The Lady Loggers lost their Sept. 30 match against Ronan over four games.

Lawrence Garcia

Lawrence Garcia of Libby passed away Sept. 4, 2021, when his generous heart could no longer sustain him. Larry briefly opened his eyes for hugs, kisses and our encouraging words of love before our Lord Jesus Christ took Larry by the hand as he peacefully slipped away that evening. This wonderful man was surrounded by loved ones near and far.

Treasury to shift rental assistance to places with demand

The Treasury Department on Monday announced plans to start reallocating the billions of dollars in federal rental assistance in a bid to get more money into the hands of tenants facing eviction.

Judge delays implementation of new Montana abortion laws

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A judge granted Thursday evening a temporary restraining order delaying the implementation of three laws restricting abortion access in Montana, hours before the laws were set to go into effect.

Senate approves Biden land-agency pick over GOP opposition

WASHINGTON (AP) — A bitterly divided Senate late Thursday approved President Joe Biden's choice to oversee vast government-owned lands in the West, despite Republican complaints that she is an "eco-terrorist.''

17 horses seized in Flathead County

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office recently seized 17 horses in various stages of starvation and other health issues from a residence in the Columbia Falls area, and is now asking for help from the community in providing food and blankets for the horses.

Local lawmakers join push to review election security

Citing concerns raised by constituents about election security, Lincoln County’s three state legislators joined Republican colleagues in calling for the creation of a special committee to dig into Montana’s election history and voting laws.

Stricken deputy improving, family says

While still in critical condition, Ben Fisher, a Lincoln County Sheriff's Office deputy stricken with COVID-19, was improving as of late last week.

FWP to host virtual meetings on proposed hunting changes

After releasing a series of proposed changes to hunting regulations, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials have organized virtual open houses to field comments from the public.

CHC awarded $589k in federal funds

Northwest Community Health Center is set to receive $589,353 in federal funding as the clinic continues to weather the coronavirus pandemic.

Viereck faces revocation of suspended sentence

A Libby man who pleaded guilty to stalking in 2019 could see his suspended four-year sentence revoked after allegedly getting into a vehicle wreck while intoxicated earlier this year.

Sharon Kay Johnson, 75

On Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, Sharon Kay Johnson of Libby, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 75 in the Benefis Hospital in Great Falls due to complications from COVID-19. Sharon was born April 2, 1946, in South Dakota to James and Beneva (Bellach) Hight.

New numbers: In-state calls will soon require 406 area code

Callers in Montana will soon have to dial three extra digits when placing in-state calls.

COVID-19 is killing rural Americans at twice the rate of urbanites

Rural Americans are dying of COVID-19 at more than twice the rate of their urban counterparts — a divide that health experts say is likely to widen as access to medical care shrinks for a population that tends to be older, sicker, heavier, poorer and less vaccinated.

Beckman accused of starting May 20 structure fire in Libby

A woman accused of trying to burn down a Libby salon in May allegedly started the fire because she thought the shop was home to criminal activity.

The 'burn scars' of wildfires threaten the West's drinking water

Colorado saw its worst fire season last year, with the three largest fires in state history and more than 600,000 acres burned. But some of the effects didn’t appear until this July, when heavy rain pushed sediment from damaged forests down mountainsides, causing mudslides that shut down sections of Interstate 70 for almost two weeks.

Legals for October, 5 2021

Information sought on grizzly bear shot south of Seeley Lake

SEELEY LAKE – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are seeking information on a female grizzly bear that was shot and killed in the Woodworth area south of Seeley Lake.

Jackie Wilson Nelson

Jackie Wilson Nelson of Libby passed away from complications of COVID-19 on Sept. 9, 2021, at the Kalispell Regional Hospital.

Kalispell man charged with murder in gym shooting

A Kalispell man has been charged with murder in alleged shooting death of the manager of Fuel Fitness in Kalispell nearly two weeks ago.

CARD Clinic resumes drive-thru testing

A Libby clinic is again offering free drive-thru COVID-19 testing four days a week to residents who call ahead.

Graves of 19th century migrants found on trail in Idaho

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — Cadaver dogs have found what are probably seven graves of mid-1880s migrants who died in south-central Idaho on the California Trail while crossing what is now the City of Rocks National Reserve.

Rural Montana banded together in swift train wreck response

CHESTER, Mont. (AP) — Trevor Fossen was running late for a wedding Saturday afternoon when he turned onto a dusty, gravel road in rural Montana as a westbound train approached the crossing in front of him.

US says ivory-billed woodpecker, 22 other species extinct

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Death's come knocking a last time for the splendid ivory-billed woodpecker and 22 more birds, fish and other species: The U.S. government on Wednesday declared them extinct.

Health workers once saluted as heroes now get threats

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — More than a year after U.S. health care workers on the front lines against COVID-19 were saluted as heroes with nightly clapping from windows and balconies, some are being issued panic buttons in case of assault and ditching their scrubs before going out in public for fear of harassment.

Greyson Fruchey

Blue Baskette and Mark Fruchey welcomed a baby boy July 24, 2021, at 7:20 p.m. Greyson Fruchey weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 19-and-a-half inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.

Abby Snow

William Snow and Heather Mackey welcomed a baby girl Sept. 8, 2021, at 12:57 p.m. Abby Snow weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces and was 20 inches long. She was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.

Kaliyah Lynn Galbasini

Dale Galbasini and Stefanie Benke welcomed a baby girl Sept. 2, 2021, at 1:04 p.m. Kaliyah Lynn Galbasini weighed 6 pounds, 13.3 ounces and was about 20 inches long. She was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.

Residents have until Nov. 1 to register to vote

With just over a month left until this year’s municipal general election, Lincoln County poll officials are reminding residents to register to vote.

$3.2 million in county funds set aside for education

Lincoln County commissioners have levied just under $3.2 million for countywide education funds this fiscal year.

Roesler-Begalke making waves at University of Puget Sound

After holding down the mound at Lee Gehring Field, Moxley Roesler-Begalke has climbed the baseball roster at the University of Puget Sound, becoming one of the team’s top arms.

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:

Search for mangled and erratically driven vehicle leads to DUI charge

A motorist arrested after allegedly driving erratically along U.S. Highway 2 while dragging behind vehicle parts earlier this month faces his fifth driving under the influence conviction.

Library saw digital gains in fiscal year marked by disruptions

Circulation at the Lincoln County Library fell in 2021, but given the pandemic and other disruptions, Director Alyssa Ramirez said that dissemination of materials was not the best statistic to measure success.

Celebrate the Republicans who chose country over party

It is about time we recognized the true heroes of the Republican Party.

Montana Nurses Association does itself a disservice by pushing masks on children

The Montana Nurses Association has referred to the recent emergency rule from Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services regarding not masking in school as “promotion of junk science.” One might be wise to use caution as well as introspection in using such a bold statement.

Passing on a vaccine ought to mean passing on medical care

If individuals do not trust the medical science that developed the vaccines for COVID-19, that’s their prerogative. I would simply ask that they have the honesty and integrity to inform those around them that, in the event that they develop COVID-19 symptoms, because they do not trust medical science, they do not want to be admitted to a hospital or utilize any resources of medical science. To want it both ways is the worst hypocrisy.

Lincoln County Health Board taken captive by ideologues

The article “Health board has few answers for local providers exhausted by pandemic” (Sept. 17) details what happens when professionals and experts are forced out of local health boards by anti-vax, anti-mask, anti-science and truth-denying political zealots.

Mr. President, open that border

I’m incredibly disappointed that the Biden Administration has once again decided to keep Montana’s northern border closed for at least another month.

Lady Loggers rally to beat Columbia Falls

After losing two sets to the Wildkats, the Lady Loggers kicked it into high gear, winning the next three games and their Sept. 25 match against Columbia Falls.

County election center set to open ahead of November polls

After years of cramming their ballot counters and election judges into the Lincoln County courthouse, local officials will have a designated election center starting this November.

Operations plan for asbestos cell approved by health board

The Lincoln County Health Board approved an operations and maintenance plan for the Libby Landfill asbestos cell during a Sept. 14 meeting.

COVID-19 cases stress Logan Health bed capacity

Logan Health Medical Center continues to be challenged by an influx of mostly unvaccinated COVID-19 patients, with the Kalispell hospital routinely approaching or exceeding its bed capacity over the last month.

Columbia Falls resort tax goes into effect

People will pay a little more for some items as the city of Columbia Falls' 3 percent resort tax goes into effect on Friday, Oct. 1.