Ellington

Anti-mask mob shuts down Coeur d'Alene school board meeting

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho (AP) — The Coeur d'Alene School District's Board of Trustees canceled a special meeting on Friday to consider a temporary COVID-19 mask mandate after protesters swarmed the building.

Groundbreaking on Troy Town Pump planned for October

Town Pump anticipates breaking ground on its highly anticipated 8,000 square foot convenience store in Troy next month.

Health officer resigns, citing pushback on COVID guidelines

HAVRE, Mont. (AP) — The public health officer in a small northern Montana county is resigning because of the "constant negativity, pushback, disregard and lack of support" that health officials have faced throughout the coronavirus pandemic, she said.

Maynard M. Rogers, 79

Maynard Rogers, 79, of Troy, died at home Sept. 11, 2021. A memorial will be held at Roosevelt Park at 2 p.m., Oct. 2.

Another Montana therapeutic boarding school closing

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A therapeutic boarding school in northwestern Montana, which state inspectors learned had once made boys sleep outside in winter conditions without proper clothing as punishment, closed on Friday.

VA Medical Center near Helena to open beds to non-veterans

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana hospitals that reach capacity due to a surge in COVID-19 cases may be able to transfer patients to the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center west of Helena, while additional National Guard soldiers are being activated to help at hospitals, Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Friday.

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:

Serenity and Emma May Reed

Noah Reed and Keylie Vulgamore-Reed welcomed twins July 27, 2021. Serenity Reed was born at 4:16 p.m. She weighed 5 pounds, 13.8 ounces and was 18-and-a-half inches long. Emma May Reed was born at 5:23 p.m. She weighed 5 pounds and was 18 inches long. They were delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.

Columbia Falls sweeps Libby in soccer action

COLUMBIA FALLS — Kai Golan lit up the scoreboard with six goals for the Columbia Falls Wildcats on Friday in an 8-0 victory over the Libby Loggers.

FWP weighs changes to hunting regulations

After fielding complaints about the complexity of the state’s hunting regulations, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public input on plans to reduce the amount of hunting districts, license and permit types for the 2022-2023 season.

Red Lodge firefighter, burned this summer, returns home

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — When the plane landed and Dan Steffensen's feet hit the ground in Red Lodge on a recent Tuesday afternoon, the small town and its first responders took another step towards trying to heal from the summer of 2021.

At least 3 dead in Amtrak train derailment near Joplin

JOPLIN, Mont. (AP) — At least three people were killed Saturday afternoon when an Amtrak train that runs between Seattle and Chicago derailed in north-central Montana, toppling several cars onto their sides, authorities said.

Malyevac takes second at divisional golf tourney

HAMILTON — Johnny Nix was medalist and helped Whitefish’s boys to the Western A divisional golf crown Friday at Hamilton Country Club.

Vigil held for hospitalized sheriff's deputy

A prayer gathering for Ben Fisher, a Lincoln County Sheriff's Office deputy in critical condition with COVID-19, drew just over a dozen family members and friends to Troy Christian Fellowship.

Girl in custody after having gun at Idaho middle school

RIGBY, Idaho (AP) — A 13-year-old girl has been taken into custody after having a firearm at Rigby Middle School in eastern Idaho, authorities said Thursday. It's the same school in May where a shooting injured two students and a custodian.

NTSB investigating small plane crash near Billings

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Federal authorities said Monday they were investigating the crash of a small plane in southern Montana.

Jenny R. Nelson, 97

A celebration of life service for Jenny R. Nelson, 97, will be held at 1 p.m., Oct. 2 at St. John Lutheran Church in Libby with a reception to follow. Jenny’s family invites those who knew her to join them in remembering her.

FWP issues reminder against collecting in state parks

State officials are reminding shed hunters that they are not allowed to collect antlers, horns, skulls and natural objects in Montana State Parks.

Care center execs worry federal mandates could exacerbate staffing shortage

Executives overseeing the Libby Care Center are concerned that an impending federal vaccine requirement could exacerbate the staffing shortage at the local nursing home.

Pirates offer no quarter in win over Loggers

Faced with a blistering offense, Libby melted 49-14 to the Polson Pirates on Sept. 24.

Hammons named county administrator

Lincoln County has a new hand at the helm. Commissioners appointed Jim Hammons, a long-time local official, as county administrator during a Sept. 22 meeting.

Libby man accused of dealing Suboxone

A Libby man brought up on charges after allegedly selling drugs to an informant has pleaded not guilty to two counts of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs.

City crews fixing leaks after water shutoff

Libby’s water system experienced five leaks following a scheduled shutoff earlier this month.

Purdy accused of selling horse belonging to his ex daughter-in-law

A Eureka man who allegedly admitted to selling a horse owned by his former daughter-in-law faces a felony theft of a commonly domesticated hoofed animal charge in Lincoln County District Court.

Legals for September, 28 2021

City council election cancelled in Troy; voters will still decide mayor

Troy City Council voted to cancel this year’s general council election after too few candidates filed to run.

Idaho lawmakers look for ways to nullify vaccine mandates

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho should adopt a health policy that would make vaccine status a private medical record that employees could refuse to make available to employers as a way to thwart President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate, an attorney told lawmakers Wednesday.

CDC advisers try to work out the details on booster shots

With booster doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine now authorized in the U.S., government advisers reconvened on Thursday to tackle the most contentious question yet: Exactly who should roll up their sleeves right away?

Unions sue over law ending same-day voter registration

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A coalition including worker unions and a disability rights group filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen over a law passed earlier this year that eliminates same day voter registration

Senators blast latest extension of US-Canada border restrictions

The Biden administration said Monday it is extending travel restrictions at the land border between the U.S. and Canada at least through Oct. 21, prompting another round of bipartisan criticism from Montana Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines.

Medical providers challenge law banning vaccine requirements

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Medical providers and Montana residents with compromised immune systems are challenging a state law that prevents employers from mandating vaccines for employees.

Troy reconsiders mask policy

With coronavirus outbreaks straining schools throughout the state, Troy Public School Board members reopened a divisive discussion on when or if the district should require face coverings on campuses.

Montana COVID hospitalizations near 400, more Guard deployed

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Gov. Greg Gianforte said Wednesday he will deploy National Guard soldiers to help overburdened hospital staff in Great Falls, as Montana's rising COVID-19 hospitalizations near 400 and a southwestern Montana hospital reports crisis standards of care are imminent.

Jacqueline Sue Reid-Rhoades

Jacqueline Sue Reid-Rhoades went to be with the Lord on Aug. 30, 2021. She was born to Herbert and Linda Damwijk on June 16, 1974. She was the second of four children.

Driver sentenced for role in illegal border crossing

A Washington, D.C., man arrested after helping three people illegally cross the border from Canada will spend the next three years under supervision.

Postcard From an Overrun ICU: ‘The Problem Is We Are Running Out of Hallways’

BILLINGS, Mont. — Nurses fill the hospital room to turn a patient from his stomach to his back. The ventilator forcing air into him is most effective when he’s on his stomach, so he is in that position most hours of the day, sedated and paralyzed by drugs.

Connie Holthaus, 68

Heaven gained an angel Sept. 14, 2021. Our loving mother, wife, grandmother, sister and dear friend, Connie Holthaus, 68, passed away peacefully at the Libby Care Center.

CPMC launches regular updates on virus status at medical center

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center began releasing updates on the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 earlier this week after a group of more than 50 local health care providers and residents urged administrators to keep the community abreast of the state of the virus at the hospital.

Mary Josephine Varnes Payton, 71

Mary “Mary Jo” Josephine Varnes Payton, 71, passed away Sept. 11, 2021, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby. She was born April 18, 1950, to Leon and Enid Varnes in Terry before moving to Libby, where she attended school.

Zimmerman tapped as Libby City Council president

Brian Zimmerman succeeded Mayor Peggy Williams as president of the Libby City Council on Sept. 20.

McNew joins Libby City Council

Local businessman Zachariah McNew joined the Libby City Council on Sept. 20, taking Mayor Peggy Williams’ former seat on the governing body.

Kenneth Keith Kvittum

It is with great sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of Kenneth Keith Kvittum. Ken passed away in his sleep Sept. 15, 2021, at a Cabinet Peaks Medical Center after fighting cancer for 41 months.

Ridge Decker

Marko and Stephanie Decker welcomed a baby boy Sept. 1, 2021, at 8:07 a.m. Ridge Decker weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces and was 19-and-a-half inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Kelli Jarrett.

IRS sees bump in scam complaints

The Internal Revenue Service has seen a record number of complaints related to Economic Impact Payment scams in recent months.

Octavious Aziel Brown

Immanuel Brown and Alexis Huffman welcomed a baby boy Aug. 20, 2021, at 5:01 p.m. Octavious Aziel Brown weighed 5 pounds, 1 ounce and was 19 inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Jana Hall

Legals for September, 24 2021

Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine works in kids ages 5 to 11

Pfizer said Monday its COVID-19 vaccine works for children ages 5 to 11 and that it will seek U.S. authorization for this age group soon — a key step toward beginning vaccinations for youngsters.

School officials catch flack for communication woes

Libby Public School Board members discussed ways of improving family outreach earlier this week after hearing from at least one parent who was frustrated with how the district handled a recent outbreak at the elementary school.

City aid for sewer infrastructure project remains under discussion

Libby officials are exploring funding options to partially reimburse a property owner for the installation of a sewer main along U.S. Highway 2.

City Hall backs chamber in pursuit of grant

City officials are supporting a Libby Chamber of Commerce effort to help rebrand a region known by the outside world largely for its Superfund site.

Job market disconnect raises concerns over economic recovery

The gulf between record job openings and a lack of people taking those jobs is forcing Wall Street to reassess the pace of the economic recovery.

Alert cancelled after 15-year-old Montana girl found safe

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A 15-year-old girl on Montana's Fort Peck Reservation who was the subject of an Amber Alert for a possible abduction has been found and is safe, authorities said Thursday.

James Ronald Short, 81

James “Jim” Ronald Short, 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at home in Libby on Sept. 15. Jim was a beloved husband, father, papa and great papa to his wife, Anita, his three children, and his nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild.

ICUs are filled with COVID — and regret

It's a struggle for Joe Gammon to talk. Lying in his bed in the intensive care unit at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, this month, he described himself as "naive."

Monte Neil LeHew

It is with great sadness we announce the death of Monte Neil LeHew. He passed away Sept. 14, 2021, at the age of 81. Monte was born March 21, 1941, in Ladysmith, Wisc., to Oliver Earl and Ora Mae (Jordan) LeHew.

With hands tied, Montana officials issue public health plea

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Health officials in both Missoula and Bozeman are begging Montana residents to wear masks indoors and get vaccinated as hospitals face increasing strain and the state remains without any statewide health mandates.

Three brought up on charges after detectives bust drug ring

Authorities broke up a drug ring in the Libby area in late August, arresting three and seizing methamphetamine, heroin and a supply of drug paraphernalia, according to court documents.

Recent Libby Care Center outbreak stretched staffing thin as it raced through facility

An outbreak at the Libby Care Center, which left at least 10 residents dead and infected 20 staff members last month, has worn the local nursing home thin.

Malyevac leads the pack at Polson Invitational

Libby sophomore Reece Malyevac led the Logger golf team — and the rest of the 120 player field at the Sept. 13 Polson Invitational — firing a 1 under 71 to take first place.

County commissioners approve budget amendments

Lincoln County commissioners approved 23 budget amendments last week, including almost $125,000 in expenses and just over $1.4 million in revenues.

High engagement in afterschool activities

Libby Public Schools saw a strong turnout among middle and high school students for this year’s fall sports and slate of afterschool activities.

Sheriff's office requests extra $31k for dispatch overhaul

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office needs an additional $31,000 for an already pricey project to overhaul local law enforcement’s dispatch and records system.

Legals for September, 21 2021

Rodney Ingrum

Rodney Ingrum of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family and friends Aug. 31, 2021 after a four year battle with lung cancer. He now is resting in the loving arms of Jesus.

EPA delists operable unit covering roads between Libby and Troy

The continued restoration of the Libby Asbestos Superfund site reached another milestone earlier this week when federal officials removed a portion of the project from its National Priorities List.

Libby schools adjust policies after virus surge

Administrators with Libby Public Schools are strongly recommending that students and staff wear masks while on campus, pointing to a recent coronavirus outbreak at the elementary school that spread among first graders and left over 20 students and staff with positive test results.

Kendall sentenced — again

In Jeremiah Kendall’s last scheduled court appearance in Libby before the start of a lengthy prison stint, he received a suspended 20-year sentence for attempted burglary.

Kootenai Harvest Festival set for this weekend

The 2021 Kootenai Harvest Festival will take place at the Riverfront Park Pavilion from noon until 6 p.m. on Sept. 18.

Groups push to resume enforcement in Montana mining dispute

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Environmental groups have filed notice they plan to sue Gov. Greg Gianforte's administration after it dropped a legal claim against a mining executive over decades of pollution from several mines.

Thomas Charles Dillon, 80

Thomas Charles Dillon, 80, passed away Sept. 11, 2021, at his home in the West Kootenai. He was born May 13, 1941, in Birmingham, Mich.

National Guard to help Billings hospital with COVID cases

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Seventeen Montana National Guard soldiers have volunteered to continue helping the state with its COVID-19 response, Gov. Greg Gianforte said.

Health board has few answers for local providers exhausted by pandemic

With coronavirus cases testing the limits of the local health care system, exasperated primary care providers asked Lincoln County Health Board members if they had suggestions for slowing the virus’ spread through the community.

Patricia Ann Stewart

Patricia Ann Stewart, known to most as Nana Pat, passed away Sept. 2, 2021, in Whitefish. She was born Sept. 21, 1936, in Cowen, W.Va., to Bonnis and Boyd Adkison.

Eldon Lewis Morgan

Cassandra and Edward Morgan welcomed a baby boy on June 3, 2021, at Family Birth Services Birthing Suite. Eldon Lewis Morgan weighed 10 pounds, 6 ounces and was 22 inches in length. Cassie’s parents are Hal and Lynn Leadlay of Gallatin Gateway and Jim and Janet Black of Anaconda. Ed's parents are Howard and Sandra Morgan of Walla Walla, Wash. Eldon has three older sisters: Cailin, Laura and Jane. He was delivered by Joyce Vogel, midwife.

Aubrey Rose Sedler

Shamus Sedler and Makayla Foote welcomed a baby girl Aug. 14, 2021, at 6:42 p.m. Aubrey Rose Sedler weighed 9 pounds, a half ounce and was 21 inches in length. She was delivered by Dr. Jana Hall.

Appointment of new Libby City Council member expected for Sept. 20

City councilors in Libby are expected appoint a new colleague to the six-person governing body on Sept. 20.

Agreement struck to sell Asa Wood

Administrators with Libby Public Schools have entered into an agreement to sell the defunct Asa Wood Elementary School to a California-based health care company.

Police: Johnson apologized before allegedly fleeing arrest

A man who allegedly apologized to a police officer before speeding off from the scene of a traffic stop last month has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges in Lincoln County District Court.

COVID-19 shuts down Eureka elementary school

Eureka Elementary School closed Monday due to a large number of COVID-19 positive or symptomatic staff, Eureka Superintendent of Schools Jim Mepham said in an online post alerting parents throughout the school district.

Boil order lifted

City officials lifted Sept. 15 the boil order placed on residents tapped into Libby’s water system following a temporary shutoff earlier this week.

Daniel T. G. Broers

Daniel T. G. Broers was born in Den Haag, Netherlands, on Aug. 7, 1956. He went to be with Jesus on Sept. 7, 2021.

Beverly Cuvillier

Beverly (Cunningham) Cuvillier passed away Sept. 7 in Plains. She was born April 21, 1939, in a buckboard on the family farm near Ekalaka to Lawrence and Ella Cunningham.

Legals for September, 17 2021

Belle Stufflebeam, 87

Belle Stufflebeam, 87, of Libby passed away at her home Sept. 10, 2021. A graveside Service for Belle will be held at 11 a.m., Sept. 16 at the City of Libby Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 7 p.m., Sept. 15 at Schnackenberg Funeral Home, 422 W. 2nd St., Libby.

Carnan Davis named quilter of the year

Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild members have named Carnan Davis their quilter of the year.

Cuffe steps down from leadership position at international economic group

State Sen. Mike Cuffe (R-Eureka) is stepping down from his post as president of Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) after two years of leading the U.S.-Canadian collaborative.

County seeing spike in COVID-19 cases

More than a year into the pandemic, Lincoln County is seeing more cases of COVID-19 than ever before.

Plains man headed to prison for string of burglaries, thefts

A Northwest Montana man involved in a series of burglaries and thefts with several other individuals is headed to prison after he was sentenced last Thursday in Flathead County District Court.

Montana panel backs $22 million investment in job training

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A commission discussing how to spend federal COVID-19 relief dollars is recommending Montana's governor approve $22 million for job training and retraining programs to increase the workforce as businesses struggle to find enough employees.

Zoning changed for land near golf course

Land near Cabinet View Golf Course received new zoning last week after earning Libby City Council overwhelming approval ahead of a proposed residential development there.

Latest COVID surge in care center leaves at least 10 dead

At least 10 Libby Care Center residents died due to complications related to COVID-19 after the coronavirus spread through the local nursing home last month.

Badgers claw their way to 7-0 victory over Loggers

Caught in a defensive slog, the Loggers gave up their first game of the season to Bonners Ferry last week.

Commissioners put the final touches on county budget

Lincoln County Commissioners approved a balanced budget comprised of $11.4 million in non-tax resources and property tax revenues last week.

Officials identify man whose body was pulled from river

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The body of a man recovered from the Yellowstone River near Dover Park on Thursday has been identified as 71-year-old Gary Mollet.

State AG promises court challenge of federal vaccine mandate

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen promised Friday to fight the new federal vaccine mandate in court.

Biden's vaccine rules to set off barrage of legal challenges

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden's sweeping new vaccine requirements have Republican governors threatening lawsuits. His unapologetic response: "Have at it."

Golf team saw successful home invitational

The Logger boys and girls golf squads secured top-four finishes at the Libby Golf Invitational last week.

Legals for September, 14 2021

Flint Creek Titans hammer Troy Trojans

The Trojan football squad fell 84-6 to Flint Creek during their Sept. 3 away game.

Luke Edward Willis

John and Samantha Willis welcomed a baby boy June 3, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. Luke Edward Willis weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces and was 20-and-a-half inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Jana Hall

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:

Economic oddity: Record job openings and many unemployed

WASHINGTON (AP) — The disconnect is jarring: Across the United States, employers who are desperate to fill jobs have posted a record-high number of job openings. They're raising pay, too, and dangling bonuses to people who accept job offers or recruit their friends.

Idaho patients in hospital halls amid COVID rationed care

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Amid the Idaho coronavirus surge that prompted officials to authorize hospitals to ration health care, Army soldiers sent to one hospital have traded their fatigues for personal protective equipment to help treat a flood of infected patients.

Rafters find human remains while floating Flathead River

Rafters discovered human remains in the Flathead River while floating below the Pressentine Bar fishing access site on Monday.

Missing Virginia hiker's body found in Glacier National Park

WEST GLACIER, Mont. (AP) — The body of a Virginia hiker has been found in a steep and rocky area near the Continental Divide after she went missing in Glacier National Park, according to the National Park Service.

John Lindsay DeBacker, 77

John Lindsay DeBacker, 77, passed away peacefully Sept. 1, 2021, at his home in Libby. John was born Sept. 30, 1943, in Palo Alto, Calif.

Public weighs in on affordable housing project

Backers of an affordable housing complex on Commerce Way outlined more details about the project at a public hearing before Libby City Council on Aug. 23.

County crisis response team comes to fruition

A new breed of first responders will soon hit the streets in Lincoln County.

Jump in coronavirus cases among students as school year gets underway

Within days of opening classrooms, Libby Elementary School saw nearly 20 students and staff members test positive for the coronavirus — almost half the total number of positive test results the school saw last year.

Libby to experience water shutoff next week

Libby residents will briefly lose water on Sept. 13 owing to work on the waterworks system, officials said in press release.

Deadline missed for election change

Attempts to revisit a decision to hold a poll election quietly faded this week after Libby officials learned they had missed the deadline to switch to a mail-in vote.

Robin Vincent Hersel, 74

Robin Vincent Hersel, 74, passed away Sept. 4, 2021, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center with her loved ones by her side.

Eugene David Goheen, 89

Eugene David Goheen, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Eureka on Sept. 2, 2021. He was born Aug. 17, 1932, in St. Louis to Albert Earl Goheen and Erma (Robbins) Goheen.

Dionne arraigned for posing as law enforcement

A Polson man accused of posing as a federal law enforcement agent to two girls last month has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge stemming from the encounter.

Tapping the brakes: Residents want to see speed limit on state highway lowered

A group of residents along state Highway 37 want to see the speed limit dropped to 55 miles per hour, saying the thoroughfare has grown increasingly busy and dangerous in recent years.

Libby finalizes $9.7 million budget

Libby City Council approved a roughly $9.7 million final budget for this fiscal year during a Sept. 7 meeting.

Legals for September, 10 2021

Thank you, Troy, for putting Jim Seifert on the health board

My family and I were relieved to read that Troy City Council appointed Jim Seifert to the Lincoln County Health Board.

Masks in schools go against basic American values

Masks protect the freedom of non-expression. Masks protect the criminal identity. Masks protect anti-free market enterprise. Masks protect the crescendo of a fear based behavioral modification instruction, especially with our precious school children.

Grizzlies roar: Montana shocks No. 20 Washington 13-7

A couple of weeks before the season started, Montana coach Bobby Hauck met with university president Seth Bodnar. His message was clear: The Grizzlies were going to be really good and even might take down Washington in the opener.

Lerah Charmaine Kelly, 50

On Sept. 2, 2021, Lerah Charmaine Kelly, 50, suffered a heart attack that made her an angel and took her home to heaven. Lerah was born Jan. 19, 1971, to Daniel Kelly and Lerah Parker.

Kapan building a well-rounded girls soccer squad

A young, but athletic girls soccer squad will be representing Libby on the pitch this year.

With win over Ronan, Libby undefeated to start the season

Two games into their season, the Loggers have given up only one touchdown.

Bonners Ferry outlasts Libby for win on the volleyball court

The Lady Logger volleyball squad lost their first home match against Bonners Ferry over five games on Sept. 2.

Troy weighs $3.39 million budget

Troy City Councilors gave their approval to a $3.39 million final budget earlier this week.

Spike in ivermectin use locally has health care providers worried

Local health care providers and public health officials are urging residents to avoid using a controversial anti-parasite medication to treat COVID-19, citing a lack of supporting research.

$12 million budget unveiled for Lincoln County

County commissioners unanimously approved a balanced, preliminary budget representing nearly $12 million in appropriations on Sept. 1.

Health officials recommend following CDC guidance for quarantining

Lincoln County Health Department officials still recommend that residents exposed to the coronavirus follow isolation guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

John Vernon Hall, 66

John Vernon Hall, 66, died April 20, 2021. A “Celebration of John’s Life” will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Sept. 20 in the Viking Room of the Venture Inn. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

Michael Charles Wagner, 82

Michael Charles Wagner, 82, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away early on the morning of Aug. 31 at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby.

Help us help you: Get vaccinated and take simple precautions

We again find ourselves at the mercy of the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 cases across the country are on the rise and Montana is no exception.

Morris sentenced on arson charges

The Eureka man accused of starting multiple fires in north Lincoln County last summer received a suspended, 24-year sentence last month so long as he continues to manage his mental illness and abides by the terms of his probation.

FWP issues reminder on proper courtesies as hunting season looms

With hunting seasons fast approaching, officials with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are reminding hunters to get permission before venturing onto private property.

Economic development district spending approved

County commissioners signed off on using targeted economic development district dollars to undertake infrastructure improvements on Lincoln County Port Authority property last month.

Legals for September, 7 2021

Montana rule urges schools to give parents say on masks

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte announced a rule Tuesday that encourages schools to give parents final say on whether children should wear facial coverings after several large districts imposed mask requirements amid surging COVID-19 infections in the state.

Investigation identifies remains found in Montana wilderness

BUTTE, Mont. (AP) — Investigators using forensic genealogy have been able to identify human remains found in a southwestern Montana wilderness area seven years ago as a Texas man who was last seen by his parents in 2011, Granite County Sheriff Scott Dunkerson said.

St. Regis sawmill to close

ST. REGIS — The Idaho Forest Group plans to suspend operations indefinitely at its sawmill in St. Regis by late November, the company said Monday.

Crista Lee Bassett, 48

Crista Lee Bassett was born in Libby on April 25, 1973, to Charles and Celia (Janie Orr) Bassett. Crista passed away peacefully May 24, 2021, at the age of 48.

Libby set to vote on $9.7 million budget

City councilors in Libby plan to vote on the municipality’s proposed $9.7 million budget at its Sept. 7 meeting.

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:

William N. Partch, 92

William N. “Neil” Partch, 92, died Aug. 20, 2021 at Libby Care Center. He was born on Nov. 2, 1928, in McKeesport, Penn., to Edgar and Florence Partch.

Loretta Mae Thorstenson

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Loretta Mae “Lori” “Huck” Thorstenson (maiden name Gustin), was granted her angel wings Aug. 20, 2021, in Libby. She was 86 spunky years old.

Daines endorses fiberboard plant, forest management in Libby trip

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines voiced support for local forest management projects and endorsed plans to bring a wood processing plant to Libby during a visit earlier this week.

Ronald Roy Higgins, 74

Ronald Roy Higgins, 74, of Troy passed away Aug. 28 at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby. He was born in Kalispell to Roy and Marjorie Beck Higgins on July 1, 1947.

COVID-19 hospitalizations hit record as Idaho health care groups make plea to public

BOISE, Idaho — COVID-19 hospitalizations in Idaho hit a peak of 496 on Dec. 1 of last year.

Wildfire declaration of emergency lifted

Lincoln County commissioners rescinded a declaration of emergency earlier this week following a reduction in local wildfire activity.

Libby lifts fire restrictions in special meeting

Libby City Council voted to lift fire restrictions on residents of the municipality in a special meeting Aug. 30.

Commissioners set aside moment of remembrance on 9/11 anniversary

Lincoln County will honor the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with a moment of remembrance and reflection.

Lloyd Arlt

Pete was born in Washburn, N.D., to Jake and Katherine Arlt. Pete and his family resided in Libby since 1967.

Gunnar Lee Collins

Tristin Collins and Nicole Peavler welcomed a baby boy on Aug. 6, 2021, at 12:22 a.m. Gunnar Lee Collins weighed 6 pounds, 3.5 ounces and was 21 inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Kelli Jarrett.

Jenny R. Nelson, 97

After living in Libby for 97 years, Jenny R. Nelson moved to an even better place Aug. 13, 2021. The fifth of seven children born to Norwegian immigrants, Ole and Ane (Uthus) Rolseth, Jenny was a belated Christmas present coming into the world on December 26, 1923.

Legals for September, 3 2021