Ellington

Man escapes serious injury in garage fire east of Libby

The scene was initially chaotic before everyone knew the man was OK.

Pets for Patriots welcomes Kootenai Pets for Life Adoption Program for vets

Partnership will give the gifts of fidelity, joy and love to both veterans and pets in Lincoln County through companion animal adoption.

Former Libby City Councilor accused of fraud

Angel Lee Ford, 53, of Libby, who previously pleaded not guilty, appeared in Lincoln County District Court on Aug. 15.

Libby soccer teams sweep East Helena

The Libby boys and girls soccer teams claimed shutouts as they swept East Helena Thursday.

Lincoln County Unite for Youth Coalition's Guns and Hoses

Lincoln County Law Enforcement held off a late Libby Volunteer Fire Department rally for a 12-9 win.

Libby cross country teams host invitational

Both the girls and boys teams are fielding full squads that can score as teams. Katzer said between the varsity, junior varsity and middle schools teams, there are 40 runners.

Former Lincoln Co. Sheriff Mike McMeekin dies at 74

The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office shared the news in a social media post last week, saying "Sheriff McMeekin had a heart for service and is described as being a “wonderful Sheriff.” He served with professionalism, integrity, and honor."

Lincoln County residents seek remedy from unruly neighbor

They are concerned that if something isn’t done soon, the situation could escalate to violence.

Loggers rough up East Helena, 37-0

The hosts got 164 yards and two touchdowns from Cy Stevenson and 155 yards and one TD from Jace DeShazer. Senior quarterback Trevor Collins ran for 26 yards and two touchdowns.

Two men charged with burglary, vandalism at golf course

Cole Douglas Murphy and Shane Brian Rice, 20, are charged with felony burglary, felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Eureka woman accused of stealing from blind man

Sofiah Eden Serene Slette, 20, is charged with one count of felony theft, one count of felony drug possession.

Washington residents convicted of bringing Mexican nationals into U.S.

Co-defendant Leslie Patricia Rivera, 51, of Seattle, Washington, pleaded guilty on Aug. 22, before the trial began. Rivera was released pending further proceedings.

Legals for August, 30 2022

Libby man headed to Ukraine on a mission of mercy

Cohan, 74, was expected to arrive in Ukraine on Thursday, Aug. 25, to help train citizens of the war-torn country in medical techniques as it faces a continued invasion by the Russian Army.

WHIP grant application period opens Sept. 1

The deadline for applications is Nov. 23.

Vote postponed on Happy's RV Park subdivision

The development was apparently that a property owner with land adjacent to the proposed subdivision didn’t receive a letter until a day after the Aug. 10 hearing.

Teamwork prevents blaze from destroying apartment complex

The man, a Libby City Police officer and the Libby Volunteer Fire Department worked to extinguish the blaze inside the office of the Libby Plaza II complex on Commerce Way.

Libby welcomes Montana Shakespeare in the Parks

An estimated crowd of 200 enjoyed the performance of mistaken identity and an unintended love triangle.

Libby's Malyevac medalist at Whitefish Invitational

As a team, the Loggers placed fifth with a score of 357.

Terry Allen Holthaus

Terry Allen Holthaus

Troy man accused of rape arrested in Alaska

William James Pillans, 26, allegedly fought local police officers in Juneau after being informed of an extraditable felony warrant out of Montana.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

There was zero inflation in July, a Labor Dept. report stated.

It's time to get involved in local politics

I've never trusted the federal government, except during the Reagan admin. and the Trump admin.

Interior Secretary visits Lost Trail Conservation Area

The Lost Trail Conservation Area is the culmination of a 20-year locally led effort to conserve important big game corridors and recreational areas in the region.

Cabinet View Ladies host invitational tourney

The Cabinet View Ladies Invitational had nine guests from Mirror Lake Golf Course and seven guests from Village Greens Golf Course.

EPA says asbestos cleanup of rail areas is complete

EPA and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality have determined that no additional cleanup activities are needed at Operable Unit 6.

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center offering PREVENT program

Implementing healthy, sustainable changes to the daily nutrition and learning how to implement physical activity that is enjoyable can ultimately help people lose weight and feel better.

The importance of voting

Legislatures throughout the country are passing laws that make it almost impossible for the people they represent to live their lives.

Olympian vs. Charlatan

Where have the Reagan, the Racicot Republicans gone?

Explaining the Forward Movement

The Forward Party is a home for moderates, independents and disgruntled partisan voters sick of the political war that’s tearing this country apart.

Riot Doyle

Riot Doyle

Legals for August, 26 2022

Fish and Wildlife Commission to meet Aug. 25

In Region 1, the Commission will consider a proposal to decrease the annual bobcat harvest quota from 275 to 225 in Trapping District 1.

Troy considers noise ordinance, passes alcohol measure

Some rowdy behavior in Troy has city officials approving and considering new ordinances to deal the problem.

2022 Ignite the Nite Photos

The event is organized and put on by the Igniters Car Club since 1961.

Stories galore at 61st Annual Igniters Car Show

For instance, Troy’s Carl Weiss talked about the history of his green 1950 Chevy 5-window pickup truck.

Coach Fuller ready to tackle 2022 season

Watching Fuller at a recent practice leaves no doubt to the desire he still has to coach and work with young people.

Lincoln County man found not guilty of most serious charges in recent trial

Hartman’s time in the Lincoln County Courthouse was substantially different than his last appearance on June 20.

Lincoln County Fair begins Thursday in Eureka

The 4-H action begins at 8 a.m. Thursday with the market animal show. The dog show starts at 5:30 p.m.

Troy Public Schools receive large technology grant

The federal grant was for $455,020 and comes from the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Connectivity Fund.

Legals for August, 23 2022

Lincoln Co. man gets prison time for stealing camper

Luke Deloy Hansen, 39, pleaded guilty on June 20 on a felony theft charge.

Lincoln County land managers partner for forest management

According to the Montana Forest Action Plan, the county is among those with the highest wildfire risk in Montana.

Wayne L. Haines

Wayne L. Haines

Lincoln Co. families facing school meal costs, new levy

According to information from the Libby School District, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is not offering free meals this year and it has directed districts to return to the pricing model that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Libby Schools hosting family workshop Aug. 23

The Libby School District, Spring Up Libby and Lincoln County Unite for Youth are hosting a workshop next week at the Libby Middle High School.

The 535 vs. all the rest

We are living in a time where too many citizens do not understand how our federal government functions.

Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild's annual show Sept. 9-10

In addition to the show, there will be vendors, quilting demonstrations, antique quilt display, boutique and cafe

Libby to host elk management meeting on Aug. 22

FWP is seeking input on the existing elk population objectives and local elk management challenges.

State considers restoration of westslope cutthroat trout in Rainbow Lake

One of the objectives of the proposed action is to eliminate a source of Yellowstone cutthroat trout.

McCormick School suffers act of vandalism

Anyone that has information about the incident is asked to call the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 406-293-4112.

Lightning strikes keep fire crews busy in Lincoln Co.

Fire danger on the Kootenai National Forest remains at Very High and officials continue to remind people of being careful.

Fireman's Park splash pad cools the kiddos

Since it opened in 2011, the splash pad at the playground...

Arrest warrant issued for Troy man accused of threatening spouse

John Clinton Alyea, 39, was arrested on July 13.

Cabinet Peaks Rehabilitative Services now offers aquatic therapy

By taking advantage of the body’s buoyancy in water, hydrotherapy will eliminate from 20% to 90% of an individual’s body weight.

The lure of fascism

I know from a fiancee the horrors the Jews in Europe suffered under Hitler.

Legals for August, 19 2022

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center welcomes Troy native to team

Elaine Maggi will be the Clinical Program Therapist for Senior Life Solutions.

Billie R. Zajanc

Billie R. Zajanc

Salon arsonist receives deferred prosecution agreement

Karrie Lynn Beckman, 49, reached an agreement with the Lincoln County Attorney's Office on July 5.

Troy Farmers Market hosting garden tour on Aug. 27

The self-guided tour is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine. Visitors may move from garden to garden at their own pace.

Gregory Gerard Sauber

Gregory Gerard Sauber

Chain of Lakes residents speak against Happy's RV subdivision

The meeting room in the Lincoln County Courthouse is typically lucky to see more than a few residents, but at the Wednesday, Aug. 10 hearing, there weren’t enough chairs for those who shared their thoughts on the plan.

Ronald Bradshaw

Ronald Bradshaw

Riverfront Blues Festival

Missoula-based Blue Shadows led off the 13th Annual Riverfront Blues Festival Friday evening.

Mistrial declared in Libby child sex assault case

Timothy William Ague, 61, was on trial for the offense from Wednesday through Friday.

Legals for August, 16 2022

Martha Marilyn Henderson Street

Martha Marilyn Henderson Street

State Supreme Court candidate to visit Libby

Jim Brown, candidate for Montana Supreme Court Justice, will be in Libby on Tuesday, Aug. 16.

More dissent on the Black Ram Project

KFSC characterizes certain words used by opponents of the project as "misleading," yet is apparently untroubled by its own absurdly misleading numbers, beginning with 1.

National Farmers Market Week celebrated

The Farmers Market at Libby joins markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from Aug. 7-13.

Where did those Trump documents come from?

When we awoke that morning our screens were filled with pictures of two toilets.

Libby School Trustees OK contract for Asa Wood cleanup

The school district received a $388,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields Program in 2021 to clean up toxic buildings materials on the property.

Kendra Joy Yoder

Kendra Joy Yoder

Wolf report shows stable population numbers through 2021

In the past season, a total of 273 wolves were taken, 148 by hunters and 125 by trappers, according to figures from FWP.

Loretta Mae (Lori, Huck) Thorstenson

Loretta Mae (Lori, Huck) Thorstenson

Block Management Program information available starting Aug. 10

These individual BMA property maps and rules are important for hunters to know and understand for each property they plan on hunting.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

Kansas shocked anti-abortionists last week when state voters, who had rallied for Trump in 2020, voted to protect abortion rights in their state.

Kootenai RC Racers host Hot August Showdown

Founded in 2013, the Kootenai RC Racers are northwest Montana's oldest, continuously running RC racing club.

Competition hot and heavy at Cabinet Mountain RC Speedway

Connor Warren

William (Bill) Flagg Witt

William (Bill) Flagg Witt

Milo Jerome Haugen

Milo Jerome Haugen

Marshall A. Warrington Jr.

Marshall A. Warrington Jr.

Johnny P. Burkett

Johnny P. Burkett

Libby ex-con accused of pistol whipping resident

Guy Eric Waldron, 44, is charged with robbery, assault with a weapon, theft and criminal endangerment after two separate incidents on July 24.

Lincoln Co. animal abuser faces gun charge in Flathead

Prosecutors accuse Domingo J. Palafox, 31, of shooting at a pair of anglers on the Hungry Horse Reservoir.

Area snowmobile clubs considered for grant money

Locally, the Libby-based Lincoln County Sno-Kats are eligible for an $8,700 grant, the Troy Snowmobile and Eureka Snowmobile clubs are slated for $10,000 each and Trout Creek's Cabinet Ridge Riders are also eligible for $10,000.

Legals for August, 12 2022

Rexford man jailed after knife assault

Travis C. Plantiko, 42, pleaded not guilty to the felony.

Maleesia Cleveland

Maleesia Cleveland

Libby Spinning Squares photos

The Libby Spinning Squares enjoyed a weekend of dancing, food and fellowship.

Libby Spinning Squares host Dam Dance

On Friday and Saturday, folks from the Northwest danced and enjoyed fellowship at the McGrade School in Libby.

St. John Lutheran Church Picnic and Community on Aug. 14

The picnic is from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 1017 Montana Ave.

Weasel Fire grows to more than 2,500 acres, crosses into Canada

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, about half the fire is burning in the U.S.

Bail remains at $25 million for accused campground killer

Garry Douglas Seaman, 63, is accused of deliberate homicide and attempted deliberate homicide.

LeRoy Lindsey

LeRoy Lindsey

Mabel Gail Ohland

Mabel Gail Ohland

Kootenai Forest Stakeholders Coalition discusses Black Ram project

The Kootenai Forest Stakeholder Coalition, a local forest collaborative that focuses on sustainable natural resource management and conservation opportunities, has closely followed this project since its proposal.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

After insulin merchants refused to reign in their prices, California’s governor recently announced that the state will begin production and distribution of generic insulin, to be sold just above cost.

Sen. Cuffe shares information on Columbia River Treaty

Pacific North West Economic Region (PNWER) is an organization of legislators from 10 northwest states, provinces and territories.

Sharren Jeanette Cohenour

Sharren Jeanette Cohenour

Legals for August, 9 2022

Kootenai River Stampede PRCA Rodeo results

In saddle bronc, Libby’s Jason Perry Colclough was third.

Locals, Forest Service see hope for interface forest management

$19.3 million for forestry work in the Kootenai Complex Project, which includes Libby, Troy, Eureka, Stryker, Fortine and Trego, is coming to Lincoln County as a result of the federal, bi-partisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Fire crews continue battle on Weasel Fire

Kootenai National Forest officials raised the fire danger level to very high on Monday.

Larry Lewis Martens

Larry Lewis Martens

Millpond Motocross competitors stand up to the heat

Competitors came from all the Northwest, including Montana, Idaho and Washington.

Loretta Mae (Lori, Huck) Thorstenson

Loretta Mae (Lori, Huck) Thorstenson

Geraldine (Geri) C. Todd

Geraldine (Geri) C. Todd

Libby Friends of the Library book sale moved to Aug. 12

There will be “End of Summer” specials.

Millpond Motocross Photos

Motocross racers from the Northwest competed in Libby.

Renee Rucker

Renee Rucker

Stalking case dismissed after Libby man dies

Keith Archer Carlson, 76, faced one felony count of stalking.

Former Troy man sentenced after parole violations

In another alleged probation violation, Shelton threw his girlfriend to the ground, held her down and bit her hand.

Gun assault alleged in incident between couple and truck driver

Woods Jr. pleaded not guilty to all three charges on July 25 in Lincoln County District Court.

Weasel Fire grows to more than 2,000 acres

The Weasel Fire blew up Thursday and went from about 200 acres to more than 2,200 as of Friday afternoon.

Libby Public Schools announce registration dates

For new elementary school students in grades 1 through 6, registration is from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 9 and 10.

Legals for August, 5 2022

Sheriff's Office blotter

Four officers responded to a fight and disturbance at J. Neils Memorial Park.

Kootenai River Stampede

Libby cowboys Kris Ledbetter and Cashton Morrison take a short break.

Mountain lion removed from home in Great Falls

No people were injured during the incident, although the lion was injured by broken glass from the window.

Kootenai River Stampede photos

Rodeo fans from the Northwest enjoyed the 18th annual Kootenai River Stampede.

Hometown boy James Williams at the Kootenai River Stampede

Libby's James Williams with a ride worth 70 points.

Lincoln County woman named to state advisory council

Kathleen Johnson of Fortine has been named for northwest Montana out of the Lincoln County Conservation District.

Ray M. Hammons

Ray M. Hammons

Butte man takes plea deal after ninth DUI charge

William Francis McDaniel, 61, signed an Alford plea, formally pleading guilty to one felony amended charge of criminal endangerment.

Eureka woman convicted of drug crime accused of probation violation

District Court Judge Matt Cuffe sentenced Teresa Carr Mocko, 59, to five years, with three suspended, in December 2019.

Fortine man accused of assaulting family members

Steven James Houchin, 34, is accused of choking his sister-in-law and punching her son.

Martin, Munsel awarded LHS Educational Trust scholarships

The Libby High School Educational Trust was established in 1988 to provide scholarships.

Scotchman Peaks trail volunteers ramp up the summer season

Trail volunteers get the satisfaction of keeping the trails in good shape for everyone.

In support of Matt Rosendale

Cities across Montana, and across the country, are being overrun with drugs and crime.

Fire crews battle blaze near Weasel Cabin in Ten Lakes area

The Weasel Fire was detected at about 4 p.m. Saturday, July 30.