Stories for December 2022

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Friday, December 30

Former city cops share reasons for resigning
December 30, 2022 7 a.m.

Former city cops share reasons for resigning

Ian Smith, Cody DeWitt and Chris Pape gave their resignations to the city on Nov. 21.

Christmas Day excitement
December 30, 2022 7 a.m.

Christmas Day excitement

Ski Dale Hill in Libby was the perfect place for a Christmas Day sled ride.

Libby career criminal agrees to plea deal in drug case
December 30, 2022 7 a.m.

Libby career criminal agrees to plea deal in drug case

In November, Waldron was arrested again on meth possession after an odd incident on U.S. 2 between Libby and Troy.

Patricia M. Midyett
December 30, 2022 7 a.m.

Patricia M. Midyett

Patricia M. Midyett

Stevenson chosen for East-West Shrine game
December 30, 2022 7 a.m.

Stevenson chosen for East-West Shrine game

He joins 46 other Loggers who have been chosen since the game began in 1947.

Arrest warrant issued for man accused of drug violation in Lincoln Co.
December 30, 2022 7 a.m.

Arrest warrant issued for man accused of drug violation in Lincoln Co.

Aron Robert Porras, 30, of Whitefish, pleaded not guilty in Lincoln County District Court on Nov. 14 to felony possession of dangerous drugs and three misdemeanors, including DUI. The charges were the result of a traffic stop in Lincoln County earlier this year.

Diana Moe
December 30, 2022 7 a.m.

Diana Moe

Diana Moe

Virnie Carrol Mack
December 30, 2022 7 a.m.

Virnie Carrol Mack

Virnie Carrol Mack

December 30, 2022 midnight

Legals for December, 30 2022

Tuesday, December 27

Frigid temperatures across region; more winter weather on the way
December 27, 2022 4 p.m.

Frigid temperatures across region; more winter weather on the way

According to the National Weather Service, shortly before noon on Thursday, it was minus-36 in the Yaak and minus-27 in Eureka.

Lincoln Co. elected officials sworn in
December 27, 2022 7 a.m.

Lincoln Co. elected officials sworn in

Many of Lincoln County's elected officials were sworn in during a morning ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 15.

Woman with long criminal history sentenced for truck theft
December 27, 2022 7 a.m.

Woman with long criminal history sentenced for truck theft

District Judge Matt Cuffe gave Burns a 3-year sentence, to be served concurrently with a 3-year term Burns received in 2016 in Yellowstone County for escape.

Flathead police chase leads to arrest of man wanted locally
December 27, 2022 7 a.m.

Flathead police chase leads to arrest of man wanted locally

According to Trooper Laramie Stefani, the pursuit began near Browning on Highway 2 for Richard Mongan, 51, of Kalispell.

December 27, 2022 7 a.m.

An open letter to the people of Libby

On Nov. 4 of this year, Libby Police Officers Chris Pape, Cody DeWitt and Ian Smith had a closed-door meeting with Mayor Peggy Williams and City Administrator Samuel Sikes.

December 27, 2022 7 a.m.

Troy dispatch meeting set for Jan. 5

The meeting is intended to be informational and to get public input on this matter.

Wolf trapping opens in all occupied grizzly bear habitat
December 27, 2022 7 a.m.

Wolf trapping opens in all occupied grizzly bear habitat

FWP makes a decision opening trapping in occupied bear habitat each Monday in December with input from field staff on bear activity.

December 27, 2022 7 a.m.

Lottery chances available for Blackfeet Reservation bison hunt

Winners must pay the Blackfeet Tribe $2,500 within one week of successful draw to secure the hunt.

Glacier’s plan to expand ticketed entry gets mixed reviews
December 27, 2022 7 a.m.

Glacier’s plan to expand ticketed entry gets mixed reviews

Starting next summer, vehicle registration will be required to enter much of the park during peak season.

John Konzen Court dedicated at Troy Activity Center
December 27, 2022 7 a.m.

John Konzen Court dedicated at Troy Activity Center

In honor of his work, the court inside the Troy Activity Center will be known as John Konzen Court.

Libby's Stevenson signs with Griz
December 27, 2022 7 a.m.

Libby's Stevenson signs with Griz

Stevenson is one of just three Montanans to rush for 1,300 yards this past fall.

Michael Herzog
December 27, 2022 7 a.m.

Michael Herzog

Michael Herzog

December 27, 2022 midnight

Legals for December, 27 2022

Friday, December 23

Local woman seeks to spark interest in teens to volunteer
December 23, 2022 7 a.m.

Local woman seeks to spark interest in teens to volunteer

But Harmon was recently inspired to try and get area teens more involved with first responders in south Lincoln County.

FWP extends comment period on draft grizzly bear plan
December 23, 2022 7 a.m.

FWP extends comment period on draft grizzly bear plan

The new deadline is Feb. 4.

Santa flies into Libby to delight of area children
December 23, 2022 7 a.m.

Santa flies into Libby to delight of area children

Santa Claus made it safely to Libby Airport Monday afternoon.

Libby Police Chief Kessel to return to work on Dec. 27
December 23, 2022 7 a.m.

Libby Police Chief Kessel to return to work on Dec. 27

Mayor Peggy Williams wrote in the release that, “On Nov. 21, 2022, three employees resigned abruptly expressing dissatisfaction with workplace conditions. An investigation could not determine that there were any violations of laws or policies to support termination of the chief of police.”

Cabinet Peaks Foundation gala supports hospital efforts
December 23, 2022 7 a.m.

Cabinet Peaks Foundation gala supports hospital efforts

2022’s Gala was no exception, with more than 200 attendees and over $60,000 in funds raised for Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.

Libby man sentenced on meth possession charge
December 23, 2022 7 a.m.

Libby man sentenced on meth possession charge

Bohn was given credit for serving 85 days in the Lincoln County Detention Center and released.

Libby basketball sweeps varsity games at Troy
December 23, 2022 7 a.m.

Libby basketball sweeps varsity games at Troy

Despite temperatures hovering at or below zero, both games were well attended. Admission was free, there were gift basket giveaways and at halftime of both games, Troy’s youth hoops players entertained the audience.

Tuesday, December 20

December 20, 2022 2:30 p.m.

Libby schools closed Wednesday

School Superintendent Ron Goodman said the closure is due to excessive snow and travel conditions.

Flathead Electric Co-op urges members to prepare for historic cold weather
December 20, 2022 11 a.m.

Flathead Electric Co-op urges members to prepare for historic cold weather

According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm warning is in effect through Wednesday and the region could see overnight low temperatures between minus-12 on Tuesday and minus-31 on Wednesday.

Olney woman pleads guilty to shooting husband
December 20, 2022 7 a.m.

Olney woman pleads guilty to shooting husband

Clutching a tissue, Johnson conceded the prospect of a jury returning with a guilty verdict was “a possibility” between sobs as she answered questions at the Dec. 7 hearing.

Birth announcements
December 20, 2022 7 a.m.

Birth announcements

Zeek Fuller

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center recognized for improving patient care
December 20, 2022 7 a.m.

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center recognized for improving patient care

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center was recently awarded the Montana Rural Healthcare Performance Improvement Network’s Quality Improvement Award.

Board of Environmental Review seeks selenium rule redo
December 20, 2022 7 a.m.

Board of Environmental Review seeks selenium rule redo

In a letter to the EPA, the state Board of Environmental Review says it ‘erred’ in its earlier water quality standard for Lake Koocanusa.

Shop with a Cop filled with holiday spirit
December 20, 2022 7 a.m.

Shop with a Cop filled with holiday spirit

Everyone was treated to lunch at McDonald’s before hitting the stores.

December 20, 2022 7 a.m.

Libby's DeShazer places fourth at Tri-State

At 138 pounds, junior Zekiah Meyers was 3-2.

Ronan, Polson hand Lady Loggers defeats
December 20, 2022 7 a.m.

Ronan, Polson hand Lady Loggers defeats

The Lady Loggers play at Thompson Falls on Tuesday before taking on Troy on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Loggers basketball splits games with Ronan, Polson
December 20, 2022 7 a.m.

Loggers basketball splits games with Ronan, Polson

Against the Chiefs, the Loggers fell behind 14-7 after one quarter. But the Loggers dominated the rest of the way while outscoring Ronan 32-13 in the second and third quarters.

Libby man pleads guilty to felony in golf course incident
December 20, 2022 7 a.m.

Libby man pleads guilty to felony in golf course incident

Shane Brian Rice, 20, pleaded guilty on Dec. 12 to felony criminal mischief in Lincoln County District Court.

December 20, 2022 7 a.m.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

There’s a similarity to attacks on power facilities in Washington and Oregon when compared to the recent attack in North Carolina, according to The Guardian.

December 20, 2022 7 a.m.

Conservation Easements Mean Better Forest Management

Conservation easements are a choice landowners have under their private property rights. They are not preservation.

December 20, 2022 midnight

Legals for December, 20 2022

Friday, December 16

December 16, 2022 7 a.m.

County officials concerned as flu cases increase

County Public Health Manager Jennifer McCully said there is quite a bit of concern because people will soon be getting together for holiday gatherings.

Retiring Lincoln Co. Commissioner Bennett grateful
December 16, 2022 7 a.m.

Retiring Lincoln Co. Commissioner Bennett grateful

Bennett said as a business owner, a member of the state House of Representatives and a commissioner for the last six years, he’s had to make many difficult choices.

Convicted sex offender headed back to prison
December 16, 2022 7 a.m.

Convicted sex offender headed back to prison

Jeb E. Marquis, 33, was recently convicted of not registering in Montana as a sexual offender.

Patrick E. Welch
December 16, 2022 7 a.m.

Patrick E. Welch

Patrick E. Welch

Phyllis Loree Applegate Hansberry
December 16, 2022 7 a.m.

Phyllis Loree Applegate Hansberry

Phyllis Loree Applegate Hansberry

December 16, 2022 7 a.m.

Draft growth policy edges closer to final passage

Despite lingering confusion about the draft's intentions council members moved closer to a final resolution with only minor adjustments.

Turner Mountain eyes Dec. 23 opening date
December 16, 2022 midnight

Turner Mountain eyes Dec. 23 opening date

With a new groomer and expanded parking the resort is prepared for a busy season.

Thursday, December 15

Hunting for mountain lions to close in management units 100, 102, 103, 121
December 15, 2022 11 a.m.

Hunting for mountain lions to close in management units 100, 102, 103, 121

For more information, visit FWP's website at http://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/by-species to check the current quota status.

Tuesday, December 13

Authorities respond to truck accident east of Libby
December 13, 2022 4 p.m.

Authorities respond to truck accident east of Libby

The truck was headed west when it left the right side of the road and ended up on the passenger side.

Troy Trojans celebrate season-opening win
December 13, 2022 7 a.m.

Troy Trojans celebrate season-opening win

The Troy Trojans boys basketball team rallied to force overtime before beating the Noxon Red Devils.

Libby man pleads guilty to gun offense
December 13, 2022 7 a.m.

Libby man pleads guilty to gun offense

Filip Matthew Schertel, 30, was first charged with two felony counts of assault with a weapon, one felony count of criminal endangerment and a misdemeanor count carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence.

Northwest Montana man sentenced in grizzly killing
December 13, 2022 7 a.m.

Northwest Montana man sentenced in grizzly killing

Law enforcement located the dead grizzly bear on a bone pile at the Perry Dairy near Charlo and found that the bear’s collar and ear tag had been removed.

Trojans open season with OT thriller over Noxon
December 13, 2022 7 a.m.

Trojans open season with OT thriller over Noxon

But Trojans head coach Justin Young turned up the heat as he called for full court pressure that Noxon didn’t handle well and Troy kept battling to force overtime.

Noxon holds off Troy Lady Trojans, 42-32
December 13, 2022 7 a.m.

Noxon holds off Troy Lady Trojans, 42-32

Foul trouble plagued Troy and helped Noxon get many opportunities at the free throw line.

Loggers basketball wins first at Frenchtown
December 13, 2022 7 a.m.

Loggers basketball wins first at Frenchtown

Tyler Andersen led the Loggers with a combined 21 points in two games.

Lady Loggers 0-2 at Frenchtown Tip-Off
December 13, 2022 7 a.m.

Lady Loggers 0-2 at Frenchtown Tip-Off

Madison Vincent scored a total of 13 points in both games to lead the Lady Loggers.

Eureka man sentenced in meth possession case
December 13, 2022 7 a.m.

Eureka man sentenced in meth possession case

Johnson told District Judge Matt Cuffe that Tumlin had completed treatment at a facility in Kalispell and is on a drug patch.

Greenchain second at Kinney Classic in Superior
December 13, 2022 7 a.m.

Greenchain second at Kinney Classic in Superior

The Libby Greenchain wrestling team crowned three champions.

Yaak residents lay wreaths for vets at Boyd Hill Cemetery
December 13, 2022 7 a.m.

Yaak residents lay wreaths for vets at Boyd Hill Cemetery

Starting in 2019, Yaak residents gathered before Christmas and made wreaths from local materials for the 28 veterans resting at Boyd Hill cemetery.

Monday, December 12

Wolf trapping opens in some areas of occupied grizzly bear habitat
December 12, 2022 4:25 a.m.

Wolf trapping opens in some areas of occupied grizzly bear habitat

The areas of occupied grizzly bear habitat now open include areas in FWP Region 1, elk and deer hunting districts 100, 101, 103, 104 120, 121, 122, 123 and 124.

Friday, December 9

Friends of Scotchman Peaks opens guided winter hike season
December 9, 2022 7 a.m.

Friends of Scotchman Peaks opens guided winter hike season

There are a variety of hikes posted on our website, from easier family friend hikes in the Ross Creek Cedars to challenging adventures on the flanks of Star Peak.

December 9, 2022 7 a.m.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

The U.S. has no national standard on paid sick leave, in contrast to most industrialized nations, CNN reported.

Work crews continue snow cleanup on city streets
December 9, 2022 7 a.m.

Work crews continue snow cleanup on city streets

The National Weather Service is calling for some snow over the weekend.

Montana FWP seeks comments on grizzly management plan
December 9, 2022 7 a.m.

Montana FWP seeks comments on grizzly management plan

The statewide plan will serve as a framework for the management of grizzly bears now and into the future.

Suspended sentence for Libby man who drove drunk with child in truck
December 9, 2022 7 a.m.

Suspended sentence for Libby man who drove drunk with child in truck

Cuffe said the sentence was appropriate and that Sweatt had a low risk of re-offending.

December 9, 2022 7 a.m.

Christmas concert at Memorial Events Center

Choirs from the high school and middle school as well as Honors and Children's Select will be featured.

Troy TV District benefits from LCCF donation
December 9, 2022 7 a.m.

Troy TV District benefits from LCCF donation

The grant was made possible by an endowed gift from the Bob Pedersen estate.

Mary K. Zimmerman
December 9, 2022 7 a.m.

Mary K. Zimmerman

Mary K. Zimmerman

Arrest warrant issued for repeat Lincoln Co. offender
December 9, 2022 7 a.m.

Arrest warrant issued for repeat Lincoln Co. offender

Jamie Ray Abrahamson, 43, is charged in Lincoln County District Court with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

Birth announcements
December 9, 2022 7 a.m.

Birth announcements

Raffaella Mae Horelick

December 9, 2022 7 a.m.

Senior commodities distribution set for December

Local senior commodities packages will be distributed from 10 a.m. until noon on Friday, Dec. 16 at VFW Post 1548 in Libby.

James Ray Kenyon
December 9, 2022 7 a.m.

James Ray Kenyon

James Ray Kenyon

Maxine Foote
December 9, 2022 7 a.m.

Maxine Foote

Maxine Foote

Thursday, December 8

Three Libby police officers resign; Chief Kessel put on paid leave
December 8, 2022 noon

Three Libby police officers resign; Chief Kessel put on paid leave

The startling development was not announced by city officials until after social media posts revealed the information in the last few days.

Tuesday, December 6

Rhodes guilty of seditious conspiracy in Jan. 6 case
December 6, 2022 7 a.m.

Rhodes guilty of seditious conspiracy in Jan. 6 case

A Washington, D.C., jury found Rhodes guilty of sedition after three days of deliberations in the nearly two-month-long trial that showcased the far-right extremist group's efforts to keep Republican Donald Trump in the White House at all costs.

December 6, 2022 7 a.m.

More thoughts on the Flathead Water Compact

The Montana Water Court just completed the objection phase of the Flathead Compact’s preliminary decree.

December 6, 2022 7 a.m.

Former Chinese dictator Jiang Zemin leaves a gruesome legacy

Jiang ordered the genocide of 70-100 million people because he felt threatened by its popularity.

December 6, 2022 7 a.m.

Winters sports begins for south Lincoln Co. teams

On the wrestling mats, the Greenchain began their season last weekend at Polson in the Owen Invitational.

Santa Claus comes to Libby
December 6, 2022 7 a.m.

Santa Claus comes to Libby

It was a festive time Saturday night in Mineral Park as Santa and Mrs. Claus came to Libby.

'Christmas Carol' takes the stage in Troy, Libby this weekend
December 6, 2022 7 a.m.

'Christmas Carol' takes the stage in Troy, Libby this weekend

The shows are free.

Libby's Stevenson named to All-State football team for second year
December 6, 2022 7 a.m.

Libby's Stevenson named to All-State football team for second year

University of Montana recruit senior Cy Stevenson is a first team pick at running back and linebacker.

Lincoln Co. teen jailed on chase charges
December 6, 2022 7 a.m.

Lincoln Co. teen jailed on chase charges

According to the charging document filed on Oct. 31 by Lincoln County Attorney Marcia Boris, Edwards was also charged with reckless driving and fleeing from police during an incident in June.

Yaak resident accused of assaulting wife
December 6, 2022 7 a.m.

Yaak resident accused of assaulting wife

Robert William Gile, 51, is being held in the county Detention Center on one felony count of partner or family member assault.

December 6, 2022 7 a.m.

Eureka educator's thoughts on 2022 election

What patriotic citizens support are people and policies that help improve the lives of Americans.

Carl T. Martin
December 6, 2022 7 a.m.

Carl T. Martin

Carl T. Martin

Janese “Jan” Marie Dirkes
December 6, 2022 7 a.m.

Janese “Jan” Marie Dirkes

Janese “Jan” Marie Dirkes

Virgil J. Totten
December 6, 2022 7 a.m.

Virgil J. Totten

Virgil J. Totten

December 6, 2022 7 a.m.

2022 Western A Football All-Conference

Libby running back Cy Stevenson is a First Team choice at running back in Western A and an All-State selection.

Forest officials enjoy one of prescribed burning falls in years
December 6, 2022 midnight

Forest officials enjoy one of prescribed burning falls in years

With an eye on future firefighting efforts and favorable environmental conditions the U.S Forest Service enjoyed a productive fall.

Friday, December 2

December 2, 2022 7 a.m.

Murder victim's mother thankful to Libby community

Thank you all so much for saving another little boy.

December 2, 2022 7 a.m.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

The difference between the 2007 Great Recession and the 2020 Covid Recession: it took 75 months to recover from the private sector jobs lost in the Great Recession, according to the Economic Policy Institute. The Covid Recession recovery took 28 months, due to a more vigorous federal response.

December 2, 2022 7 a.m.

Wolf trapping not yet open in occupied grizzly bear habitat areas

Wolf trapping is currently closed in Trapping District 1 in or near occupied grizzly bear habitat.

December 2, 2022 7 a.m.

Walkers happy with plowing at J. Neils Park

Thank you again for the prompt and careful plowing.

Judge rules that Montana’s wolf hunt will continue
December 2, 2022 7 a.m.

Judge rules that Montana’s wolf hunt will continue

Abbott says groups didn’t prove state wolf population would be irreparably harmed by new hunting rule.

Gary Lee Dupert Jr.
December 2, 2022 7 a.m.

Gary Lee Dupert Jr.

Gary Lee Dupert Jr.

Libby child killer drops parole bid during hearing
December 2, 2022 7 a.m.

Libby child killer drops parole bid during hearing

Child killer Robert Hornback will not be getting his freedom any time soon and he won’t come before the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole for another six years.

Carl R. Parsons
December 2, 2022 7 a.m.

Carl R. Parsons

Carl R. Parsons

Keith Johnston
December 2, 2022 7 a.m.

Keith Johnston

Keith Johnston

December 2, 2022 7 a.m.

Libby woman charged with burglary

According to a police report, video surveillance showed a woman had entered the business through a back door.

Brent Aaron Moore
December 2, 2022 7 a.m.

Brent Aaron Moore

Brent Aaron Moore

December 2, 2022 7 a.m.

Mixed results for big game hunters in northwest Montana

Any unused license-permit valid on the last day of the general season (i.e., Nov. 27, 2022) is valid during the muzzleloader heritage season.

December 2, 2022 7 a.m.

Groups say wolf hunting, trapping regs are unlawful

WildEarth Guardians and Project Coyote sued the State of Montana, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and the Fish and Wildlife Commission because the state’s extreme anti-wolf hunting and trapping policies violate the law.

December 2, 2022 midnight

Updated draft growth policy goes before Libby council Monday

After changes were made in October, another round of public comment underway for the draft document.

December 2, 2022 midnight

Progress being made on Cabinet Heights water moratorium

New water connections still on pause after city water pressure began to drop.

December 2, 2022 midnight

Legals for December, 2 2022

Thursday, December 1

Avalanche warning issued as northwest Montana digs out from snow storm
December 1, 2022 7 a.m.

Avalanche warning issued as northwest Montana digs out from snow storm

The avalanche warning includes mountainous terrain above 5,000 feet in elevation on the Kootenai National Forest, Silver Valley, Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains.