Ellington

Eureka man accused of breaking into girlfriend's home, threatening her

A Eureka man faces burglary and partner or family member assault charges after allegedly breaking into his girlfriend’s home in December.

Maryann R. Tolle, 82

Maryann R. Tolle, 82, died Feb. 22, 2022, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.

Elva Johnson Fifield

Our sweet mother, Elva Johnson Fifield, left this earth to walk the path of her family members who have gone to their new home in heaven. She died Feb. 10, 2022, at the Libby Care Center, where she had lived for the past year. Elva was born Jan. 13, 1938, in Sandpoint, Idaho, to Harold and Mildred (Weiss) Johnson.

Nearly half of U.S. bald eagles suffer lead poisoning

WASHINGTON (AP) — America's national bird is more beleaguered than previously believed, with nearly half of bald eagles tested across the U.S. showing signs of chronic lead exposure, according to a study published Thursday.

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:

Virginia Hagen Erhard, 97

Virginia Hagen Erhard passed away Dec. 13, 2021, at the age of 97, in Pullman, Wash. She was born May 12, 1924, in Cadott, Wisc. She lived the majority of her life in Libby.

Greenfield tapped as Cabinet Peaks CEO

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center has a new chief executive officer.

Jeannette M. Maki, 81

Jeannette M. Maki, 81, died Feb. 21, 2022, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby.

Idaho House clears bill to repeal a law banning private militias, paramilitary

BOISE, Idaho — Controversial legislation that would repeal an Idaho statute prohibiting private militias cleared another hurdle Wednesday, when the House passed the bill with little debate.

Three more graduate from county's treatment court program

Thomas Eaker, Chelsea Faber and Marvin McKeever sat at the defendant’s table, looking up at District Judge Matthew Cuffee on Friday afternoon — and not for the first time.

Air curtain burner for landfill OK'd

Health department officials got the green light this month to move forward with the purchase of a roughly $184,000 air curtain burner for the county landfill.

Montana county reports 3 recent fentanyl overdose deaths

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Three people died of apparent fentanyl overdoses in less than a month in Lewis and Clark County, Sheriff Leo Dutton said.

Graves sentenced on drunk driving charge

District Judge Matthew Cuffe handed down on Feb. 7 a suspended, three-year sentence to a local man caught driving under the influence last year.

Russia attacks Ukraine; peace in Europe 'shattered'

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, unleashing airstrikes on cities and military bases and sending troops and tanks from multiple directions in a move that could rewrite the world's geopolitical landscape. Ukraine's government pleaded for help as civilians piled into trains and cars to flee.

Legals for February, 25 2022

Real estate agent specializing in relocating conservatives to Montana slapped with lawsuit

A local real estate agent and consultant that caters to out-of-state conservatives relocating to what’s known as the American Redoubt faces a breach of contract lawsuit in Lincoln County District Court.

Man charged after allegedly threatening to shoot ranch employees

A former Libby man faces a felony charge after allegedly leaving a threatening and profane phone message for the owner of a dude ranch south of the municipality.

Libby Loggers axe Whitefish Bulldogs in playoff action

With the Loggers having beaten the Whitefish Bulldogs twice previously, both by comfortable margins, Libby fans had every reason to expect another victory at Friday’s play-in playoff matchup at Ralph Tate Gymnasium.

Michael Scott Coon, 38

Michael Scott Coon, 38, of Missoula passed away Feb. 16, 2022, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Health board keeps liaison positions vacant, disbands Superfund committee

Health board members last week put its focus area liaison position for asbestos issues on ice and formally disbanded its committee dedicated to institutional controls at the Superfund site.

Former asbestos worker wins $36.5 million lawsuit

Ralph Hutt worked at the W.R. Grace Co. vermiculite mill in Libby for just 18 months in 1968 and 1969.

Militia leader charged with Jan. 6 sedition to remain locked up

WASHINGTON — Elmer Stewart Rhodes, the Yale Law School graduate who founded the right-wing Oath Keepers militia group, lost his bid to be freed from jail while he awaits a trial for seditious conspiracy over his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Canada's protests settle down, but could echo in politics

TORONTO (AP) — The streets around the Canadian Parliament are quiet now. The Ottawa protesters who vowed never to give up are largely gone, chased away by policemen in riot gear. The relentless blare of truckers' horns has gone silent.

Williams confirmed to lead US Fish and Wildlife Service

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Martha Williams, the former director of Montana's wildlife agency, has been confirmed to lead the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Disagreement over election integrity stymies special session

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A disagreement among Montana Republicans over whether the Legislature should investigate the integrity of the state's elections has apparently undermined an effort to call a special session to establish new voting districts for choosing members of the state's utility regulation board.

Caral Hilliard

Caral Hilliard was born Carol Janet Wood on May 25, 1961, to Topper and Connie Wood in Libby.

Richard Hugh Taylor, 83

Richard Hugh Taylor, 83, went to join his wife Ruth and be with the Lord on Feb. 14, 2022, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was born June 6, 1938, in Malta to Hugh and Gloria Taylor.

Commissioners plan to update county procurement process

Commissioners are poised to update the county’s procurement policy to allow for purchases up to $80,000 without requiring the bidding process.

Michael LeRoy Peck, 81

Michael LeRoy Peck, 81, died unexpectedly Jan. 28, 2022, at his home in Spokane, Wash. Mike was born to Arthur “Bud”) and June A. (Joy) Peck on Sept. 2, 1940, in Whitefish.

Thank you, Troy Snowmobile Club

Please extend our special thanks to the Troy Snowmobile Club for supporting the recent avalanche awareness seminar hosted by David Thompson Search and Rescue.

Special session is an opportunity for electioneering and not much more

A small group of politicians are asking other legislators to sign a letter requesting an expensive Special Session. I oppose this wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars on a session that lacks merit and on what seems little more than a taxpayer funded campaign tour. Here is why I am opposed.

Past delays leave Libby missing out once again

The article “Discussion of proposed retail cannabis rules blooms at Libby City Council” (Feb. 11) once again reveals outmoded attitudes and shortsighted incompetence among city leaders.

Farm roots, life outdoors helped groom Amy Pearson For Yaak Valley leadership

A youth spent on a grain farm north of Conrad had rooted Amy Pearson to life attuned with the seasonal shifts of the environment and landscape.

Eureka Lions pounce on Troy Trojans

The Troy Trojans faced the headwaters in more ways than one during a Feb. 12 road loss to the Eureka Lions.

Trojans send the Red Devils packing

“It wasn’t pretty,” quipped Troy basketball coach Justin Young. “But the kids were pretty happy afterward.

Loggers cage the Eureka Lions in overtime

For one matriculating Libby Logger, Saturday’s senior night celebration was a little different.

Commissioners meet with new Yaak Valley Forest Council director

County commissioners last week welcomed a reopening of dialogue with the Yaak Valley Forest Council, but said protecting area residents and property from wildfire remained a priority.

Commissioners put hold on new cannabis dispensaries

County commissioners moved this week to block new marijuana dispensaries from coming into the region until July of next year.

Robert Lee Croucher

Robert Lee Croucher (Bob) quietly passed away Feb. 4 at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. Bob was born Sept. 16, 1925, in Libby to Ed and Ladessa Croucher.

Abigail Rose Tanner

Thomas and Rachel Tanner welcomed a baby girl Jan. 2, 2022. Abigail Rose weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces and was 21 inches in length. She was delivered at home by Courtney Tanner and Joyce Vogel, licensed midwives.

Finley Smart

Ashley Auge and Vincent Smart welcomed a baby girl Jan. 12, 2022. Finley Smart weighed 7 pounds, 8.2 ounces and was 21 inches in length. She was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.

Mario Castiel Merono

Molly Cossairt and Luis Lorca-Merono III welcomed a baby boy Jan. 14, 2022. Mario Castiel Merono weighed 5 pounds, 13 ounces and was 19-and-a-half inches in length. He was delivered by Dr. Brian Bell.

Eden Stonehocker

Micah and Samantha Stonehocker welcomed a baby girl Jan. 19, 2022, at 2:55 p.m. Eden Stonehocker weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces and was 20-and-a-half inches long. She was delivered by Dr. Williams.

Biden administration jails patriots while attacking true American values

The need of name-calling is a must to keep the truth from surfacing. The truth loves to be called out and inspected, for it will be shown as it is, the truth. A lie hates the light of day, for its deceit, when surfaced, shows it for what it is, a lie.

Lady Lions overcome Lady Loggers in Libby

Due to a mix-up, the Eureka Lions were late in arriving to take on the Libby boys and girls in basketball action at Ralph Tate Gymnasium on Feb. 11.

Sonju sentenced on criminal endangerment charge

Jared Sonju earned a deferred, four-year sentence last week after pleading guilty to criminal endangerment for firing a gun at a popular campground last summer.

Libby Chief offers more detailed statistics during regular report

Libby Police Chief Scott Kessel expanded the range of statistics he presents city councilors last week, saying he wanted to give officials a clearer picture of the goings-on in the municipality.

Legals for February, 18 2022

Steve W. Johnson, 58

Steve W. Johnson, 58, was born May 18, 1963, and passed away Feb. 9, 2022, with his loving family by his side.

Omicron wave less lethal than delta as it passed through county, officials say

The surge of the omicron variant of COVID-19 kept health officials busy through January, but proved less deadly than the delta wave locally.

Aquatics center proposal taking on water

An effort to erect an aquatics center in Libby seems headed toward its swan song, though supporters plan to continue working on the project.

Montana marijuana sales total $22.6M in January

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana marijuana businesses sold $22.5 million in cannabis products in January, the first month recreational marijuana sales were legal in the state, the Department of Revenue reported Tuesday.

Montana ACLU files records request regarding library board

The ACLU of Montana has filed a public records request it says is related to recent efforts by ImagineIF Library Board trustees to remove books from library shelves.

Loggers send Bulldogs to the doghouse

With the season coming to an end this weekend, the Libby Loggers hoped to build momentum heading into the conference tournament.

Ambassador Bridge officially reopens after 7 days of protest

WINDSOR, Ontario — Hours after Canadian police removed protesters camped nearly a week near the Ambassador Bridge, a critical U.S.-Canadian border crossing, the bridge reopened for traffic and commerce, the company that owns the bridge and Canadian authorities said.

Senators want more staff at National Parks as visits grow

BAR HARBOR, Maine (AP) — Maine's independent senator and a colleague from Montana want more staffing at America's National Parks to keep up with increased attendance.

Kootenai Pets for Life seeks expansion

Representatives of Kootenai Pets for Life lobbied Libby City Council on Feb. 7 for permission to expand the shelter’s County Shop Road facility.

Weyerhaeuser reports record profits in 2021

The year 2021 was a very good one for Weyerhaeuser. The company last week reported record net earnings of $2.6 billion.

Robert Lee Croucher

Robert Lee Croucher (Bob) quietly passed away Feb. 4 at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. Bob was born Sept. 16, 1925, in Libby to Ed and Ladessa Croucher.

Experts share mixed outlook on housing

The future of local housing is murky, according to presenters at the 2022 Economic Outlook Seminar presented by the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research. Experts last week shared differing opinions on the future of the Flathead’s housing market during the annual event.

Kirkedahl sentenced on mitigated deliberate homicide

A Trego man accused of killing his adult son following years of abuse at his hands earned a partially suspended 30-year sentence in Lincoln County District Court on Feb. 7.

Constance Ann Malyevac, 76

Constance “Connie” Ann Malyevac was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She left this world suddenly on Feb. 11, 2022. at age 76.

Roberta "Berta" Taylor, 86

Roberta “Berta” Taylor, 86, died on Jan. 30, 2022, at Bee Hive Homes Assisted Living in Kalispell. She was born April 10, 1935, in Wolf Point to Milo “Emery” and Virginia Ren. Roberta was a twin to Robert “Bob” Ren and they were the fourth and fifth of seven children.

Legals for February, 15 2022

Loggers declaw Wildcats in 53-44 win

With the regular season winding down and three conference games remaining, in-conference wins take on added importance.

City council issues letter of support for Hotel Libby project

City councilors backed an effort Jan. 18 to secure grant dollars for the historic Hotel Libby.

Kartyr Shupe

Thomas Olin and Castyn Shupe welcomed a baby girl at 11:30 a.m., Dec. 31, 2021. Kartyr Shupe weighed 9 pounds, 2 ounces and was 21 inches in length. She was delivered by Dr. Daniel Taylor Williams.

Libby Food Pantry faces temporary shutdown even as demand rises

In a room cramped by shelves laden with dry goods, volunteers juke and jive around one another on a typical Tuesday morning as they fill paper bags with packaged foods.

Libby City Council takes up retail cannabis rules

Libby City Council took its first look at a proposed retail recreational marijuana ordinance on Feb. 7.

Troy to consider four-day school week

The Troy Public School Board will consider the adoption of a four-day week for the next school year when it meets on Feb. 14.

Mistakes compound for Libby in rematch with Browning

Against really good squads like the Browning Indians, opponents don’t have a lot of room for mistakes. Falling behind at any stretch of the game could prove costly.

When I Was A Kid: Super Bowl appearances are memories to be cherished by fans and players alike

Another Super Bowl Sunday nears.

Edward Gary Dutton, 81

Edward Gary Dutton, 81, of Libby passed peacefully to be with the Lord on Feb. 6, 2022. His son, Gary, was by his side.

Kalispell man surrenders following SWAT response

The Kalispell police special response and Flathead County SWAT teams responded early Tuesday to an apartment complex on East Idaho Street looking for a local man with a $200,000 warrant.

Feds approve Montana plan to prevent child abuse, neglect

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's child welfare system plans to emphasize abuse prevention and family education services aimed at keeping children safely in their homes, rather than putting them in foster care, if at all possible, under a plan recently approved by the federal government.

Officials ID Iowa snowmobiler who died in Montana avalanche

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — Officials in Gallatin County released the name of an Iowa snowmobiler who was killed in an avalanche west of Yellowstone National Park over the weekend.

Non-citizens cited in Montana county voter registration case

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Two non U.S.-citizens who are accused of casting votes last year in a north-central Montana mayor's race that was decided by two votes have been cited for allegedly signing fraudulent voter registration applications, prosecutors said Monday.

Working conditions for Border Patrol getting more attention

WASHINGTON (AP) — A strained Border Patrol is getting increased attention from the Biden administration after tense meetings between senior officials and the rank and file while the agency deals with one of the largest spikes in migration along the U.S.-Mexico border in decades.

Hospitals begin to limp out of the latest COVID-19 surge

As omicron numbers drop at Denver Health, Dr. Anuj Mehta is reminded of the scene in the 1980 comedy "The Blues Brothers" when John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd pile out of a battered car after a police chase.

Truck blockade at US-Canadian border shuts auto plants

TORONTO (AP) — The truck blockade by Canadians protesting the country's COVID-19 restrictions is tightening the screws on the auto industry, forcing Ford, General Motors and other car companies to shut down plants or otherwise reduce production on both sides of the U.S. border.

Legals for February, 11 2022

Ottawa declares state of emergency over COVID-19 protests

TORONTO (AP) — The mayor of Canada's capital declared a state of emergency Sunday and a former U.S. ambassador to Canada said groups in the U.S. must stop interfering in the domestic affairs of America's neighbor as protesters opposed to COVID-19 restrictions continued to paralyze Ottawa's downtown.

David A. Strand, 81

David A. Strand, 81, died Feb. 5, 2022, at this home in Libby of natural causes. “Big Dave” was born March 2, 1940, in Bemidji, Minn., to Emil and Catherine Strand.

Lucy W. Haugen, 89

Lucy W. Haugen, 89, passed away Feb. 1, 2022. She was born March 11, 1932, in Hapeville, Ga., where she primarily resided until 1973 when she moved to Libby.

Montana sends four Olympians to Beijing Games

With three freestyle skiers and a hockey player making the Olympic grade, you can call Montana a hotbed of (frozen) water sports.

Montana woman gets 85 years in prison for role in homicide

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A Montana woman was sentenced to 85 years in prison Thursday for her role in the fatal shooting of a man during a drug robbery at a motel in Ballantine, a community northeast of Billings.

Grain elevator in Montana town of Belgrade destroyed by fire

BELGRADE, Mont. (AP) — Buildings at a grain elevator in the Montana town of Belgrade were destroyed by fire on Friday, officials said.

James Robert Raan

James Robert Raan was born May 15, 1954, to Martin and Rita M. Raan, deceased.

First Louisiana case of deadly deer disease found in Tensas

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Authorities say Louisiana's first case of a slowly developing but always lethal deer disease has been confirmed in a deer killed in Tensas Parish. The parish borders Mississippi, where more than 100 cases of chronic wasting disease have been confirmed since 2018.

Crews discover body while fighting house fire on Bald Eagle Road

Firefighters with the Libby Volunteer Fire Department discovered a body while sweeping through the interior of a Bald Eagle Road home during a Saturday evening blaze.

Sally R. Rumelhart, 71

Sally R. Rumelhart, 71, passed away Feb. 1, 2022, from natural causes at her home in Libby. She was born Sylvia Ruth Nelson (but went by Sally most of her life) to Lloris and Ruth (Lenz) Nelson on Jan. 22, 1951, the second of six children.

Emogene Ruth Hamlyn

Emogene Ruth Hamlyn was born in Sterling, Idaho, on Jan. 2, 1938, and passed from this life into the next on Jan. 30, 2022.

Lady Trojans fall short against Bigfork Vals

With no one on the roster under 5-foot-7, the Bigfork Vals boast impressive height. Long-limbed and athletic, these girls can also play and score at a high level.

Cougars top Trojans in 72-30 win

Though the Troy Trojans kept it close early on against the Stillwater Christian, the Cougars pulled away with the 72-30 win on Feb. 1.

Vikings sail to 70-12 win over Trojans

The Bigfork Vikings laid waste the Troy Trojans during the two teams’ second matchup of the season Feb. 3.

Cuffe makes final bid for Helena

With plenty of unfinished business ahead of him, state Sen. Mike Cuffe said last week that he hopes voters in Lincoln County see fit to send him back to Helena one last time.

Suspended sentence revoked for man accused of drunk driving

A local man that police say rolled his vehicle while intoxicated in December saw his suspended sentence on a previous drunk driving charge revoked in district court late last month.

Mickael M. Kair, 79

Mickael M. Kair, 79, passed away Jan. 29, 2022, at his home in Libby. He was born May 30, 1942, to Morriss H. and Edith (Nicholson) Kair in Portland, Ore.

Few but weighty new elk regs affect Region 1

Elk hunters sighting the northwestern reaches of Montana already tagged a brute ahead of the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Legals for February, 8 2022

Mental health evaluation requested for man accused of attacking law enforcement

The Troy man accused of injuring Police Chief Katie Davis during his Jan. 2 arrest will undergo a mental health evaluation at the Montana State Hospital.

Republicans drawing more money in Montana US House campaigns

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Republicans Ryan Zinke and Matt Rosendale have raised more than $1 million each in their campaigns for Montana's two U.S. House seats as the primary election season gets underway and Democrats trail in early fundraising, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

Comments taken on easement for 114,000 acres of timberland

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials want feedback on a proposed conservation easement to protect nearly 114,000 acres of timberland near the Thompson Chain of Lakes.

Army to immediately start discharging vaccine refusers

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Army said Wednesday it will immediately begin discharging soldiers who have refused to get the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine, putting more than 3,300 service members at risk of being thrown out soon.

Vaccine mandate protesters block Canadian border north of Shelby

SWEET GRASS — A large group of truckers is blocking the U.S.-Canada border with their vehicles north of Shelby this week to protest a vaccine mandate for truck drivers who travel between the two countries.

Boy dies in apparent drowning at Montana hot springs resort

BUTTE, Mont. (AP) — Authorities in Montana say they are investigating the apparent drowning of a 14-year—old boy at a hot springs resort pool.

Montana highway patrol settles with Wyoming man over crash

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The state of Montana has reached a $270,000 settlement with a Wyoming man who was forced into a ditch to avoid colliding with a state trooper who made an illegal U-turn.

Montana coal mine fined $1M for violating safety regulations

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A central Montana coal mine must pay a $1 million fine for violating environmental and employee safety regulations by failing to report worker injuries and improperly disposing of mine waste, the U.S. Attorney's Office for Montana said.

Judge denies Montana motion to dismiss challenge to vax ban

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Legal challenges to a new Montana law that prevents most businesses from requiring their employees be vaccinated against any communicable disease are moving forward in federal and state courts, though a judge recently said one of the cases appeared unlikely to succeed.

Bluehawks clip Trojans' wings

Any athlete ever befouled by a cold streak could sympathize with the Troy Trojans after their 60-21 loss to Thompson Falls on Jan. 28.

David Anthony Smerker, 42

David Anthony Smerker, 42, was born Feb. 12, 1979, and passed away Jan. 17, 2022.

Richard "Rick" W. Johnson, 77

Richard “Rick” W. Johnson, 77, passed away Jan. 31, 2022, surrounded by loved ones at his home. He was born in Libby on Nov. 14, 1944, to Fred and Margaret Johnson.

Roberta A. Taylor, 86

Roberta A. Taylor, 86, died Jan. 30, 2022, at Beehive Homes in Kalispell.

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:

Barrows pleads guilty to amended felony charge

A man brought up on drug distribution charges after allegedly offering to sell methamphetamine to a criminal informant over text message changed his plea this week.

Change rides slowly into Turner Mountain

Cloudy skies made for low visitation at Turner Mountain Ski area when 66 skiers rode the lone chairlift on Friday, Jan. 14.

Libby knocks off Ronan in conference play

The Libby boys turned 32 free throw attempts into 25 points as the Loggers defeated Ronan 61-53 in Northwestern A Conference action on Jan. 29.

Terri Kendall, 63

Terri Kendall, 63, of Athol, Idaho, peacefully passed away on Jan. 23, 2022.

Ruth Anne Taylor, 78

Ruth Anne Taylor, 78, went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 25, 2022, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She was born Jan. 19, 1944 in Buffalo, N.Y., to Walter and Florence Cox.

Legals for February, 4 2022

ARP officials: Zonolite insulation bags found in local attic

Asbestos Resource Program officials said they are preparing to aid a U.S. Highway 2 homeowner who recently stumbled across two bags of Zonolite insulation in an attic.

Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes to remain jailed pending trial in Capitol riot case

FORT WORTH, Texas — Stewart Rhodes, the founder and leader of the Oath Keepers who was charged with seditious conspiracy in the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, will be held without bail until his trial, according to a decision Wednesday from Federal Magistrate Judge Kimberly C. Priest Johnson.

Thousands in Ottawa protest COVID mandates, many rebuked

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Thousands of protesters gathered in Canada's capital on Saturday to protest vaccine mandates, masks and lockdowns.

Trump dangles prospect of pardons for Jan. 6 defendants

CONROE, Texas (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is dangling the prospect of pardons for supporters who participated in the deadly Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol if he returns to the White House.

Omicron sub-variant now in Idaho amid hospital rationing

Idaho health officials confirmed the state's first case of the fast-spreading COVID-19 omicron sub-variant BA.2 days after returning to crisis health care rationing.

Anna Lois Martin, 85

Anna Lois Martin, 85, passed away Jan. 25, 2022.

Montana counties ready to distribute free rapid COVID tests

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana counties are preparing to distribute 650,000 rapid COVID-19 tests at no cost to residents, Gov. Greg Gianforte said Thursday.

Fugitive wanted in Washington, Idaho arrested in Montana

SUPERIOR, Mont. (AP) — A fugitive wanted after a series of burglaries and vehicle thefts in Washington and Idaho was arrested while hiding in a camper in western Montana on Friday morning, Mineral County Sheriff Mike Toth said.

Lady Loggers emerge victorious in cross-county showdown

In a matchup between two young, inexperienced and struggling teams, someone had to win. The Libby Lady Loggers defeated the Troy Lady Trojans 37-25 on Jan. 27.

Libby Vendors Market announces new location

The Libby Vendors Market will take up shop around the former high school after a roiling turf war complicated last year’s selling season at Fireman Park.

US economy grew 5.7 percent in 2021 in rebound from 2020 recession

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy grew last year at the fastest pace since Ronald Reagan's presidency, bouncing back with resilience from 2020's brief but devastating coronavirus recession.

Loggers outpace Trojans in 76-24 win

They say looks can be deceiving, but unfortunately for the Troy Trojans that wasn’t the case on Jan. 27.

Fettig allegedly took swig of alcohol at scene of rollover, police say

A local man with a history of drunk driving pleaded not guilty to new charges in Lincoln County District Court last month after police say he rolled his truck while intoxicated.

State laws aim to regulate ‘troubled teen industry,’ but loopholes remain

Five days after Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed a law meant to provide stronger oversight of the more than 100 residential youth treatment programs operating in the state, a 12-year-old boy arrived at one of them, Provo Canyon School. Before long, he was forced into seclusion, denied communication with his family and given antipsychotic medication without parental permission, according to relatives.

County lands about 4,000 take home COVID-19 tests

Lincoln County is receiving about 4,000 of the 650,000 at-home COVID-19 tests secured by Gov. Greg Gianforte in January.

After not guilty verdict, Orr advocates for criminal justice reform

A failed Libby City Council candidate has become an unexpected advocate for criminal justice reform in Lincoln County in recent weeks.

Legals for February, 1 2022