Ellington

Under the Big Sky lineup announced; capacity to be capped

The Under The Big Sky music festival is set to return to Big Mountain Ranch in Whitefish on July 16 and 17 with limited ticket sales and a lineup that includes an eclectic mix of country, soul and rock performers.

Commissioners approve financial aid for Libby Food Pantry

Facing homelessness, the Libby Food Pantry stands to receive about $15,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the county for help arranging a possible new location.

Montana county to pay $66k in damages over transgender care

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A former Yellowstone County employee has been awarded $66,500 in damages because the county's health benefits plan denied payment for gender-confirming health care, leading her to leave her job, the ACLU of Montana announced.

Frank R. Bache, 88

Frank R. Bache, 88, passed away peacefully at home in Libby on Jan. 22, 2022. He was born Nov. 19, 1933, in Libby. He was the fourth of eight children born to Esbon and Ethel Nixon Bache.

Omicron wave leaves US food banks scrambling for volunteers

WASHINGTON (AP) — Food banks across the country are experiencing a critical shortage of volunteers as the omicron variant frightens people away from their usual shifts, and companies and schools that regularly supply large groups of volunteers are canceling their participation over virus fears.

Montana Republicans seek leniency on vaccine mandates

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's governor and its two Republican members of Congress are asking the Biden administration to grant exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine mandate to federally funded health care facilities where losing unvaccinated staff might jeopardize access to medical care.

Republican minority presses for election investigation in ‘court of public opinion’

On Tuesday, a group of Republican state lawmakers identifying themselves as an “ad hoc election integrity committee” convened at a hotel in downtown Helena to hear presentations and public comment questioning the security of Montana’s elections.

Health officials weighing inspection software proposals

Health officials say the online inspection systems they are considering adopting could prove beneficial for other county departments.

Shooting range grant deadline draws near

The deadline to apply for state shooting range improvement grants is fast approaching.

Fed plans to raise rates as soon as March to cool inflation

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve said Wednesday that it will "soon" be time to start raising interest rates, a key step in reversing pandemic-era policies that have fueled hiring and growth but also high inflation.

Rosendale asks court to dismiss campaign finance lawsuit

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Republican U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana is asking a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit that alleges his campaign and the National Rifle Association illegally worked together to run ads during his unsuccessful 2018 race against Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester.

Groups challenge Montana wolf hunting, trapping regulations

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Two wildlife advocacy groups are challenging changes to Montana's wolf hunting and trapping regulations, arguing they were made without public comment.

Richard L. Johnson, 80

Richard L. Johnson, 80, passed away Jan. 19, 2022, at Libby Care Center of natural causes. Rich was born to Orville and Frances Johnson on March 12, 1941, in St. Maries, Idaho. He received his education in St. Maries and Coeur d'Alene. His first job was at Coca-Cola Bottling in Coeur d'Alene at the age of 14.

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:

With Foote leading the way, Troy blisters Plains

Troy’s 6-foot-1 senior Michael Foote was the story of the first quarter in Saturday’s matchup against Plains as the Trojans looked for their second victory in three days.

Border Patrol agents disrupt alleged crossing near West Kootenai

Two Seattle residents face charges in federal court after Border Patrol agents allegedly caught them helping six Mexican nationals cross the border in the West Kootenai area last week.

Man involved in 2020 police chase admits probation violations

A Great Falls man on a suspended sentence for partner assault and for leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase in 2020 admitted to multiple probation violations earlier this month.

Plains Trotters top Lady Trojans

Plains outlasted the Lady Trojans for a 39-28 win in a high-energy, but foul-plagued matchup last weekend.

Legals for January, 28 2022

Eureka Airport fuel upgrade stalls

County commissioners shelved a proposed fuel system upgrade at the Eureka Airport after the project missed out on possible state funding earlier this month.

Lois Elaine (Wilson) Peck, 80

Lois Elaine (Wilson) Peck, 80, died unexpectedly Jan. 18, 2022, at her home in Spokane, Wash. Lois was born to William C. (Jack) and Catherine Wilson on Feb. 8, 1941, in Missoula.

Sharon Rose Michels, 76

Sharon Rose Michels, 76, passed away Jan. 16, 2022, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby. She was born Aug. 6, 1945 at Crookston, Minn., to Clarence and Mary Hoffman.

Increasing number of deaths stretches coroner's office thin

An uptick in deaths in recent years spurred commissioners to bring on a fourth deputy coroner in the county.

Jesse Robert Scheffler

Jesse Robert Scheffler (“Bumps” to his family) went to be with the Lord on Jan. 12, 2022, at the age of 47 due to complications from multiple sclerosis. He was born July 9, 1974, in Kent, Wash., to George Edmund Scheffler and Susan Marie (Daroszeski) Scheffler.

Blanton back behind bars

A Eureka man arrested for shooting a dog will spend a year behind bars after admitting last month that he broke the terms of his suspended sentence.

Sharren J. Cohenour

Sharren J. Cohenour, 82, of Libby died on Jan. 19, 2022, in Ventura, Calif. Services are pending and will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

Colorado coal town grapples with future as plant shuts down

CRAIG, Colorado (AP) — In a quiet valley tucked away from Colorado's bustling ski resorts, far from his hometown in northern Mexico, Trinidad Loya found a way to support his family's American dream: Coal.

Richard L. Johnson

Richard L. Johnson, 80, of Troy died Jan. 19, 2022, at Libby Care Center. A full obituary will appear at a later date. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

Oath Keepers militia members, led by Yale lawyer, plead not guilty to Jan. 6 sedition

WASHINGTON — Elmer Stewart Rhodes, the Yale Law School graduate who founded the right-wing Oath Keepers militia group, pleaded not guilty to seditious conspiracy for his role in the assault on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of former President Donald Trump's supporters.

‘No place to go’: hotel sale displaces at least 100 guests

Edward Lauman has lived with his son Carl Lamar at The FairBridge Inn, Suites & Outlaw Convention Center for eight years.

Arizona man accused in Oath Keepers plot jailed until trial

PHOENIX (AP) — A Phoenix man accused of coordinating teams that were on standby to deliver guns to members and associates of the far-right Oath Keepers militia group during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot will remain jailed until his trial on seditious conspiracy and other charges, a judge in Arizona ruled Thursday.

Yellowstone rampage brings prison time for California man

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A judge has sentenced a California man to nine months in prison for a drunken rampage in Yellowstone National Park in which he did thousands of dollars in damage to a hotel and struggled with rangers trying to subdue him.

Taxpayers face overloaded IRS as filing season opens

WASHINGTON (AP) — Count 30-year-old Ethan Miller among that subset of Americans who were actually eager to file their taxes once income tax filing season opened on Monday.

Montana seeks to overturn court ruling on abortion access

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's attorney general is asking the state Supreme Court to overturn a 1999 opinion that found the state constitution's right to privacy guarantees a woman's access to an abortion — the opinion Planned Parenthood is using to challenge three new abortion laws.

Tractor trailer driver dies after rig goes off Interstate 90

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — A semitractor-trailer went off Interstate 90 just east of Bozeman and into the median before going down an embankment and across a county road that runs under the interstate, killing the driver, the Montana Highway Patrol said Friday.

Booster shots needed against omicron, CDC studies show

NEW YORK (AP) — Three studies released Friday offered more evidence that COVID-19 vaccines are standing up to the omicron variant, at least among people who received booster shots.

Officials identify Colorado skier who died of hypothermia

HAMILTON, Mont. (AP) — Officials in western Montana have released the name of a Colorado skier who died last week while skiing outside the boundary of the Lost Trail Ski Area on the Montana-Idaho border.

Troy boys take win against Mullan Tigers

It was a tale of two halves in Troy last week.

Lady Trojans fall to Mullan in nail-biter

The Mullan Lady Tigers narrowly came away with a 33-27 win against the Lady Trojans on Jan. 20.

Accused dealer pleads not guilty

A Kalispell man arrested after allegedly offering to sell drugs in Lincoln County via text message has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges.

Legals for January, 25 2022

Kartyr Shupe

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

Eliza Joy Williams

Brooke and Daniel Williams welcomed a baby girl Dec. 24, 2021. Eliza Joy Williams weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces and was 20-and-a-half-inches in length. She was delivered by Dr. Jana Hall.

Engineering firm sought for landfill expansion

Health department officials say they are reviewing the qualifications of engineering firms interested in working on the county’s planned landfill expansion.

Group seeking speed limit reduction pushes for update

Representatives of a group of state Highway 37 residents hoping to see speed limits on the busy roadway lowered returned before the board of commissioners on Jan. 12.

Troy man accused of attacking police chief

A Troy man who allegedly attacked and injured Chief Katie Davis while attempting to escape law enforcement earlier this month now faces multiple charges.

State superintendent pitches revisions to teacher licensing

On Thursday, the Montana Board of Public Education conducted its first review of state Superintendent Elsie Arntzen’s proposed changes to regulations governing teacher licensing.

Thompson Contracting Inc. awarded Angel Island Bridge project

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners signed off on Thompson Contracting Inc.’s bid for the Angel Island Bridge rebuilding project Jan. 12.

Push to ban critical race theory only hurts students

One of the major talking points currently promoted by thousands of parents is that public education should not teach children to hate white Anglo-Saxon culture. But as I see it, the argument against teaching critical race theory (CRT) is faulty.

Act boldly on climate change

Climate change is a subject of much contention. Some despair that we will never be able to stop what we are doing in time to avert tragedy. A note of optimism has come from Bill Gates in his book “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster.” He feels we can still change enough to save the world from human error.

Accused drug smuggler pleads not guilty to new charges

Prosecutors have brought new charges up against a man long under investigation for smuggling drugs into Lincoln County.

Hawkins Hannawalt

Austin and Leanne Hannawalt welcomed a baby boy Dec. 14, 2021. Hawkins Hannawalt weighed 8 pounds, 3.9 ounces and was 21 inches in length. He was delivered by Dr. Kelly Jarrett.

A little less apathy, please

America, in theory, belongs to the people. The land, the resources and the tax revenue — it belongs to the people.

Democrats’ federal election takeover bill undermines what Montanans want

If there’s one thing Montanans are about, it’s common sense. We work hard, play by the rules and don’t like when Washington elites impose laws that go against what works for Montana. That’s why I fought against President Joe Biden and the Democrats’ attempt to pass their partisan bill to enact a federal takeover of elections every step of the way —because what they were trying to do didn’t make sense, and it’s not what Montanans wanted.

Lawmaker wants flags at half-staff once yearly for abortions

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A panel of lawmakers has introduced a resolution that would have flags flown at half staff one day a year in recognition of abortions that have been performed since the medical procedure became legal nearly 50 years ago.

More chronic wasting disease confirmed in Idaho, this time in elk and white-tailed doe

BOISE, Idaho — Chronic wasting disease, a fatal neurological condition that affects members of the deer family, has been confirmed in two more Idaho animals, Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials confirmed last week.

Guns or marijuana, but not both

While marijuana became legal for adults to purchase in Montana on New Year’s Day, a key federal agency has confirmed a fact underreported in coverage of the state’s new marijuana program: It remains illegal under federal law for individuals to simultaneously possess marijuana or marijuana products and firearms, and penalties for violating that law are severe.

Montana magician nixes plans for Las Vegas tiger sanctuary

A Montana man has withdrawn a proposal to open a tiger sanctuary in Las Vegas for his magic show.

Lawrence Henry Sverdrup Sr.

The family of Lawrence "Larry" Henry Sverdrup Sr., with heavy hearts but fond memories, announces his Jan. 7, 2022, passing from natural causes.

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:

Sara Ann Whitehouse, 74

Sara Ann Whitehouse, 74, slipped away peacefully at the Libby Care Center on Jan. 9, 2022, after a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Tony Johnson

Gabby and Jeremiah Johnson welcomed a baby boy at 3:26 p.m., Jan. 1, 2022. Tony Johnson weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20-and-a-quarter inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Daniel Williams.

Legals for January, 21 2022

George W. Anderson

George W. Anderson finally decided to take a day off. On Jan. 4, 2022, he laid down for a rest and passed away peacefully at his home in Abingdon, Va., by the side of his best friend, companion and wife of 52 years, Carolyn.

Graves pleads guilty to drunk driving charge

A local man who once boasted to deputies that they would never catch him driving under the influence pleaded guilty to operating with an alcohol concentration of .08 or more on Jan. 3.

Supporters seek help in securing funding for Yaak Community Hall

Yaak Community Hall supporters are petitioning the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners for help in repairing the building’s aging foundation.

Weed department seeks air conditioning after last summer's heat took a toll

The county’s noxious weed department may soon get air conditioning.

Ruth DeMoss Corda, 79

On Dec. 27, 2021, Ruth DeMoss Corda, 79, passed away at home in Milwaukie, Ore.

Montana psych hospital failed to properly investigate death

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Employees at Montana's state psychiatric hospital failed to properly investigate the death of a patient who was reportedly told to go back to her room "and stop being dramatic," after she told staff she was having trouble catching her breath, a federal report said.

Supreme Court halts COVID-19 vaccine rule for U.S. businesses

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has stopped a major push by the Biden administration to boost the nation's COVID-19 vaccination rate, a requirement that employees at large businesses get a vaccine or test regularly and wear a mask on the job.

No child tax credit deal in sight as monthly benefits lapse

WASHINGTON — Monthly payments of up to $300 per child didn't go out Friday for the first time in six months, and some families may never see benefits as generous again.

Montana orders 650,000 rapid COVID-19 tests for residents

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The state of Montana has ordered 650,000 rapid COVID-19 tests to be distributed to residents through county health departments, Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Thursday.

25-year-old Colorado skier found dead near Lost Trail resort

SULA, Mont. (AP) — A 25-year-old Colorado skier who went missing Thursday from the Lost Trail Ski Area on the Montana-Idaho border has been found dead.

North Dakota beekeeping supply to serve top U.S. honey states

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A commercial beekeeping supply business has opened in far southwestern North Dakota that will serve people in three of the top five honey producing states in the country.

Avalanche safety course open to public

David Thompson Search and Rescue, in conjunction with local snowmobile groups, is hosting a public avalanche workshop Jan. 21-22.

Feds say Oath Keepers practiced for war before the storming of the US Capitol

PLANO, Texas — The government claims that Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes and others indicted for sedition this week in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol had planned and practiced for "unconventional warfare" with "road blocks… convoy operations… hasty ambushes" in the weeks after the November 2020 presidential election.

Health officials see jump in flu, COVID-19 immunizations at year's end

The number of flu shots administered by the county health department increased in the last quarter of the year, officials said last week.

Commissioners open up recreational marijuana discussion

County commissioners indicated last week they will honor voters’ wishes for legalized recreational marijuana sales locally, but seek to keep the industry on a short leash.

Letcher named chair of county health board

County Commissioner Josh Letcher (D-3) took the reins as the chair of the county health board last week as members elected new officers to mark the start the year.

Legals for January, 18 2022

Groups try to block Montana laws they say hurt Native voters

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Organizations that participate in get-out-the-vote efforts on Montana's Native American reservations are asking a judge to temporarily block two laws they say are part of an effort to disenfranchise Native voters.

Montana school districts hit $1 million cap on tax credits for public school donations in mere minutes.

A program offering a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donations to Montana public schools reached its $1 million limit within minutes of launching this month, with nine school districts claiming credits on behalf of 23 individual donors.

Work to begin soon on Libby's first charging station

Work is expected to begin on Libby’s first electric vehicle charging station within the next few weeks, city officials said Jan. 3.

CSKT Tribal Council elects McDonald as chairman

The Tribal Council of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes held its quarterly meeting Friday at the Tribes’ headquarters in Pablo, with the selection of new Council leadership high on the agenda.

Hospitals recruit international nurses to fill shortages

BILLINGS, Mont. — Before Mary Venus was offered a nursing job at a hospital here, she’d never heard of Billings or visited the United States. A native of the Philippines, she researched her prospective move via the internet, set aside her angst about the cold Montana winters and took the job, sight unseen.

Libby committee finishes work on retail marijuana ordinance

Libby’s ordinance committee finished drafting recreational marijuana rules this week and plans to send a proposal that omits distance restrictions between retail outlets before city council in February.

Webb arrives at arraignment ready to deal

A 26-year-old man pleaded guilty to a felony burglary charge Jan. 3 after authorities fingered him for two break-ins near the Thompson Chain of Lakes.

Troy man accused of turning to old tricks

Authorities say a Troy man has fleeced customers across the country out of thousands of dollars — and not for the first time.

Chief urges business owners to clear sidewalks

After residents heeded calls to move their vehicles off of city streets ahead of plowing, Libby Police Chief Scott Kessel is hoping local business owners will follow suit with sidewalk clearing.

Faith Marie Paxton, 63

Faith Marie Paxton, 63, passed away peacefully Jan. 5, 2022, surrounded by family at the Libby Care Center. She was born in Santa Maria, Calif., to John and Carolyn Arvoux.

Trenton Philip Oelberg, 80

Trenton Philip Oelberg of Piney Flats, Tenn., passed away on Dec. 19, 2021 at age 80.

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:

BNSF Railway taking over Montana Rail Link route

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — BNSF Railway has announced plans to resume operation of its mainline rail corridor through southern Montana, ending a lease with Montana Rail Link.

Walter David McElmurry, 67

Walter ‘Walt’ David McElmurry, 67, of Libby entered his heavenly home on Jan. 3, 2022. He was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisc., on Dec. 7, 1954, to Roy and Ruby McElmurry.

Montana increasing wildland firefighter hourly pay to $15.50

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The state of Montana is increasing its base pay for seasonal firefighters to a minimum of $15.50 per hour to help recruit and retain highly qualified personnel, Gov. Greg Gianforte and the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation said Monday.

Great Falls schools go remote due to COVID-19 surge

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — Great Falls Public Schools is switching to remote learning for a week due to a surge in COVID-19 cases among students and staff, the district said Monday, while the Blackfeet Indian Tribe reinstated its mask mandate in public places and is banning most in-person gatherings due to increased cases on the reservation just east of Glacier National Park.

Idaho confronts climate change with money to protect forests

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Increasingly destructive Idaho wildfires that the state's Republican governor blames in part on climate change have resulted in him proposing a budget adding more firefighters and $150 million for future firefighting costs.

Omicron may be headed for a rapid drop in Britain, US

Scientists are seeing signals that COVID-19's alarming omicron wave may have peaked in Britain and is about to do the same in the U.S., at which point cases may start dropping off dramatically.

Barbara Brown Tripp

Barbara Brown Tripp, 102, of Libby passed away peacefully in the evening of Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2021, in her home at Generations Assisted Living in Rathdrum, Idaho. Barb’s lifelong friend, Joy Skogus, was by her side, along with the caring staff at Generations.

Raenell Ann Wiherski, 65

Raenell Ann Wiherski passed away at home Dec. 14, 2021, in Libby at the age of 65. She was born May 8, 1956, to Raymond and Genevieve Goulet in Scobey.

U.S. jobless claims rise by 23,000 to 230,000

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to the highest level since mid-November, but still low by historic standards.

Inflation at 40-year high pressures consumers, Fed and Biden

WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation jumped at its fastest pace in nearly 40 years last month, a 7% spike from a year earlier that is increasing household expenses, eating into wage gains and heaping pressure on President Joe Biden and the Federal Reserve to address what has become the biggest threat to the U.S. economy.

Oath Keepers head charged with Jan. 6 seditious conspiracy

WASHINGTON (AP) — Stewart Rhodes, the founder and leader of the far-right Oath Keepers militia group, has been arrested and charged with seditious conspiracy in the attack on the U.S. Capitol, authorities said Thursday.

Legals for January, 14 2022

Navy expands boot camp to sharpen focus on character issues

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Navy is adding two weeks to boot camp this year in a major overhaul aimed at improving recruits' war fighting and emergency skills while also focusing on suicide prevention and character issues such as sexual assault, hazing and extremism in the ranks.

Moderna working on COVID-19 booster that targets omicron variant, says CEO

An omicron-specific booster shot could be ready by the fall, Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said Monday.

Mountain pass highway reopened in Washington state

NORTH BEND, Wash. (AP) — The main east-west highway in Washington state reopened over the mountain passes after being closed for almost four days due to a winter storm that made travel too dangerous.

Glacier’s 2021 visitation 2nd highest ever

As of Dec. 1, the park had seen 3,063,727 visitors in 2021, overtaking 2019’s 3,049,839 and trailing only 2017’s all-time record of 3,305,512.

Elizabeth Marie Lampshire

Elizabeth Marie Lampshire was born April 26, 2002 in Montana. Elizabeth passed away Dec. 16, 2021.

Omicron explosion spurs nationwide breakdown of services

Ambulances in Kansas speed toward hospitals then suddenly change direction because hospitals are full. Employee shortages in New York City cause delays in trash and subway services and diminish the ranks of firefighters and emergency workers. Airport officials shut down security checkpoints at the biggest terminal in Phoenix and schools across the nation struggle to find teachers for their classrooms.

Marijuana sales blossom with legalization

The most pressing question posed by customers of Alternative ReLeaf in the days since recreational marijuana sales launched in Lincoln County and across the state? How to open the childproof packaging, said Barbie Turner, CEO of the Libby area dispensary, with a laugh.

Bids opened on Angel Island Bridge project

County officials are weighing bids for a project to replace the Angel Island Bridge in time for summer traffic.

Dionne pleads guilty to impersonating a federal agent

A Polson man arrested after authorities say he posed as a federal law enforcement agent while speaking with two young girls has changed his plea in Lincoln County District Court.

Omicron found in Lincoln County

Omicron, the variant of the coronavirus sweeping across the nation, is circulating in Lincoln County, local health officials said last week.

Sonju enters guilty plea

A Libby man who harassed campers at Warland Creek Campground last year pleaded guilty Dec. 20 to a single count of criminal endangerment.

Libby secures $600k community development block grant

Officials announced Jan. 4 that Libby secured a $600,000 grant to overhaul the municipal treatment plant’s control system and upgrade the city’s water infrastructure.

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center reveals Libby's first baby of 2022

The first baby born in Libby this year had a bit of competition.

Hunters kill 20 Yellowstone wolves that roamed out of park

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Twenty of Yellowstone National Park's renowned gray wolves roamed from the park and were shot by hunters in recent months — the most killed by hunting in a single season since the predators were reintroduced to the region more than 25 years ago, according to park officials.

Legals for January, 11 2022

Barrows arrested after text message ends up in law enforcement's hands

Authorities arrested a Kalispell man on a drug distribution charge after he allegedly text messaged a criminal informant late last month offering to sell them methamphetamine.

Libby schools edit pandemic plan during regular review

Libby Public School Board members reviewed potential changes to the district’s pandemic guidelines, including an entry on the district’s stance on COVID-19 vaccines, this week.

Biden decries Trump backers' 'dagger at throat' of democracy

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden accused Donald Trump and his supporters of holding a "dagger at the throat of democracy" in a forceful speech Thursday marking the anniversary of the deadly breach of the U.S. Capitol. He warned that though it didn't succeed, the insurrection remains a serious threat to America's system of government.

1st woman to command USS Constitution, aka Old Ironsides

BOSTON (AP) — A woman is taking over as the commanding officer of the U.S.S. Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, for the first time in the warship's 224-year history, the Navy announced Tuesday.

U.S. urges COVID boosters starting at age 12 to fight omicron

The U.S. is urging that everyone 12 and older get a COVID-19 booster as soon as they're eligible, to help fight back the hugely contagious omicron mutant that's ripping through the country.

Omicron surge vexes parents of children too young for shots

Afternoons with Grammy. Birthday parties. Meeting other toddlers at the park. Parents of children too young to be vaccinated are facing difficult choices as an omicron variant-fueled surge in COVID-19 cases makes every encounter seem risky.

Public comment period extended for Montana hunting regulations

The deadline for public comment on the 2022-23 hunting regulation proposals has been extended from Jan. 14 to Jan. 21.

Kirkedahl pleads guilty to mitigated deliberate homicide

A Trego man accused of killing his adult son last year pleaded guilty Dec. 20 to a single count of mitigated deliberate homicide.

Zimmerman back as city council president

City councilors in Libby reaffirmed Brian Zimmerman as the panel’s president and reshuffled seats during their first meeting of the year on Monday.

Man loses hand after picking up exploding homemade firework

LONGVIEW, Wash. (AP) — New Year's Eve celebration turned to tragedy when police say a man lost his hand Sunday after he picked up a homemade explosive thrown toward him in Longview, Washington.

Fish and Game confirms chronic wasting disease in two more Idaho deer

Two more Idaho deer have been confirmed to have chronic wasting disease, a contagious, fatal neurological disease that was first detected in the state last month.

Montana Supreme Court reverses attempted homicide conviction

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Supreme Court has reversed a Miles City man's conviction for attempted deliberate homicide for threatening to stab a bar owner in the heart while the defendant sat handcuffed in the back of a law enforcement vehicle.

1st recreational marijuana sales in Montana top $1.5 million

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — During the first weekend of legal recreational marijuana sales in Montana, customers purchased more than $1.5 million in products, the Department of Revenue said.

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:

Carol Ann Young, 80

Carol Ann (Cripe) Young passed away quietly at home Jan. 1, 2022. She was 80 years old.

Grayce Thatcher

Grayce was born in Red Lodge, the sixth child to George E. Resser and Lillian Frances Adams Resser.

Snow removal efforts shifting into gear

Amid a series of winter storms, Libby City Administrator Samuel Sikes asked for patience from residents frustrated by the pace of snow removal operations and issued a warning regarding water meters.

Chief issues reminder on winter parking ban

Libby Police Chief Scott Kessel urged residents to familiarize themselves with the city’s winter weather parking restrictions after a spate of ordinance violations last month.

A Year in Review, Part 4

Join The Western News in taking a look back at the biggest stories of 2021, a year that won’t soon be forgotten.

Montana to ‘keep up the good fight’ against aquatic invaders, wasting disease

Local fish and game officials can consider 2021 a success in the effort to combat the threat of aquatic invaders and chronic wasting disease, and will look to stay on a similar course in the year ahead.

Legals for January, 7 2022

Outages due to transmission line work

Work on a transmission line caused a series of short power outages in the Libby area during the Christmas holiday, officials with Flathead Electric Cooperative said.

2 men rescued in Oregon after writing 'SOS' in the snow

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Two 19-year-old men who went winter camping were rescued near Eugene, Oregon, by the U.S. Coast Guard after signaling for help by writing an "SOS" sign in the snow.

Intruder brought up on drug charges

A woman arrested after local law enforcement officers caught her intruding inside a Pioneer Road house in August pleaded not guilty to drug charges in Lincoln County District Court earlier this month.

Former billionaire suing Montana over forced bankruptcy

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A former billionaire has filed a lawsuit against Montana's Department of Revenue seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages along with attorneys fees after a federal judge ruled the state wrongfully tried to force him into bankruptcy to collect taxes the state said he owed.

Propane leak leads to explosion, fire killing Montana man

WOLF POINT, Mont. (AP) — A propane tank leak in an outbuilding at a northwestern Montana farm led to an explosion and fire that killed a 34-year-old Wolf Point man, Roosevelt County officials said.

Nebraska seeking judgment against Oath Keepers militia group

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is seeking to collect a $9,300 judgment from the Oath Keepers militia group for not providing workers' compensation for its only employee in the state.

Judge blocks COVID vaccine mandate for Head Start program

MONROE, La. (AP) — President Joe Biden cannot require teachers in the Head Start early education program to be vaccinated against COVID-19, a Louisiana federal judge ruled Saturday, handing a victory to 24 states that had sued the federal government.

Wilkes pleads not guilty to new charges

A local man arrested after detectives broke up a drug ring over the summer has pleaded not guilty to new charges in Lincoln County District Court.

Leichty sentenced on intent to distribute charge

A man who admitted to bringing drugs into Libby by train last summer was given over to the care of the state Department of Corrections for three years on Dec. 27.

Constance L. Barfield, 79

Constance L. “Connie” Barfield, 79, died Dec. 27, 2021, at her home in Libby of natural causes. She was born Oct. 14, 1942, in St. Paul, Minn., to William and Jean Hannah.

Spend Jan. 6, 2022 acting in defense of democracy

Almost one year ago, on Jan. 6, 2021, our beloved country suffered an unprecedented attack by the forces of darkness: not from foreign terrorists, but from an angry, hateful mob of domestic insurrectionists hell bent on destroying democracy by stopping Congress from certifying the 2020 election of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States of America.

A Year in Review, Part 3

Join The Western News in taking a look back at the biggest stories of 2021, a year that won’t soon be forgotten.

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:

Only the states can tackle this disastrous spending problem

In August of 2020, we wrote an opinion opposing modern monetary theory (or MMT, the “too good to be true” idea that the federal government can spend unlimited amounts of money, regardless of revenue, in order to benefit the country and the economy). We disagreed with MMT on the strongest terms. Since that time, the federal government has added $8.4 trillion dollars to our national debt, which now stands at $29.2 trillion.

Legals for January, 4 2022