Friday, July 29
Libby man sentenced in Xbox assault case
John Travis Byrd, 45, received a 5-year suspended sentence from Judge Matt Cuffe.
Joe Collogan
Joe Collogan
Gerald Stratton
Gerald Stratton
Sheriff's Office blotter
A man came into the lobby to report his ex-girlfriend making derogatory statements about him.
Montana man sentenced for deer poaching, wasting meat
Sentence includes fines, restitution and loss of hunting privileges.
Kootenai RC Flyers Fun Day
The Kootenai RC Flyers held a fun fly day on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at the Kootenai RC Flying Field on Champion Haul Road. The event is intended to show people who may be interested in the sport how the planes operate. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Kootenai RC Flyers share knowledge with youth
Ron Anderson of Libby, right, and Isaiah Purdom, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, peer into the sky Saturday.
WildEarth Guardians calls for major shift in national wildfire policy
Emphasis must be on protecting homes and communities, not more logging and road building across National Forest System lands.
Lincoln Resource Committee seeks forest enhancement proposals
Funding available for RAC projects this year is $468,546.83.
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
Trump had wanted to walk to the Capitol with the crowd that became rioters, but according to testimony from an unnamed official, played at the hearing, there was awareness that Trump’s presence would immediately turn the event into an insurrection and a coup.
The lure and dangers of fascism
In my classroom, in my community, in the towns of Lincoln and Flathead counties his message haunts me to this day.
Grant applications due for Lincoln County Community Foundation
The Lincoln County Community Foundation has been granting awards to non-profits in Lincoln County for the past 22 years.
Walter Charles Caccavate
Walter Charles Caccavate
Lincoln County Commissioners OK preliminary budget
At a meeting earlier this month, a $11.2 million budget was passed.
Canadian Corvette cruise comes to Libby
A Canadian group crossed the border at drove down the east side of Glacier National Park.
Ray M. Hammons
Ray M. Hammons
Daniel Ray Snyder
Daniel Ray Snyder
Troy man helps save teens from fiery wreck
Lawson said he was traveling down the highway with his family after a visit to Whitefish when he came upon the accident July 10.
Cabinet View Women's Golf League results
Dee Wright won in A Flight and Donna Havens won B Flight.
Robert B. “Bob” Green Sr.
Robert B. “Bob” Green Sr.
New requirements for Montana trappers
Beginning in 2022, to purchase a Montana resident Class C trapping license, residents must complete a Montana trapper education course or have purchased a trapping license in at least three prior years (in Montana or another state).
Man accused of meth possession after Fortine traffic stop
Jasper Marten Howell, 45, pleaded not guilty Monday in District Court to felony possession of dangerous drugs.
Repeat drug offender headed to prison
Eatwell asked for a recommendation and received one from Judge Matt Cuffe to be placed in the Veteran Reentry Program in Great Falls.
Legals for July, 29 2022
Tuesday, July 26
Betty “Joy” Skogas
Betty “Joy” Skogas
Response to Lincoln County commissioners’ opinion on the Proposed Black Ram Timber Sale
The heart of the project is located on the Canadian border far from human habitation.
Kootenai River Stampede kicks off this weekend
To complement the fast paced traditional rodeo action will be the return of the much anticipated Alberta Miniature Chuck Wagon racers.
Jean Hall
Jean Hall
Marcia Irene Jacky
Marcia Irene Jacky
Forest officials ready to proceed with South Yaak Fire salvage
The South Yaak Fire was detected on July 13, 2021, on the Three Rivers Ranger District. It burned 12,489 acres on private and National Forest land north of Troy.
Loggers go out swinging at Western A tourney
Post 97, seeded seventh, finished fourth in the eight-team tournament.
Allan Romaine Hodges
Allan Romaine Hodges
Patricia Alys (Busby) Warrington
Patricia Alys (Busby) Warrington
Off the couch and into the outdoors for program participants
According to Bill Moe, a Libby Schools social studies teacher who helps run the program, about 60 local kids were involved.
Outdoors groups call for Rosendale to remove his name from RETURN Act
On July 18, more than a dozen groups signed onto a letter asking Montana’s sole member of Congress to discontinue his sponsorship of the controversial piece of legislation.
Western Montana man accused of setting fires on Lolo NF
Jeremy J. Hennick, 51, appeared in U.S. District Court in Missoula on July 8.
Drake duo will be at Kootenai RC Racers Hot August Showdown
The Hot August Showdown, in its 10th year, continues to be one of the longest-running RC dirt track races in Montana.
Libby man accused of stalking store employee will go on trial
Keith Archer Carlson, 76, is facing one felony count of stalking. He was arrested on March 25, 2022, after numerous incidents that allegedly began in the summer of 2021.
Lincoln County man accused of DUI after U.S. 2 crash
Joshua Miller, 35, is charged with two felonies, including driving under the influence, fourth offense.
Legals for July, 26 2022
Friday, July 22
Kootenai Highland Gathering
Great food, great bagpipers and great competition were highlights of the 10th Annual Kootenai Highland Gathering.
Montana’s Blackfeet Tribe to use dogs to sniff out CWD
Typically, Indigenous people use the brains of animals they hunt to tan the hides. But Kenneth Cook has switched to pig brains for all his tanning, in part because of chronic wasting disease, which afflicts deer, elk, and moose.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife takes over grizzly bear relocations
New Montana law prohibits state wildlife agency from relocating grizzly bears in certain areas.
James W. “Jim” Smart
James W. “Jim” Smart
Wildlife officials answer rumors of eliminating deer
Part of the plan to reduce deer densities is through hunting.
State, local officials continue efforts to slow spread of CWD
While local and regional wildlife management officials are generally pleased with slowing the spread of CWD in Libby and northwest Montana, there are no plans to retreat on how they deal with the affliction.
Cabinet Peaks Emergency Department welcomes Johnson
Johnson joins the CPMC team after gaining experience across the U.S.
Jury finds man guilty of witness tampering; hung on assault charge
A jury found Walter Jason Purkhiser, 42, guilty of felony witness tampering on Saturday, June 16 in Lincoln County District Court. But the group of eight women and four men deadlocked on one felony count of partner or family member assault, third offense.
Libby Volunteer Fire Department training
Libby Volunteer Fire Department members participated in a water fight at the high school on July 14
Support for the Black Ram Project
The evacuations and the cost of placing fire-fighting resources at homes remind us that impacts from wildfire are real. Evacuees experienced fear, anxiety and a variety of health issues.
Troy Farmer's Market
Held at the Troy Museum, the market is open every Friday.
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact.
Samuel David Strand
Samuel David Strand
Legals for July, 22 2022
Tuesday, July 19
Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild honors local veteran
Rockstad is a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and served at Pearl Harbor during World War II.
It’s the pits: Lincoln County residents frustrated at new opencut mining law
Law passed in 2021 eliminated many regulations for gravel, sand operations; bill’s sponsor said it wasn’t meant for residential areas.
Lincoln County Junior Fair Parade
The Lincoln County Junior Fair parade was well attended Friday morning in Libby.
Senior Night celebration: Loggers triumph in regular season finale
Tripp Zhang was one of five seniors, including Caden Williams, Landon Haddock, Aydan Williamson and Brett Osborne, who were honored between the doubleheader.
Thompson SAR shares water safety information
At last Thursday’s David Thompson Search and Rescue water safety event at Riverfront Park in Libby, families learned about the reasons for wearing a PFD.
Tugging incident leads to felony charges against Troy man
Garrett Damion Cassidy, 51, pleaded not guilty to assault with a weapon and criminal endangerment.
Birth announcements
Lita Davis
New suicide prevention number available
The nationwide launch of the new 988 number will replace the country’s previous suicide prevention number.
FVCC’s Culinary Institute program deadline is July 29
Applications are only accepted this time of the year for the two-year degree.
Legals for July, 19 2022
Friday, July 15
Fire managers optimistic about current conditions
This year is in direct contrast to 2021 when spring conditions in the county and region were very dry.
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
The fourth Jan. 6 House Committee hearing (June 21) focused on former President Donald Trump’s efforts to pressure election officials to change election results.
Mason James
Mason James
Former Oath Keeper says conversation at Eureka grocery store was the ‘last straw’
Jason Van Tatenhove testified before the U.S. House panel investigating Jan. 6 on Tuesday.
Libby man dies in motorcycle crash on U.S. 2
A 33-year-old Libby man died Wednesday night after suffering injuries in a motorcycle accident in Lincoln County.
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center adds device to help treat lung disease patients
Cabinet Peaks Medicals Center’s Cardiopulmonary Department has purchased an intrapulmonary percussion ventilator.
Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness launches summer hike season
The Friends will be hosting a writing workshop in the Ross Creek Cedars on Sunday, July 17.
Lost Trail Conservation Area joins U.S. Wildlife Refuge system
Conservation easement ensures public access, recreation and sustainable timber harvest will continue on lands in Northwest Montana.
Christopher S. Benefield
Christopher S. Benefield
Libby woman charged with meth possession
Christine Renae Quinn, 52, appeared in Lincoln County District Court on July 11 and pleaded not guilty.
Troy man kills wolves that attacked his goats
The man, who lives with his wife and son, did not want to be identified due to possible harassment from animal advocacy groups. But he did share his story with The Western News.
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center Foundation’s Fundsies tourney raises $22K
Additionally, golfers could be seen using string in place of putting and using multiple mulligans throughout the day.
Legals for July, 15 2022
Tuesday, July 12
Local meetings in the works for elk management
In Northwest Montana, meetings will be held in Libby, Eureka, Kalispell and Thompson Falls. Dates and times have not yet been announced yet for those meetings.
Authorities seek information on missing Libby man
Forty-year-old Randolph William White Jr., aka “Randy,” last spoke to his family in a phone conversation.
Lincoln County hosts first Pride Festival
Pride month, as well as a celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, commemorates the June 1969 police raid of Stonewall Inn in New York, which is credited with sparking the gay rights movement in the U.S.
Robert (Bob) W. Beasley
Robert (Bob) W. Beasley
Lincoln County Detention Center re-opens to visitors
In an email from County Sheriff Darren Short, he wrote that all of the people who had to be quarantined were cleared.
Montana FWP hosting CWD meeting on July 19 in Libby
The public meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 19 in the Ponderosa Room at Libby City Hall.
Troy Baptist Church offers free breakfast, lunch for kids
Breakfast will be offered from 11 a.m.–noon and lunch from 2-3 p.m. Monday through Thursday from July 11 through Aug. 18.
Libby Creek community receives grant for water, sewer work
The intent is for the community to connect to city water.
James K. DeShazer
James K. DeShazer
Jeffrey C. Hodge
Jeffrey C. Hodge
Troy man dies in traffic accident on Montana 56
The vehicle struck a culvert and several roadside fixtures before rolling on to its roof.
Eureka man remains locked up after making several threats
Joseph Daniel Heil, 37, is facing one felony count of intimidation for alleged acts he committed recently.
COVID-19 alters van schedule for veterans
According to Jim Wardensky, a member of the Austin Reedy American Legion Post 97 in Libby who coordinates the transports, the van will only be transporting people on Tuesdays in July.
Troy man wins raffle to support art education and local youth
Being raffled this year was a canvas print, "When the Dust Clears", American Bison, taken by award winning local photographer Donald M. Jones.
Troy man gets prison time for assault of wife and father
Donald Colen Bryant, 54, received a 5-year sentence in the Montana Department of Corrections.
Rosendale puts Montana first
We have a dangerous situation on our Southern border with illegal drugs pouring in every day.
Legals for July, 12 2022
Friday, July 8
Troy log furniture maker will face retrial
Steven Edward Grable, 56, the owner of Montana Custom Log Furniture, was on trial for one felony count of theft on June 15 in the Lincoln County District Court when Judge Matt Cuffe declared a mistrial.
Authorities identify former Libby man who died in Whitefish crash
The motorcycle went off the right side of the road and crashed into some trees about 30 feet off the road.
Some county residents voice displeasure with Pride event
The festival, which was born out of an impromptu gathering in the summer of 2021 to celebrate Pride month, will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday at Riverside Park.
Troy Fourth of July horse riders
Monday morning was a good time for a horse ride before the parade at Troy's Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration.
Isiaha Ray Boyd
Isiaha Ray Boyd
Clinton Taylor Maynard
Clinton Taylor Maynard
FVCC fall semester begins Aug. 29
Fall semester registration is available now and classes begin Aug. 29.
Cabinet View Women's Golf League results
Barb Mee and Dee Wright tied at the last hole for A Flight and Phyll Mackey won B Flight.
Troy Fourth of July photos
Everyone enjoyed a day in the sun on Monday during Troy's Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade.
Legals for July, 8 2022
Thursday, July 7
Eureka man accused of killing father in custody in California
According to a news release from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, it was notified that Joshua Joseph Sauls, 23, the son of the victim John Sauls, was arrested by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office on unrelated charges.
Tuesday, July 5
Polson man gets prison time for posing as law enforcement
Pernell Dionne pleaded guilty plea in December 2021 to to a single count of impersonating a public servant.
Troy High School grad is an American hero
Kris Goyen is a Technical Sgt. in the U.S. Air Force who was recently honored for his actions in the rescue of an American citizen taken hostage.
Birth announcements
Births
Timothy John Erickson
Timothy John Erickson
Assistance available for those seeking bear deterrent fence
Annis says FWP also has a program where people can get a loaner fence for free to try it out.
Elk management advisory group to meet July 7
Anyone interested in offering public comment during the meeting must register on the FWP website by noon on July 6.
County commissioners approve cost of living increase for employees
The motion to approve a 2.5% increase for all county employees, excluding those in union positions, was approved unanimously.
Bear Aware presentation includes live fire demo
But the substance that emitted from the canisters was not the real thing as area folks from the ages of 7 to 70 took turns spraying inert canisters.
Troy Fourth of July parade
Thousands turned out on beautiful Fourth of July on Monday in Troy.
Legals for July, 5 2022
Monday, July 4
Repeat offender pleads guilty to stealing camper
Luke Deloy Hansen, 39, entered his plea on June 20 on a felony theft charge.
Friday, July 1
Libby Schools summer breakfast, lunch program runs to July 28
The Summer Food Service Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will run to July 28.
Libby man dies in motorcycle crash near Whitefish
The motorcycle went off the right side of the road and crashed into some trees about 30 feet off the road.
Lincoln County man causes ruckus in courtroom
Hartman, who is currently serving a 3-year sentence in the Montana State Prison for criminal endangerment, uttered several profanities at District Court Judge Matt Cuffe.
Richard L. Johnson
Richard L. Johnson
Mother looks forward to Pride festival
As a mother of someone in the LGBTQIA community I have a few things to say.
No visitors allowed at Lincoln County jail after COVID-19 outbreak
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received notice of its first confirmed positive case of COVID-19 in the detention center, according to a post on its social media page on June 28.
Caution urged for fireworks users, recreationists during holiday weekend
The outlook for the July 4 holiday weekend is quite a bit different in Lincoln County than it was in 2021.
Christ Raymond Kuntz
Christ Raymond Kuntz
Troy, Libby students receive FSPW scholarships
It gives $250 to a student from each school who writes an outstanding essay about their experience in wilderness.
Troy prepares for annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration
The celebration, more than 100 years old, will include the traditional fireworks display, parade and car show.
