Ellington

Kathryn Marie Starks

Kathryn Marie Starks passed away on March 17, 2022, surrounded by her children.

Arthur Robert Friss

Arthur Robert “Bob” Friss, 79, of Libby passed away suddenly on March 18, 2022.

Rail unions turn to arbitration in dispute over BNSF rules

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — BNSF's two largest unions will ask an arbitrator to throw out the railroad's strict new attendance policy instead of appealing a court order preventing them from striking.

Paul E. Munson

Paul E. Munson passed away October 20, 2021.

Idaho House OKs study of 'harmful' material in libraries

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho House Republicans, thwarted in passing a bill to fine and jail librarians for checking out "harmful" material to minors, on Friday passed a resolution to form a group to study the matter.

Ukrainian welders turn donated vehicles into army transport

LVIV, Ukraine (AP) — A strawberry-scented air freshener dangled from the Ukrainian military's latest vehicle to head to war.

Montana health department launches collaboration with faith, community organizations

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has launched a new office to expand its ability to work with faith and community organizations.

Note to our readers: Leadership change at The Western News

Veteran journalist John McLaughlin is taking the helm at The Western News this week with the departure of editor Derrick Perkins for the Daily Inter Lake.

Commissioners cover cost of office overhaul for crisis response team

Commissioners agreed last week to use $2,000 in payment in lieu of taxes funds to cover the refurbishment of office space for the county’s fledgling crisis intervention team.

Isabella Kersting

Isabella Kersting was born to Nicholas and Stephanie Kersting on March 21, 2022.

Doney faces assault charge after allegedly tossing stool at bartender

Authorities charged a local man with assault with a weapon for allegedly hurling barstools at a Libby bartender after being refused service in early February.

Loggers tennis team looks to juniors to provide leadership

Members of the Libby Loggers tennis teams have been practicing for two weeks now as they prep for the 2022 season.

Youthful Lady Trojans softball squad looking to improve on last season

Inexperienced, that’s one way to describe Troy’s Lady Trojans softball squad heading into the 2022 season. While seniors and juniors man key positions in the lineup, these upperclasswomen boast little playing time on the field.

David L. Ripple

David “Dave or Rip” L. Ripple, 69, lost his battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on March 21, 2022, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

FWP reiterates willingness to aid Libby in turkey problem

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials pushed back on an assertion that the state was unwilling to help Libby with its turkey problem earlier this week.

Moderna says its low-dose COVID shots work for kids under 6

Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine works in babies, toddlers and preschoolers, the company announced Wednesday — a development that could pave the way for the littlest kids to be vaccinated by summer if regulators agree.

Legals for March, 29 2022

Landfill to start taking payment via credit card

In an effort to crack down on contractors skipping out on their bills, health department officials have procured a credit card reader for the county landfill in Libby.

Emerett Hubbard

Sam and Shelby Hubbard welcomed a baby boy Feb. 13, 2022, at 4:15 p.m. Emerett Hubbard weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces and was 20-and-a-half inches in length. He was delivered by Dr. Jana Hall.

U.S. to welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing Russian invasion

The U.S. will welcome up to 100,000 people fleeing Russian violence in Ukraine, using a variety of legal pathways to allow them to enter the country, a senior Biden administration official said Thursday.

American weekly jobless claims at lowest level since 1969

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits last week fell to its lowest level in 52 years as the U.S. job market continues to show strength in the midst of rising costs and an ongoing virus pandemic.

FWP to instruct anglers to kill invasive smallmouth bass

After an invasive smallmouth bass was caught in the Gardner River just outside Yellowstone National Park on Feb. 19, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is asking anglers to voluntarily kill the fish. FWP also will propose a rule next month that would require them to be killed and reported.

Joyce Ann Valcore, 91

Joyce Ann Valcore, 91 passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 12, 2022, in Helena.

Simba the lion, wolf safely evacuated from war-torn Ukraine

RADAUTI, Romania (AP) — Simba the lion and a wolf named Akyla have been evacuated from a zoo in war-torn Ukraine and brought to safety in Romania in what an animal rights group involved in the operation says was a four-day mission "full of dangers" further hampered by border entry bureaucracy.

Idaho governor signs abortion ban modeled on Texas law

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho on Wednesday became the first state to enact a law modeled after a Texas statute banning abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy and allowing it to be enforced through lawsuits to avoid constitutional court challenges.

Ukrainian theater's new drama? Making dumplings for soldiers

DROHOBYCH, Ukraine (AP) — The theater was empty. The seats were covered against dust. But it was a moment of drama that Alla Shkondina had prepared for all her life.

Montana high court election changes ruled unconstitutional

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Legislature's proposal to change the way Supreme Court justices are elected in Montana is unconstitutional and cannot appear on the November 2022 ballot, a state judge has ruled.

Montana sheriff's deputy shoots, kills armed suspect

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — A Cascade County sheriff's deputy shot and killed an armed suspect in Great Falls over the weekend, the sheriff's office said.

Sick mine workers allege insurer delaying medical payments

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Attorneys for Montana mine workers sickened and killed by toxic asbestos exposure filed a lawsuit against Zurich American Insurance on Monday for allegedly stalling legal settlements and medical payments after transferring the workers' claims to investors who can profit off the delays.

Troy tennis preps for season ahead

A realignment of Class B tennis teams this year could mean a lot more time on the road for the Troy Trojans.

Libby schools to test for lead in mid-spring

Superintendent Ron Goodman said this week that administrators in Libby plan to begin testing for lead levels in school water by late April or early May.

Gingerlee Yde, 73

Gingerlee Yde, 73, of Helena peacefully passed away March 20, 2022, at home surrounded by family members.

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:

Libby City Council approves new playground equipment at Fireman's Park

The aging playground equipment at Fireman’s Park is getting an upgrade.

Legals for March, 25 2022

County leases JC Clubhouse to Libby Food Pantry

Despite passing on the former JC Clubhouse once already, the Libby Food Pantry will move into the Pioneer Park building as time runs out on the nonprofit’s effort to find a new home.

'No city anymore': Mariupol survivors take train to safety

LVIV, Ukraine (AP) — The heat on the train was as thick as the anxiety. Ukrainian survivors of one of the most brutal sieges in modern history were in the final minutes of their ride to relative safety.

Senators want to know impact of national park attendance

BAR HARBOR, Maine (AP) — Senators from Maine and Montana want the Biden administration to clarify the impact of more people visiting the country's national parks.

Washington governor: Idahoans can undergo abortions in his state if Idaho restricts it

BOISE, Idaho — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday said his state will protect Idaho residents' access to abortion procedures as he signed a bill solidifying some health care workers' ability to perform abortions and forbidding Texas-style punishment for providers.

'What am I going to do?' A Chicago-area woman traveled near the Ukraine border to help her parents escape

CHICAGO — As Russian troops and bombs descended on Ukraine, the daughter frantically booked a flight from Chicago to Warsaw, Poland, to help her parents fleeing their home in Kyiv.

Lawmakers to be polled on special session to investigate Montana elections

The Montana Secretary of State will poll state legislators over the next month on whether they want to convene a special session to investigate the state’s elections systems.

Idaho House approves bill to prevent vaccine discrimination

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Legislation preventing most private and public entities in Idaho from discriminating against people who haven't received the coronavirus vaccine headed to the governor's desk on Friday.

U.S. to send Army contingent to Bulgaria as part of NATO battle group

SOFIA, Bulgaria (TNS) — Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said the United States would send a contingent of troops to the country to strengthen NATO's eastern flank amid the war in Ukraine.

4 US Marines die in NATO drill when Osprey crashes in Norway

HELSINKI (AP) — Four U.S. Marines were killed when their Osprey aircraft crashed in a Norwegian town in the Arctic Circle during a NATO exercise unrelated to Russia's war in Ukraine, authorities said Saturday.

Glacier Park plows get to work

The annual plowing of Glacier National Park’s roads is set to start this week.

Judge: Montana can't enforce ban on mandating vaccines

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana cannot enforce a state law that prevents most health care facilities from mandating vaccines while an interim federal rule is in place requiring millions of health care workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, a federal judge ruled Friday.

Settlement sets better treatment for mentally ill inmates

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana State Prison will no longer be allowed to punish inmates with severe mental illnesses for behavior caused by their illnesses by putting them in solitary confinement or setting unreasonable behavioral expectations, under a settlement to a federal lawsuit announced this week.

John William Thurmond, 83

John William Thurmond, 83, passed away March 15, 2022, at the Libby Care Center with family and friends gathered around him. He was born on June 5, 1939, to Cecil William and Mae Rose Thurmond in East St. Louis, Ill. He was saved at Faith Baptist Church in Godfry, Ill.

Wilkes earns deferred sentence

A local man accused of aiding a pair of out-of-town drug dealers last summer and allegedly caught with methamphetamine while on pretrial supervision in December has earned a four-year deferred sentence.

Neighbors unload on gravel pit project

Concerns about water rights, air quality and property values – interspersed with insults, catcalls and implied threats – dominated a March 15 public meeting on a proposed gravel pit along Farm to Market Road.

Recent data spell trouble for Koocanusa fish

If recent data from peamouth chub and other fish hold valid insight — and at least, biologists in Montana believe they do — selenium levels at Lake Koocanusa reach as high as 250 percent of what’s allowed in Montana waters.

Online permitting and inspection system approved for health department

Commissioners approved the purchase of a roughly $43,000 online inspection and permitting system for the county health department on March 9.

Legals for March, 22 2022

Senate approves bill to make daylight saving time permanent

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate unanimously approved a measure Tuesday that would make daylight saving time permanent across the United States next year.

Montana not interested in 30 by 30 initiative, says governor

Gov. Greg Gianforte registered his opposition to President Joe Biden’s plan to conserve 30% of the nation’s lands and waters by 2030 in a March 7 letter to the Interior Department that questioned the level of detail available in the plan and asserted that the federal government lacks jurisdiction and funding to execute the proposal.

Foreign fighters in Ukraine await weapons in chaos of war

LVIV, Ukraine (AP) — They are idealists who abandoned their jobs for the battlefields of Ukraine, looking for a cause or simply to fight.

Psychiatric hospital gets more time to correct deficiencies

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's state psychiatric hospital has more time to correct deficiencies that have resulted in patient deaths, the Montana State News Bureau reports.

Senate votes to overturn mask mandate on airplanes, transit

WASHINGTON — The Senate Tuesday voted 57-40 to overturn a federal requirement that passengers on U.S. airplanes and other modes of public transportation wear masks.

Nembhard orchestrates Gonzaga's run to No. 1 NCAA seed

Gonzaga has two of college basketball's best big men and a roster loaded with talented players.

Gonzaga relishes presence of other mid-majors in NCAAs

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — While Gonzaga is the king of the mid-majors come tournament time, the Bulldogs are happy to spread some of that attention around.

Groups sue for records in Montana mine pollution case

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Conservation groups are suing Gov. Greg Gianforte's administration to obtain records related to its decision to drop legal claims against a mining executive over decades of pollution from several mines.

Long waits for Montana State Hospital leave psychiatric patients in jail

A woman experiencing delusions sat in Montana's Cascade County jail for 125 days while waiting for a bed at the state psychiatric hospital. A man with schizophrenia spent 100 days last year in the Flathead County jail on the hospital's waitlist, at times refusing food and water. A man complaining of voices in his head was jailed for 19 months awaiting a mental health evaluation.

Troy track and field team hits the ground running

Troy track and field coaches saw a strong turnout at the team’s first practice last week.

Dionne remains in jail awaiting mental health evaluation

A Polson man arrested in August for posing as a federal marshal using a fake badge remains incarcerated in Libby awaiting a mental health evaluation nearly three months after changing his plea.

William Edward Armour

William "Bill" Edward Armour passed away March 11, 2022, in Libby. He was born Aug. 1, 1938, in Boston to the late William Charles Armour and Alice Wanita Faulkner. After graduation from Culver City High School in California, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed a tour in Korea.

Near Ukraine's border with Poland, a fighting village mourns

STARYCHI, Ukraine (AP) — The mourning began with a pair of caskets, one open, one shut.

'Why? Why? Why?' Ukraine's Mariupol descends into despair

MARIUPOL, Ukraine (AP) — The bodies of the children all lie here, dumped into this narrow trench hastily dug into the frozen earth of Mariupol to the constant drumbeat of shelling.

Columbia Falls man charged in Kalispell shooting

A Columbia Falls man has been arrested in connection with an alleged shooting that injured one man in Kalispell over the weekend.

Stephen H. Dalby, 81

On Jan. 12, 2022, exactly six months before his 82nd birthday, Stephen H. Dalby reached out and touched the hand of his loving savior after a three-month hospitalization and complications from bypass surgery. He was with the love of his life, Patti.

City councilors turn attention back to turkeys

When City Councilor Gary Beach broached the idea of contacting state officials to discuss getting a handle on Libby’s wild turkey population on March 7, colleague Hugh Taylor wished him luck.

Flu season back, local health officials say

Flu cases are popping up in Lincoln County, though local health officials believe that many are going unreported.

Norene Coleman

Norene Coleman passed away Feb. 25, 2022, at the age of 79 in Sandpoint, Idaho. She was born Nov. 25, 1942, in Sandpoint to Ben and Nina Hull. She was the youngest of nine children.

Purkhiser picks up 18 additional counts of tampering

Prosecutors filed a slew of new charges last month against a man accused of felony partner or family member assault, saying he has continued to contact witnesses in his case from the county jail.

Familiar names vie for Libby county commissioner seat

Libby area Republicans will pick between two men with plenty of previous experience as local elected officials to serve as their next representative to the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.

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:

Legals for March, 18 2022

Judge hears arguments in challenges over new election laws

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Four laws the Republican majority in the 2021 Montana Legislature said they passed to make elections more secure actually enacted barriers that make it more difficult for some residents to exercise their constitutional right to vote, attorneys argued Thursday in seeking to block and eventually overturn the laws.

Hartsock faces new charges in district court

A Libby man arrested last year for allegedly dealing drugs is now accused of strangling his girlfriend and breaking her phone to keep her from contacting authorities.

Medina, Rivera plead not guilty to charges stemming from alleged border crossing

Two Seattle residents involved in an attempted illegal border crossing in Lincoln County earlier this year have pleaded not guilty to multiple charges in U.S. District Court.

Revocation sought after Bock allegedly caught with firearm

Authorities are seeking the revocation of a Eureka man’s partially suspended sentence after probation and parole officers found a firearm in his home earlier this year.

Air quality district burn permits available online this year

Residents of the Libby Air Quality Control District can apply for burn permits online beginning this year.

Wild pig reports on the rise in Montana

Feral swine appear to be rooting up in Montana — and invasive species officials say they will be ramping up Big Sky’s “Squeal on Pigs!” campaign in the Flathead Valley and surrounding area.

National Democrats funding Montana Native vote coordinator

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Democratic Party is hiring someone to work with tribes to help engage Native American voters, party executive director Sheila Hogan said.

Montana State gets first NCAA Tournament trip since '96

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Xavier Bishop scored 19 points to help Montana State advance to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 26 years as the Bobcats routed Northern Colorado 87-66 in the Big Sky Conference tournament championship game on Saturday night.

Jeannette Magdaline Maki

Jeannette Magdaline Maki was born in Libby on Oct. 22, 1940, and passed away Feb. 21, 2022.

Bill would help National Guard, Reserve members get benefits

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire is part of a group of lawmakers that introduced a bipartisan bill to help National Guard and Reserve members receive their benefits upon retirement or completion of service.

More U.S. troops deploy overseas in wake of Ukraine invasion

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — U.S. soldiers continued to deploy Friday to Europe, joining thousands already sent overseas to support NATO allies amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

McNew asks city council to look at playground equipment

City Councilor Zach McNew laid out early plans to take a look at playground equipment citywide on March 7.

Pregnant woman, baby die after Russia bombed maternity ward

MARIUPOL, Ukraine (AP) — A pregnant woman and her baby have died after Russia bombed the maternity hospital where she was meant to give birth, The Associated Press has learned. Images of the woman being rushed to an ambulance on a stretcher had circled the world, epitomizing the horror of an attack on humanity's most innocent.

Zelenskyy to deliver virtual address to US Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will deliver a virtual address to the U.S. Congress as the Russian war on his country intensifies.

Average U.S. gas price rises 22 percent in two weeks to record $4.43

CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) — The average U.S. price of regular-grade gasoline shot up a whopping 79 cents over the past two weeks to a record-setting $4.43 per gallon (3.8 liters) as Russia's invasion of Ukraine is contributing to already-high prices at the pump.

Zada Grace Lines

Zada Grace Lines was born to Lily Depue and James Lines on Jan. 16, 2022, at Family Birth Services Birthing Suite. She weighed 9 pounds and was 21 inches in length. She joined her older sister Paisley. She was delivered by Joyce Vogel, midwife

Sienna Marie Jessop

Sienna Marie Jessop was born Feb. 5, 2022, at Family Birth Services Birthing Suite. She weighed 7 pounds and was 20 inches in length. Her parents are Jennifer and Jared Jessop. She was delivered by Joyce Vogel, licensed midwife.

Police: Ammon Bundy arrested in trespassing case

MERIDIAN, Idaho (AP) — Far-right activist Ammon Bundy, who's running for governor in Idaho, has been arrested after refusing to leave a hospital in connection with a child-welfare case, police said Saturday.

Idaho leaders don't act on McGeachin legal fee request

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Legislature's budget-setting committee on Friday decided not to act on a request by Republican Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin for extra money to pay a private attorney she hired in a public records dispute.

Legals for March, 15 2022

Jehovah's Witnesses flee Russia for worship without fear

Over the past five years, hundreds of Jehovah's Witnesses have been subjected to raids, arrests and prosecution in Russia. Many others have fled – including one couple, Dmitrii and Nellia Antsybor, who flew to Mexico last year, walked across the U.S. border to seek asylum, and now hope to build a new life for themselves in Washington state.

Ukrainian embassy draws US citizens seeking to fight in war

WASHINGTON (AP) — Russia's invasion of Ukraine has given the smaller nation's embassy in Washington an unexpected role: recruitment center for Americans who want to join the fight.

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:

Proud Boys leader charged with conspiracy in Capitol riot

WASHINGTON (AP) — A leader of the far-right Proud Boys extremist group was arrested Tuesday on a conspiracy charge for his suspected role in a coordinated attack on the U.S. Capitol to stop Congress from certifying Democrat Joe Biden's 2020 electoral victory.

Montana man convicted of killing man trying to prevent DUI

CHOTEAU, Mont. (AP) — A Montana man has been convicted of deliberate homicide for killing a man who tried to prevent him from driving while intoxicated after a party at the victim's house in May 2021.

At 91, siege of Leningrad survivor is besieged by war again

KHARKIV, Ukraine (AP) — Alevtina Shernina was a young girl when she survived the brutal siege of Leningrad during World War II. Eight decades later, so frail she can barely talk, or move unassisted, she is besieged again.

What the parental rights movement wants

When Jenn Schneider and her husband, Chris, withdrew their two elementary-age boys from the Billings school system last fall, the decision was heartbreaking.

Whitefish man sent to prison for fraud scheme

A Whitefish man who admitted to defrauding wealthy Whitefish businessman Michael Goguen out of millions of dollars was sentenced to six years in prison on Friday.

Kalispell man gets 100 years for killing wife

Family and friends of Amanda Hillious exhaled with relief Tuesday afternoon as her convicted killer and husband was handed the maximum sentence for deliberate homicide.

Libby asks commissioners to pursue 3 percent tax on recreational cannabis

Libby city councilors this week formally petitioned the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to pursue an additional 3 percent local tax on recreational marijuana sales.

Ukrainian family fleeing invasion turned away at border in San Diego

SAN DIEGO — U.S. border officials in San Diego on Wednesday turned away a Ukrainian family that was trying to seek asylum from the Russian invasion.

New app stores Montana hunting, fishing licenses

Montana has launched a new mobile app from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks that allows Montanans to access their hunting and fishing licenses with their phone — reducing the need to secure and carry around paperwork while they fish and hunt.

Judges redraw district maps for utility regulator board

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A trio of federal judges adopted a new map Tuesday under which Montana will elect members of the Public Service Commission this year, unless the Montana Legislature acts to update the map used to elect the five-member board to regulate monopoly utilities.

Cattle ranchers don't want Montana wolves moved to Colorado

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — The Montana Stockgrowers Association has asked its state wildlife agency to reject any requests to capture wolves in Montana to be transplanted in Colorado, after voters there narrowly passed a wolf reintroduction plan.

For local Scouts, it was off to the races last weekend

Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, brother and sisters, and — of course — competitors all gathered together in Libby on March 6 for a day at the races.

County to consolidate polling locations

Lincoln County’s seven polling locations will soon be consolidated into three central hubs in the region’s major municipalities.

Legals for March, 11 2022

Fort Knox soldiers deploying to Europe to bolster U.S. allies

FORT KNOX, Ky. (AP) — About 300 soldiers from Fort Knox's Victory Corps are being deployed to Germany and Poland to boster U.S. Army forces in Europe.

Revocation sought for deferred sentence

Prosecutors are seeking the revocation of a Troy man’s suspended drug possession sentence after multiple violations, including fleeing after an alleged assault and keeping a firearm.

Gas tops $4 per gallon average, 1st time since 2008

NEW YORK (AP) — The price of regular gasoline broke $4 per gallon (3.8 liters) on average across the U.S. on Sunday for the first time since 2008.

Rural Idaho town part of trend: Conservatives seeking space

SANDPOINT, Idaho (AP) — Linda Navarre moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, from Cleveland in 1978, when the town consisted of people in the timber industry and hippies "and they all got along."

War silenced violin for refugee as 1.7M have fled Ukraine

ZAHONY, Hungary (AP) — The violin was so beloved by Myroslava Sherbina it was the one item she took as she fled Ukraine, along with the clothes she wore. But the instrument has remained silent since the start of Russia's invasion of her country.

Montana recreational marijuana sales increase in February

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The sale of recreational marijuana in Montana increased slightly in February while medical marijuana sales declined compared to January's numbers, according to the state Department of Revenue.

College mulls renaming building after pro-Hitler comments

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Officials at Montana State University-Billings will consider removing the name of the college's first president from its administrative building after discovering quotes from more than 85 years ago in which he supported Adolf Hitler's sterilization plan to improve the genetics of the human race, the university said Thursday.

Fewer than 100 Montana residents hospitalized with COVID-19

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Fewer than 100 Montana residents were hospitalized with COVID-19 late this week for the first time in more than seven months, the state health department said.

Man sentenced to 100 years in grandson's beating death

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — A Montana man was sentenced Friday to 100 years in prison for his role in the beating death of his 12-year-old grandson in February 2020.

Nebraska-born mountain lion killed in Montana

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A mountain lion that was born in Nebraska has been killed in Montana, a first for both states.

Arizona firm offers 1M donated bullets to Ukrainian military

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — An Arizona-based ammunition company is offering to donate 1 million bullets to Ukraine's military amid Russia's invasion of its European neighbor.

Russian war in world's 'breadbasket' threatens food supply

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The Russian tanks and missiles besieging Ukraine also are threatening the food supply and livelihoods of people in Europe, Africa and Asia who rely on the vast, fertile farmlands of the Black Sea region — known as the "breadbasket of the world."

Stand up for our county election officials

Thank you — two little words that convey so much. We want to say thank you to each and every one of Montana’s 56 county clerk and recorders, and their dedicated staff.

Montana's education system needs an upgrade

A decade of carrying innovative education legislation resulted in my selection to the National Council of State Legislature’s International Education Study Group, an outfit charged with studying the world’s highest performing education systems.

Permitting system proposed for morel mushrooms

Following last summer’s wildfires, the U.S. Forest Service is seeking public comment on a proposed morel mushroom permit system for 2022.

Health advisory issued for municipal water in Libby

Health officials placed a health advisory on Libby’s water supply after an increase in turbidity late last week.

Judith Lynn Prosise, 63

Judith Lynn Prosise, 63, of Libby was born in Loudoun County, Va., in December 1958. She returned home to be with family and friends who had gone before her on Jan. 16, 2022, in Kalispell.

Joseph B. Dodd, 41

Joseph “Joe” B. Dodd, 41, passed away unexpectedly from sudden cardiac arrest Feb. 13, 2022, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby. He was born on Feb. 28, 1980, in Seattle.

Kenni Ann Schauer

Kenni Ann Schauer was born July 23, 1943, and passed away from esophageal cancer March 1, 2022. Kenni Ann was born in Marianna, Fla., to Kenneth and Alice Trow.

Betty Ann Park, 72

Betty Ann Park, 72, of Libby passed away at Logan Health Center in Kalispell, surrounded by her husband and children. She was born February 20, 1950 in Orlando, Fla., to Jack C. and Alma M. (Baker) Culver.

Eureka swaps out health board rep

Eureka Town Council added a fresh face to the Lincoln County Health Board last month, likely realigning the panel’s outlook on the pandemic and public health in the process.

Fettig pleads guilty to driving under the influence charge

A Libby man who paused to take a swig of alcohol while talking to police officers at the scene of a December vehicle wreck has pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol, fourth or subsequent offense.

Dangerous levels of lead found in the water of about half the schools tested in Montana

About half of Montana schools that had tested their water by mid-February under a new state rule had high levels of lead, according to state data. But the full picture isn’t clear because less than half of the state’s school buildings had provided water samples six weeks after the deadline.

Alabama man first convicted of seditious conspiracy in riot

An Alabama man affiliated with the far-right Oath Keepers militia group pleaded guilty Wednesday to seditious conspiracy for his actions leading up and through the Jan. 6 riot, marking the first person involved in the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol to be convicted of the rarely used charge.

Megadrought highlights need for water conservation

The American West is in a megadrought — the worst drought in more than 1,200 years. Droughts occur naturally, but scientists have determined that 42 percent of this drought’s severity is attributable to higher temperatures caused by greenhouse gases.

Voter identification laws disproportionally affect Native Americans

In Montana, Native Americans make up 7 percent of the population and play decisive roles in elections. With the geographical size of the state, the seven Montana reservations are often distant from registration sites and polling boxes.

Republicans tout freedom while chipping away at rights

When Montana Republicans tell you they are fighting for your rights and freedoms, they’re speaking out of both sides of their mouths. While presenting themselves as champions of our rights and liberty, they have been hard at work chipping away at the very rights they pretend to hold so dear.

Anti-competitive tactics in the meat packing industry hurt Montana ranchers

In Montana, cattle outnumber people by nearly three to one, so it’s no wonder that Montana beef plays such a large role in our rich legacy of agriculture and our economy.

Legals for March, 8 2022

Legals for March, 8 2022

Alaska lawmakers urge divestment from Russian companies

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Democrats in the Alaska Senate have asked leaders of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. to divest assets from any Russian government or Russia state-owned institutions amid Russia's war against Ukraine.

Montana identifies $15M in assets with exposure to Russia

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's governor asked state agencies on Wednesday to review assets and operations for any that may benefit the Russian government or its war against Ukraine and to suggest ways to divest them.

'Very hectic': US troops rush to Europe amid war in Ukraine

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — They had barely a week to prepare — getting medical screenings, making sure bills would be paid, arranging for relatives to care for children and pets — before marching with rucksacks and rifles onto a plane bound for Germany.

Loggers postseason dreams dashed

The Libby Loggers postseason drive ended with a pair of losses in the Western A Divisional Tournament in Hamilton on Feb. 24-26.

With losses to Thompson Falls and Mission, Troy's basketball season ends

The 2021-22 basketball season is over for the Troy Trojans.

Connie Jean Leckrone

Connie Jean Leckrone passed away peacefully Feb. 25, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with dementia.

Marcie E. Burch, 72

Marcie E. Burch, 72, died Monday, Feb. 21, 2021, at her home in Libby of natural causes. She was born on March 6, 1949, at Blounstown, Fla., the daughter of Ben and Pearl Hudson.

Wildlife officials survey for snapping turtles, bullfrogs

State invasive species specialists will take a second official look-see this summer for nonnative snapping turtles and other herptiles in the Flathead.

Zonolite bags removed from U.S. Highway 2 home

Officials with the Asbestos Resource Program successfully removed two bags of Zonolite insulation found in the attic of a U.S. Highway 2 home in recent weeks.

Sherrill Leigh White, 79

Sherrill Leigh White of Libby passed away Jan. 24, 2022, at age 79. She was born to E.J. (Bibs) and Edythe L. Olson on Oct. 8, 1942, in Fargo, N.D.

Ellis changes plea, faces 10 years behind bars

A Eureka man caught on an audio recording trying to badger an underage relative into having sex with him is poised to spend the next decade behind bars.

Zoning commission weighs in on retail cannabis rules

The Libby Zoning Commission took its first crack at the municipality’s draft recreational cannabis ordinance Feb. 28.

Purkhiser arrested after alleged partner assault

A man with a history of abuse who moved to the Libby area for a Facebook romance faces multiple felony charges after allegedly attacking his then-girlfriend in January.

When I Was A Kid: Lessons learned in childhood play

Do kids play anymore?

Ukrainian athletes join military after Russian invasion

Less than two weeks ago, Dmytro Pidruchnyi was competing at the Winter Olympics in Ukraine's national colors. Now he's wearing a military uniform and ballistic helmet.

Montana will receive $80M in J&J opioid settlement

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana will receive $80 million as its share of a nationwide settlement with drugmaker Johnson & Johnson and three major drug distributors over their role in the opioid crisis, Attorney General Austin Knudsen said Friday.

Wastewater treatment plant upgrade going out to bid

Libby officials are poised to put a long awaited upgrade to the city’s water treatment facility out to bid.

Jan. 6 committee says Trump 'may have engaged in criminal acts' to overturn election

WASHINGTON — The House Jan. 6 select committee says former President Trump and his campaign may have tried to illegally obstruct Congress' counting of electoral votes and "engaged in a criminal conspiracy to defraud the United States."

Idaho lawmakers seek to end investments in Russia

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Lawmakers on Wednesday voted to introduce legislation seeking to dump investments in Russia following that nation's invasion of Ukraine.

Legals for March, 4 2022

Ukraine, Russia envoys talk under shadow of nuclear threat

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian and Ukrainian officials met for talks Monday amid high hopes but low expectations for any diplomatic breakthrough, after Moscow ran into unexpectedly stiff resistance when it unleashed the biggest land war in Europe since World War II.

Waiting, fearing, singing: A night sheltering in Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — When the children start crying, the adults start playing Ukrainian folk songs, or make up fairy tales to chase away the fear. Food and water are sometimes scarce. Everyone hopes for peace.

Bungled burglary ends in felony charges

A local man faces felony charges after allegedly stealing cash, marijuana and pipes from a Trego garage in January.

Health officials select engineering firm for landfill project

Officials have selected Great West Engineering, which boasts experience in Lincoln County, to lay the groundwork for the planned Libby landfill expansion.

Meldon Peterson

Meldon “Butch” Peterson was born in Lewistown on Dec. 6, 1942, graduated from Libby High School and received his master’s degree from Montana State University. He died Feb. 15, 2022.

With fundraiser, KPFL on its way to paying for expansion

Volunteers with Kootenai Pets for Life raised roughly $15,000 in a one-day fundraiser hosted on social media last week, but still lack the official OK on plans for an expansion from Libby City Council.

Commissioners issue new letter panning selenium standards

County commissioners put the finishing touches on a letter opposing the state Department of Environmental Quality’s new selenium standards for Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River on Feb. 23.

YVFC director immediately shows ignorance of the Yaak

“Amy Pearson is the right person at the right time in the Yaak.” So said the infamous Rick Bass (who hasn’t lived in the Yaak in years) in an article on the front page of The Western News on Feb. 18 announcing the arrival of Amy Pearson as director of the Yaak Valley Forest Council.

Selenium standard ignores bevy of unanswered questions

We have listened intently for over a year as state regulators imposed a new, very stringent site-specific water quality standard for selenium in Lake Koocanusa, while reassuring those who live here that this unusual action is both scientifically justified and in our best interests.

Downing raises alarm on cybersecurity

The state commissioner of securities and insurance last week warned business owners to prepare for cyberattacks in the wake of sanctions levied on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Montana lawmakers react to invasion of Ukraine

Montana U.S. Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines each condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine Thursday morning.

CDC eases guidelines for mask wearing

ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a new strategy on mask wearing Friday that will allow most people to ditch masks in most indoor settings, including classrooms.

Montana man pleads guilty to his role in US Capitol breach

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Montana man and former U.S. Marine has reached a plea agreement on a federal misdemeanor charge for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol as Congress was counting the Electoral College votes from the November 2020 presidential election.

Teck opens third B.C. water treatment plant

British Columbia-based Teck Resources Ltd. announced Friday that a third water treatment plant is operational for the coal giant to treat selenium in the upper Fording River of Canada.

Avalanche warning issued; rivers expected to rise

Heavy, blowing snow and rain prompted a backcountry avalanche warning Monday for mountain ranges across Northwest Montana.

Judge rules against Montana law limiting abortion providers

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Montana law that prevented advanced practice registered nurses from performing some early abortion procedures is unconstitutional, a state judge ruled Friday.