Ellington

Driver injured in vehicle accident on snowy U.S. 2 near Libby

According to Montana Highway Patrol's incident log, several accidents and slideoffs occurred across northwest Montana.

Troy family works to recover from loss of home in fire

Kenneth and Sheryl Hammrich lost their home due to a fire on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Troy welcomes Santa Claus

Christmas carols, a special story, games for kids and an appearance by a jolly Grinch made for a festive evening.

Permit required to salvage vehicle-killed deer, elk and moose

Entire animal must be removed by permit holder

Man with Libby ties pleads guilty to criminal endangerment

Rex Lee Rohan, 53, entered his plea from a correctional facility in Alaska on Nov. 21.

Judith Mae (Nordbye) Foster

Judith Mae (Nordbye) Foster

Libby man accused of attempted sex assault seeks bail reduction

Jason D. Buford, 45, is charged with felony attempted sexual assault, and two misdemeanors, including unlawful restraint and partner or family member assault, second offense.

Special teams scores carry Griz to playoff win

Lucas Johnson threw for 306 yards and two scores as the Grizzlies (8-4) advanced to a road game with No. 3 seed and defending national champion North Dakota State on Saturday.

Upcoming meetings to discuss FWP conservation easements in northwest Montana

All together, the combined easement acreage encompasses approximately 226,300 acres.

Audubon Christmas bird count set for Dec. 17

This effort mobilizes over 72,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,400 locations.

Troy School District commended on safety policies

After an evaluation by an independent party minor improvements were suggested and the school district will soon decide what it will prioritize in the future.

Legals for November, 29 2022

Lincoln Co. Sheriff's Office investigates Saverite West burglary

It was determined that someone had used a key to enter the store and had stolen about $2,000 in cash, receipts and checks.

Knudsen, Tester publicize efforts to curb fentanyl abuse

Knudsen announced Nov. 17 a new partnership with nonprofit Voices for Awareness to bolster education and outreach on fentanyl and counterfeit drugs in the state.

Libby veteran shares story of faith and inspiration

Today, Shelton is in charge of the youth ministry at the Libby Christian Church and he has a life for which he and his family are very thankful for.

Joy A. Scott

Joy A. Scott

FWP northwest Montana citizen advisory committee to meet Nov. 28

At the Nov. 28 meeting, citizen advisors will receive a presentation on the agency’s priorities for the upcoming Legislative session and discuss with local lawmakers who are invited to the meeting.

Time to set aside hyperpartisanship

In a day where partisanship seems inevitable, where party politics demand that we must fight, I’d ask that we reject this belief.

Elk harvest up, deer harvest down in northwest Montana

The counts at the stations represent a sampling of the harvest and do not represent the complete number of animals taken.

Libby, Troy Cub Scouts collect food for local pantries

The Cub Scouts of Pack 4925 in Libby and Troy collected nearly a ton of food for local food pantries on Nov. 12, 2022.

More affordable housing coming to Libby

The plan is for Cabinet Affordable Housing to build a 24-unit housing project targeting households with limited income. They will be located on a 4.1 acre lot on Commerce Way, across from the Flathead Valley Community College.

Victim testifies at man's sentencing for stealing cash and pot

The victim said Fish had watched from outside their home when his wife undressed while getting ready for bed.

Sen. Daines is thankful for Montana

I’m thankful for our Montana farmers and ranchers that put food on our tables.

Paint it Pink fundraisers return in 2022

In 2022, fundraising efforts were back in full swing after cancelling events in the past two years due to COVID.

Legals for November, 25 2022

Libby's winter wonderland

According to the National Weather Service, there is a chance of rain and snow Friday while Saturday is expected to be cloudy with snow moving in at night and into Sunday.

Murder victim's mother wants killer to remain behind bars

Robert George Hornback, 58, is a name that long-time Libby residents would prefer to forget. He was convicted of brutally killing 8-year-old Ryan VanLuchene on March 3, 1988.

William (Bill) Stewart Lamey

William (Bill) Stewart Lamey

Sharon L. Richards

Sharon L. Richards

Birth announcement

Eleanor Fern Rogers

Sale of Asa Wood Elementary delayed for more cleanup work

The discovery of additional contaminants delayed the project and raised the cost $139,000.

Marjorie Lynn Robinson

Marjorie Lynn Robinson

Turkey Dash supports Libby area charitable groups

The event raised money for two area non-profits - the Libby Food Pantry and the Kootenai Valley Partners chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

Kootenai Valley Christian School Honor Roll

Students from first through 12th grade earned either A or A/B honor roll status.

Daniel Gawain Waters

Daniel Gawain Waters

Libby woman pleads guilty to meth possession

According to court documents, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies were monitoring suspected drug deals on March 26 happening at various casinos in Libby.

City hopes to improve efficiency with electronic late fee notices

Changes to the city water rules passed by city council.

Legals for November, 22 2022

County's election process questioned at commission meeting

The audit, which will occur at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at the county Election Center at 418 Mineral Ave., in Libby, will include a hand count of 234 ballots from Precinct 6, which is the McCormick area located about 15 miles northwest of Troy.

Jury finds Eureka man not guilty in domestic incident

Authorities had accused Benjamin Joseph Brown, 43, of breaking into his girlfriend’s home in December 2021. But jurors, who deliberated for less than one hour, came back with a not guilty verdict on Thursday, Nov. 10.

General hunting season down to final 10 days

A CWD sampling station in Libby will operate Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, 10 a.m. to 1.5 hours past sunset at the Montana Department of Transportation shop on U.S. Highway 2 south of town. Hunters are not required to stop at the Libby CWD sampling station.

Youths learn hunting skills at Libby Dam Hunt

The youths, accompanied by their mentors, successfully harvested two whitetail bucks.

Montana Republican Party chooses its leaders

It cues up a 2023 legislative session in which the GOP will enjoy the first two-thirds supermajority since Montana drafted its modern Constitution in 1972.

Libby couple works hard to get their bucks

The couple has bagged five deer, including two large mule deer bucks, and had experiences they’ll never forget.

Court order changes wolf hunting season near Glacier, Yellowstone

The order does not affect seasons in other Wildlife Management Units in Region 1 (Northwest Montana).

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

Presidents who voluntarily testified in front of Congress include Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, William Howard Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, Gerald Ford and Harry Truman.

Robert Dale Basham

Robert Dale Basham

Bobby Joe Basham

Bobby Joe Basham

Cascade County election official says cops called after skeptics escalate

“They have no idea what the process is, they don’t want to ask, they just want to accuse,” Moore said. “These people are absolutely insane.”

Legals for November, 18 2022

Libby honors its military veterans

The Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild presented handmade quilts to several area veterans.

Libby graduate inducted in Montana Tech Hall of Fame

Lori (Stamy) Quinn graduated high school in 1995 before going on to star in basketball for the Orediggers.

Libby's Stevenson still has some Saturdays left to play

After rumbling for 792 yards as a junior, Stevenson, 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, picked up 1,264 this season.

Bike thief sentenced for theft

District Judge Matt Cuffe accepted the plea of 37-year-old Brenton Keith Erickson on Sept. 26 and then gave him a 5-year suspended sentence.

Patience pays off for Northwest Montana moose hunter

He had recovered from a bad fall he suffered in November 2019 after bagging a mountain goat while hunting in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

County commissioner wants vote audit expanded

State Sen. Mike Cuffe (R-Eureka) thought increasing the audit was a good idea in an effort to create more confidence in the process.

Libby House of Horrors provides food bank donation

The food bank is appreciative of the donors and the Backen family for hosting the event.

Area man sentenced for drug conviction

Jasper Marten Howell, 45, pleaded guilty in district court to misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Second elk found with CWD in Montana

Also, wildlife health staff with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently detected chronic wasting disease in a white-tailed deer buck that was harvested by a hunter in hunting district 311.

Flower Creek, Old Snowshoe trails plan presentation on Nov. 16

Outdoor recreations have the opportunity to voice their desires as a non-profit seeks to expand access near Libby.

Libby Clinic under new management, takes walk-ins

People can now make same day appointments, or walk-in for assistance.

Fire crews battle blaze at restaurant near Libby

The Shed Restaurant and Bar, located a few miles east of Libby, was heavily damaged...

County discusses bridge work, improving pedestrian access

Thompson said money is available from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was approved by Congress on Nov. 5, 2021, and made law by Pres. Joe Biden on Nov. 15.

Libby woman accused of drug offenses

Stephanie Laurel Varner, 36, entered her plea on Oct. 17 in district court to one felony count of possession of dangerous drugs and one misdemeanor count of criminal possession of drug paraphernalia.

Troy log furniture maker pleads guilty to theft

Steven Edward Grable, 56, the owner of Montana Custom Log Furniture, entered a guilty plea on Oct. 20 to one felony count of theft in a common scheme.

Officials consider consolidating invasive species commissions

Invasive species of many kinds are, and will continue to be, a threat to Montana ecosystems and economies.

Jacqueline Ann Wolfe

Jacqueline Ann Wolfe

Concerns over local ambulance service

We were told the Libby Volunteer Ambulance can no longer transport patients to Kalispell.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

It’s often the case that the president’s party does poorly in the mid-term elections, but the Nov. 8 outcome has been a big question mark.

Jean DeShazer

Jean DeShazer

White-tailed deer harvest up in northwest Montana

A CWD sampling station in Libby will operate Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, 10 a.m. to 1.5 hours past sunset at the Montana Department of Transportation shop on U.S. Highway 2 south of town. Hunters are not required to stop at the Libby CWD sampling station.

Montana judge orders arrest of neo-Nazi website founder

U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Andrew Anglin, founder and operator of The Daily Stormer website.

Seeking help to keep child killer in prison

The legal process to keep Robert Hornbach in jail is a long one.

Two Troy men die in fatal traffic crash near Libby

According to Montana Highway Patrol, a 67-year-old man from Honolulu, Hawaii, was driving a Dodge R15 east toward Libby at about 2:23 p.m. when he lost control of the vehicle.

Legals for November, 11 2022

Hot-button issues spur high county voter turnout; Zinke wins

According to county Election Administrator Paula Buff, voters turned in 6,419 absentee ballots for a 73% return rate.

Snow wreaks havoc in southern Lincoln Co.

Three traffic crashes were reported in the Libby area on Monday.

Search and rescue teams bring back lost adventurers

Two folks who were having trouble in southern Lincoln County’s wilder places are...

Libby Middle High School First Quarter Honor Roll

The first term honor roll for Libby Middle and High schools has been released.

Troy man accused of attacking wife may argue self defense

Glaese was in court with his attorney, Sean Hinchey for a hearing to determine the length of a potential trial and also to request permission to leave Montana from Nov. 2 to Nov. 11.

Jerry Mason Jenks

Jerry Mason Jenks

Troy native writes book about war experiences

Since returning from Pakistan in 2016, Stoval found writing to be a therapeutic outlet for coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Libby man pleads guilty to meth possession

Eric Ernest Bohn, 49, entered the plea on Oct. 31 while on video from the Lincoln County Detention Center.

Shakespeare in Parks returns to Libby on Nov. 11

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will be at the Memorial Events Center in Libby on Friday, Nov. 11.

Student from Eureka wins national award

Montana State University senior Michelle Leonard, of Eureka, was one of two nationwide winners of the National Environmental Health Association and the American Academy of Sanitarians Scholarship. She is the first MSU student to win this award.

Legals for November, 8 2022

Fatal crash reported on U.S. 2 west of Libby

Also, a two-vehicle traffic accident occurred at about 9:40 a.m. on Montana 37 at mile marker 8 near the Osprey Landing boat ramp.

Time to vote: Polls open at 7 a.m. Tuesday

Polls close at 8 p.m. and for those who still need to register, they may do so today at the Election Center at the county Annex Building, located at 418 Mineral Ave. in Libby.

Vote for Sustainable Climate Policy

We can’t develop sound policy if every two years we reverse course. There is a clear and very important choice this election.

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center partners with Holistic Pain Management

According to the Centers for Disease Control, chronic pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical treatment.

Tranel says Montanans have fueled her faith

What have I discovered? I have discovered you. I have discovered how much we all have in common – shared values, shared sense of place, shared challenges.

For our posterity

Currently, the Department of Energy has failed American big time.

Feds taking comment on Pacific Northwest Trail plan

The Forest Service wants to complete the plan by late 2023. It’s a key document that will give state, federal and tribal land managers a guide for developing the non-motorized trail throughout its entire length.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

Researchers for Food and Water Watch say data–sourced info makes it plain most U.S. sourced gas goes to the highest bidder, to attain higher corporate profits. That drives up the price of domestic gas when near-record levels of U.S. gas are exported.

Eureka woman pleads guilty to stealing from blind man

Part of the plea deal was a joint recommendation from both sides for a 4-year deferred sentence.

Sen. Cuffe touts Brown's qualifications for high court

James Brown will be a good partner for Justice Jim Rice, who recently wrote the dissenting opinion on the Election Integrity Laws that were put on hold by a Supreme Court split vote.

Time to set clocks back on Sunday

While Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill in May 2021 to keep the state in daylight saving time year-round, it and other states who passed such legislation are currently waiting on federal approval for it to go into effect.

Break in weather greets Libby Halloweeners

Halloween revelers of all ages went up and down the street gathering sweets and candy as they were greeted by dry skies and comfortable temperatures.

County officials join effort to show support for veterans

With Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11, the nation’s counties and boroughs are preparing to show support for veterans by lighting its buildings green from Nov. 7 to Nov. 13.

Libby man accused of assaulting wife during argument

Libby Police Officer Joshua Brabo wrote in a report that he was called to a residence on Commerce Way for an incident that began as a verbal argument and escalated to a physical assault.

Software glitch causes ad mistakes

The Western News regrets the error, but the new software will make our operations more efficient once the bugs are worked out.

City to use combination of grants for upcoming projects

To avoid loans the City of Libby will use a combination of grants to enhance water and sewer infrastructure.

Birth announcements

Owen Selle

Libby resident supports Teske for county commissioner seat

I am writing this letter to inform the citizens of Lincoln County, that Brent Teske is an excellent choice for County Commissioner Dist 1.

Unions vote down contracts, renewing threat of rail shutdown

Six weeks ago, railroads, labor leaders and the White House celebrated a deal to avert a nationwide railroad strike. Now workers are saying ‘not so fast.’

Legals for November, 4 2022

Forest Service catches up on maintenance with federal money

Recreationists in Northwest Montana, and the nation as a whole, may notice new picnic tables, fire rings and fresh trails thanks to energy development revenues.

Libby's draft growth policy submitted to city council

Public comments contributed to changes in the draft policy.

Libby resident wants county to say there is no election fraud in Montana

It is extremely important, as the elected representatives and election officials in Lincoln County, that you reassure the voters here that our elections are reliable.

Troy man prefers Gustafson for state's high court

I know that if re-elected, she will continue to apply the rule of law and stand up for those affected by asbestos contamination in Libby.

Fortine woman supports Brown, Rice for state Supreme Court

Whenever we asked them if they were following the MT Supreme Court race involving James Brown and Jim Rice as the conservative candidates, they most often said “No” they knew nothing about who was running!

Eureka woman says Zinke is too corrupt for Montana

Zinke’s only allegiance is to his out of state donors. He lives primarily in Santa Barbara.

Friends of Library book sale on Nov. 4

There is a large display of various craft books to help you get started on those holiday gift or decorating projects.

Fall sports season ends for Libby, Troy squads

Cy Stevenson ran 17 times for 53 yards and scored the Logger’s lone touchdown.

Red Ribbon Week promotes drug-free lifestyle

Outfits worn by chefs, firefighters and law enforcement were just some of the costumes worn by Libby Elementary School students were part of Red Ribbon Week.

Larry David Farmer

Larry David Farmer

Sharon L. Richards

Sharon L. Richards

EPA provides update on cleanup work at old mill site

The former lumber and plywood mill where soil and groundwater was contaminated due to the wood treating operations that occurred at the time.

Cabinet Peaks welcomes new Chief Nursing Officer

Teegartin was born and raised in northeast Indiana. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She continued her education at Indiana Wesleyan University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as well as her Master of Business Administration in Healthcare.

Ague back in court on drunk driving charge

Ague, who is free on bail, pleaded not guilty on Oct. 17 in Lincoln County District Court.

Eureka man pleads guilty to meth possession

According to Montana State Prison records, Tumlin, an Illinois native, has seven felony convictions in Montana dating back 33 years.

Holiday Bazaar returns to Heritage Museum

There will be handcrafted gifts, décor and edibles.

Legals for November, 1 2022