Ellington

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

Blackrock, the world’s largest assets manager, has dropped coal investments.

New veterans cemetery coming to northwest Montana

The bill sets aside 150 acres of land for the future burial ground, which is open to veterans in nine counties in the region: Lincoln, Sanders, Flathead, Lake, Glacier, Toole, Pondera, Teton, and Liberty counties.

Carl T. Martin

Carl T. Martin

Theodore (Ted) Trent Johnson

Theodore (Ted) Trent Johnson

State gives update on CWD numbers for the Libby area

Feeding wildlife is illegal for a number of reasons, including insurance rates, it brings in predators, and it has an impact on native deer.

Eureka teens charged for shooting at bicyclist

Caleb S. Utter, 18, and Tyson Brouillette are each charged with one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.

Libby man sentenced for dealing methamphetaine

On March 13, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of dangerous drugs. Other charges were dropped as part of the deal.

Troy man gets prison time for strangling girlfriend

Monday he was sentenced to five years with three suspended. Watters also received credit for serving 86 days in the county jail.

Former secretaries of state say don't mess with elections

But once 150 legislators get together with time on their hands, plenty of strange ideas to emerge and become bills.

Beagle claims singles championship at Libby Invitational

Ashley Freese and Maggie Fantozzi won the consolation bracket of 1s and 2s doubles.

Yaak WINGS cancer fundraiser set for May 13

Now in its 26th year, the 2023 event will be held at the Yaak River Tavern and Mercantile on Saturday, May 13.

Housing costs attributed to local hiring challenges

At the last city council meeting one member of the public who spoke noted housing difficulties, which other organizations have noticed.

Libby Middle High School Third Quarter Honor Roll

Sidney Andreessen

From ice to mud to frozen mud and back again

The chances of slipping back into winter are slightly less once you get through the first half of April.

Libby Lady Loggers celebrate Senior Night with win

Before the game, Kinzee Boehmler, Mackenzie Foss and Destinee Crawford were honored.

Legals for April, 28 2023

Wilson's hit lifts Lady Loggers to walkoff win over Ronan

Wilson's hit scored Mackenzie Foss for the game winner in a back-and-forth affair.

Necessity is the mother of invention, so......

Where deep state interest, bought and paid for career politicians, unelected bureaucrats pushing regulations that skirt lawful implementation and judicial overreach or inaction isn't floundering America?

Bear activity picking up in northwest Montana

The majority of human-bear conflicts involve bears protecting their young or a food source.

Eureka man gets jail time for police chase conviction

Lemmon received a one-year suspended sentence, but must serve 30 days in the county jail.

Troy man accused of attacking police chief faces more charges

Peterson faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in the Montana State Prison if convicted of the burglary charge.

Libby Senior Center menu for May

Home delivery or grab and go meals ready for pickup are available 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday or 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Health officials urge caution around sick animals

Highly pathogenic avian influenza continues to sicken wild birds and poultry.

Kalispell man admits threatening to murder U.S. Sen. Jon Tester

Kevin Patrick Smith, 46, pleaded guilty to threats to murder a United States Senator. Smith faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.

Libby approves new law enforcement agreement with county

A pay raise will allow for the policing of the city and provide support for county officers until the end of June.

Western News reader enjoys history column

For example, Walt Mason was a compact power hitter with speed to burn. Any ball hit by Mason into the gaps was a sure triple.

Christian rock band "Disciple" coming to Troy

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Troy Community Baptist Church.

House joins Senate in endorsing Montana TikTok ban

Senate Bill 419, sponsored by Rep. Shelly Vance, R-Belgrade, would bar the platform’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, from allowing “the operation of tiktok by the company or users” inside Montana’s “territorial jurisdiction” as long as the platform is owned by a company based in China or another country designated a “foreign adversary” by the federal government.

City of Libby approves Ercanbrack as new Chief of Police

Ercanbrack, a former Libby High School student, will work to rebuild the police force.

Legals for April, 25 2023

Ducks Unlimited Kootenai Valley chapter hosts 37th annual banquet

Fundraising banquets such as these will help ensure that waterfowl will have places to nest.

Organizers gear up for Ben Graham Memorial Tournament

The tournament helps keep Ben’s memory alive and supports all junior golf activities from age 3 to graduating seniors.

Libby Logger concert band lauded in Seattle

The band performed two pieces which were judged.

Vigil planned April 26 for Lincoln Co. victims of crime

Attendees are asked to bring a flashlight to shine during the event. There will be a limited number of tealights available for use.

David R. Stephenson

David R. Stephenson

Northwest Montana man sentenced for meth possession

At his Feb. 13 hearing, Shestak said he thought the pills he had in possession were oxycodone, but they were in fact, fentanyl. He was sentenced to three years, deferred.

Eureka man sentenced on criminal endangerment conviction

Fitzgerald initially appeared in court on Sept. 12 and pleaded not guilty to criminal endangerment and DUI, fourth offense, both felonies.

Libby man sentenced for meth possession

Abrahamson was arrested after he was allegedly found with meth and a loaded syringe during a traffic stop in March.

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center welcomes new orthopedic surgeon

With more than 10 years of experience in medicine, Dr. Lippe is committed to collaborating closely with her patients.

Bette Alice Kuennen

Bette Alice Kuennen

Wanda F. Croucher

Wanda F. Croucher

Libby boys track wins own invitational

The Logger boys piled up 170 points to easily outdistance runner-up Thompson Falls’ 107.5.

Daines seeks money to increase public access to private land

The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program provides competitive grants to states and tribal governments to incentivize private landowners to open their lands for public use while maintaining private property rights, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Libby Lady Loggers softball photos

Libby is scheduled to host Ronan on Saturday, April 22.

State plans rockface stability work on U.S. 2

Construction will include rock scaling and installation of rockfall mitigation structures.

Legals for April, 21 2023

2008 homicide conviction involving Troy man overturned

A Troy man was killed in a hit-and-run on New Year's Eve in 2008 and Katie Garding was charged for the homicide in 2013.

Larry Winston Watt

Larry Winston Watt

State wants to begin rule-making process on grizzly management

The bill was passed 73-27 in the third reading in the Montana House of Representatives on April 13.

Man accused of pointing rifle at woman

When the officer spoke to the woman she said her ex-boyfriend pointed a rifle at her and chambered a round.

Senior Commodities Distribution set for Friday

All certifications should be current. Applications are available at the VFW Monday through Saturday afternoon.

The war on freedom

Creating prosperity through value creation requires freedom and honesty, as opposed to the value destruction of the external authority cult we have today that’s based on fraud.

Eureka angler is thankful for fishing

That same day, she reeled in a bunch of old line. McMaster realized the line and the rigging was one she had lost while trying to reel in a trout.

Troy High School baseball photos

According to the Trojans schedule, they will host two more games, including on May 4 when they host Plains for Senior Night.

Joseph “Joe” Gilmer

Joseph “Joe” Gilmer

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

Gas pump prices are already on the rise and by summer the national price for regular gas is expected to be $4 a gallon.

Mixed Mini Pool League wraps up season

The top shooters are Doug Combs and Wanda Lightner. Foxys was first in league play.

State hosting open houses on Montana 37 bridge work plans

Two virtual open houses will be held online via Zoom on Tuesday, April 25, from noon to 1 p.m. and from 6 to 7 p.m.

Zinke seeks federal investigation into GNP's ticketed entry

Zinke, who previously served as secretary of the Interior under former President Donald Trump, is asking the National Park Service to investigate the details of the Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. contract that manages recreation.gov, the website where people can secure reservations for national parks, including Glacier.

Thompson Falls to host mobile asbestos screening clinic on April 27

The vermiculite ore, processed in various plants around the country and sold as insulation, was contaminated with a distinct form of asbestos now known as Libby Amphibole.

Myrl Edward Hensley

Myrl Edward Hensley

How will Montana police the integrity of its future elections?

The past three months have featured one legislative debate after another over proposed changes to how counties conduct elections and verify their results. Now the conversation turns to enforcement.

Libby City Council still talking turkey

But more than three years later, it has yet to develop a management plan which is necessary before any decisions can be made.

Troy, Libby schools to host inspirational speakers

John Underwood, Director of the Human Performance Project, and John Larson, a former NAVY Seal, will attempt to connect kids and community to inspire leadership, teamwork, personal responsibility and resilience.

Terry D. Wiley

Terry D. Wiley

Rose C. (Marquardt) Goyen

Rose C. (Marquardt) Goyen

State private land, public wildlife committee meeting April 27

The meeting will be streamed live on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov/plpw, where you can also find more information on the committee and a full agenda.

Legals for April, 18 2023

Spring turkey, bear seasons open Saturday

It is lawful to use hounds to train and/or hunt for spring black bears in some areas. See page 4 of the black bear hunting regulations for more information.

Kootenai Habitat for Humanity gets grant; breaks ground on new home

It was an emotional time for Missy as she expressed her thanks to the many volunteers, neighbors and local businesses that will help make a home a reality for her and her family.

Sen. Tester offers info for applying to U.S. service academies

Applications for a nomination through Tester's office opened April 1. Individuals have until Nov. 1, 2023, to get them submitted to be considered for the Class of 2028.

Lincoln Co. youth winners in state duck stamp contest

The Junior Duck Stamp Program is a dynamic arts and science curriculum designed to teach youth about waterfowl and the habitat that they depend on.

Robert (Bob) Hensler

Robert (Bob) Hensler

Nancy Anne Covington

Nancy Anne Covington

Big Sky Bash Concert event returns for 10th anniversary

The event, sponsored by the Center for Asbestos Related Disease, will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year and will be held at J. Neils Park on Saturday, Aug. 5.

Man accused of threatening Tester takes plea deal

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and a $100 special assessment.

Libby boys tennis edges defending state champ Whitefish

The Loggers are 3-1 and winners of three straight matches. The Lady Loggers nearly pulled out a win, too, dropping a 4-3 match to the Lady Bulldogs. It was their first loss of the season after three straight wins.

Polson Police Chief arrested for DUI; announces resignation

According to the citation, Nash hit a parked vehicle in the 700 block of 12th St. E. in Polson. He was arrested on the scene, and refused a blood alcohol test.

Cour d'Alene Police ID men in fatal shooting

James Dean, 74, Priest River, was identified as the man who shot a suspected car burglar in a parking lot outside retail stores on West Canfield Avenue, Capt. Dave Hagar said.

Galena Mine officials confirm fatal accident

The miner, whose name is not being released at this time, was struck by falling ground during routine operations.

Lincoln Co. felons facing drug smuggling charges

Jason Allen Miller, 41, is accused of illegal transfer to an incarcerated person, a felony. He pleaded not guilty to the charge on Monday, April 10, in Lincoln County District Court.

Libby, Troy track teams compete at Bigfork

Bergen Fortner had a good day, placing third in the triple jump and 300 hurdles as well as fourth in the long jump.

Tender Lovin' Quilters event set for April 22

This is a free event offered to all to maintain and promote the art of quilting.

"Mountain Man" star autographs rifle for benefit auction

The drawing will be held Saturday, April 16 at the Yaak River Tavern where there will be a benefit dinner, auction and raffle. The benefit starts at 1 p.m.

Legals for April, 14 2023

Alexander Dwaine Cure

Alexander Dwaine Cure

Verna Mae (Wooten) Titchbourne

Verna Mae (Wooten) Titchbourne

Easter egg hunt photos

Perfect, early spring weather greeted hundreds of Easter egg hunters Saturday at Libby Christian Church.

Lincoln Co. commissioners will vote on two Yaak subdivisions

At the March 29 commission meeting, the meeting room was filled with folks who primarily oppose the South Yaak Subdivision.

Fortine man takes plea deal in DUI case

The plea deal between the county and Fitzgerald call for a 5-year suspended sentence to a state Department of Corrections facility. His sentencing hearing is set for April 17.

An open letter to Governor Gianforte

In Senate Bill 370 are the seeds to force the citizens of this great state in accepting the control of the New World Order.

Physician questions leadership at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center

You learn not to speak up because at best you’ll be ignored, or at worst retaliated against for questioning or offering differing opinions.

Libby students meet with Sen. Daines in U.S. Capitol

Daines answered questions regarding delisting the grizzly bear and his passion for forest management.

Kootenai Valley Rotary brings safe water to Guatemala

So far seven villages in Guatemala have water because of the work they have undertaken.

Theodore T. Johnson

Theodore T. Johnson

Stolen vehicle at Kootenai Falls leads to felony arrest

The charges against him include felony theft, criminal possession of methamphetamine and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia.

Steven Tyler Bertelsen

Steven Tyler Bertelsen

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center honored for infant safe sleep work

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center is committed to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), Accidental Suffocation and Strangulation in Bed (ASSB), Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and unsafe sleep injuries.

Authorities issue arrest warrant for accused drug dealer

Redl appeared in court on Feb. 27 for a hearing to determine how long a possible trial may take. But at Monday's pre-trial hearing, public defender Ben Kolter said he didn't know where Redl was.

Comments sought on Pacific Northwest Trail plan

The federal agency launched the oversight process after the Yaak Valley Forest Council, a Lincoln County-based environmental group, filed a lawsuit.

Legals for April, 11 2023

Troy's Sloan a double winner at Eureka Invitational

Both squads had winners and each placed third behind the host Lions and runner-up Plains.

Human-caused wildfires destroying more homes, buildings in the West

The report from Philip Higuera, a UM fire ecologist and professor, and his co-researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, provides public officials, developers and citizens more information on how to potentially curb the costliest damage from wildfire.

Libby High School softball team photos

The Lady Loggers return to action today at Ronan. Their next home game is scheduled for April 14 against Browning.

City OKs deal to part ways with Police Chief Scott Kessel

But even the agreement caused a bit of a ruckus after Councilor Hugh Taylor said he wanted to see it before voting on it.

Libby tennis sweeps Columbia Falls

Members of the boys squad each claimed straight-set victories in a 7-0 win while the girls doubles teams all won their matches, helping the Lady Loggers to a 5-2 win.

Volunteers sought for candlelight vigil in Libby on April 26

The vigil will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Local amateur radio group welcomes all

Gathered together with a similar interest in amateur, or ham radio, they come from various backgrounds, such as a retired biologist, ex-police/sheriff’s office, pharmacists, forest service, the medical profession and housewives and new young enthusiasts.

Timothy Carl Lundstrom

Timothy Carl Lundstrom

Birth announcement

Andrew's paternal grandparents are Jax and Danita Jordan of Troy.

Libby man accused of assaulting woman and law officer

Samuel Ryan Sutherland, 39, was charged with felony assault of a peace officer and misdemeanor partner or family member assault.

FWP to present annual fur harvest data at trapper meeting in Kalispell

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the FWP office in Kalispell, 490 N. Meridian.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

Republicans confirmed that cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits are not “off the table,” Social Security Works stated.

Time’s up on the Cottonwood fix

The Forest Service does not have the luxury of surplus time or resources when it comes to stopping the wildfire crisis.

Bill tabled to dismantle adult-use cannabis industry

The bill would have dismantled Montana’s adult-use cannabis program and put significant restrictions on the state’s medical marijuana program.

Biden, Trudeau signal time has come to address pollution

The announcement comes after years of lobbying from stakeholder groups.

Libby native fights for endangered species

Kimb Frey is a member of the refuge’s wildland fire crew who helps ensure the landscape remains a haven for wildlife.

Legals for April, 7 2023

Tracks set to reopen following Paradise train derailment

According to Montana Rail Link spokesperson Andy Garland, train traffic was expected to resume Thursday afternoon.

Vendor meeting April 13 for Libby Farmers Market

Any and all returning vendors, new vendors, or those interested in vending at the market are encouraged to attend.

Heritage Museum recognizes new lifetime partner

For those who are interested in becoming a member, contact the museum at heritagemuseum@frontier.com or 406-293-7521.

Mexican president to US: Fentanyl is your problem

His statement came during a visit to Mexico by Liz Sherwood-Randall, the White House homeland security adviser, to discuss the fentanyl crisis. It also comes amid calls by some U.S. Republicans to use the U.S. military to attack drug labs in Mexico.

Lincoln Co. officials sound alarm on dangers of fentanyl

According to information from Lincoln County Unite for Youth, fentanyl poisoning is the No. 1 cause of death in people ages 18 to 35 in the county. There have been two confirmed fentanyl poisoning deaths in the county since November 2022.

Public hearings held to update local fire plans

Updates to mapping, priority designations and organization have been prepared by a diverse group of stakeholders.

Kootenai National Forest spring prescribed fire projects

Smoke may be visible from various places across the forest depending on the location of the burn units and weather conditions. Please drive carefully and slow down as smoke may impact nearby roads.

Libby girls tennis opens season with win over Polson

The girls squad received strong performances from their doubles teams as they claimed a 4-3 win over the hosts.

FWP accepting applications from landowners for Block Management

Block Management is a cooperative effort between landowners and FWP to help manage wildlife and public hunting activities on enrolled lands.

Legals for April, 4 2023

Montana Rail Link train derails into Clark Fork River

A Montana Rail Link freight train derailed in Sanders County on Sunday morning, sending multiple railcars into the Clark Fork River.