Ellington

Sheriff’s Office blotter

Two officers responded to a wanted person that was reported on Granite Creek Rd, Libby, MT.

Libby's DeShazer named to 77th East-West Shrine Game

DeShazer, one of the top tacklers in the country, had 140 total tackles, 43 solo, with 16 stops for a loss in 2023, all while dealing with offensive game plans geared to slow him.

Coal mines a concern for Kootenai Tribe, Montana, Idaho

The Elk River is connected to five mountaintop removal coal mines near Fernie, British Columbia, about two and a half hours from Bonners Ferry, Idaho, in the north panhandle of the state.

Montana Supreme Court protects taxpayers and students equally

The reduction in uniform mills would have reduced taxes for out-of-state corporations by millions per year. By comparison, this change would have reduced an average homeowner’s property taxes by only $45 per year.

Corvallis sweeps Libby in varsity basketball action

Madison Vincent led Libby with 16 points, including a trio of 3-pointers.

Libby Senior Center Menu for January 2024

Meals are available in house, for home delivery or grab and go.

Experience the Scotchman's winter wonders

Hiking in the winter can be intimidating, but with this series of free guided hikes, FSPW hopes to get more people comfortable exploring our wild backyard every season of the year.

WILD ART-Tip it off

The Libby Elementary School boys and girls basketball teams played...

Libby woman accused of endangering baby, meth possession

The case began just after midnight Saturday, Dec. 16, when county Sheriff’s Office Deputy Luke Hauke responded to a home on Kootenai River Road.

Legals for December, 29 2023

Yaak woman named to Western Montana Conservation Commission

Beder-Miller has become active in local community activities, such as Lincoln County WINGS, and is on the planning committee for the Yaak WINGS Annual Auction event. She also serves as a trustee on the Yaak Elementary School Board.

Hamilton's 3-point shooting sends Loggers to defeat

Tyler Andersen scored 13 of his 19 points in the first half while Ryan Beagle scored six of his 10, but the Broncs got dialed in from long distance after the first quarter and led 34-20 at the half.

Slow start dooms Lady Loggers against Hamilton

Hamilton led 22-2 in the second quarter before Libby junior Kaydence Stanek grabbed a rebound off a missed free throw and hit a 3-pointer with 1:48 left in the half.

Troy man gets jail time for reckless driving near first responders

Justice Court Judge Jay C. Sheffield ordered that Whipple serve 30 days with 335 days suspended.

Libby students show their gratitude to the community

Among the many things students did was making and donating several blankets to the women’s shelter, delivering 80 pairs of socks to the Libby Care Center...

Libby woman accused of stealing mail

Hickman pleaded not guilty on Nov. 22 in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto.

County's Shop with a Cop brightens Christmas for the kids

This is the ninth year of Shop with a Cop in Lincoln County.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact.

Sheriff's Office Blotter

A traffic crash with injury had multiple officers, ambulance and fire department responding...

Memorial Center Christmas concert

Libby Middle and Elementary School students performed...

Johnnie (John) Hantz

Johnnie (John) Hantz

Libby VFD douses Highway 37 grass fire

An electric line came down, sparking the fire.

Colorado releases 5 wolves on Western Slope, fulfilling voter-approved measure

Studies have linked wolf reintroduction to a variety of positive effects on impacted ecosystems, like healthier elk herds and the recovery of riparian habitats previously damaged by over-grazing.

Environmental groups sue over train-related grizzly deaths

Lawsuit alleges more than 60 grizzlies have been killed by trains in the past 15 years.

Libby wrestlers dump Stevi; fall to Ronan

Before the matches, former Libby educator and wrestling coach Todd Schatz was honored. Schatz died Sept. 15 at the age of 60.

Cherry Lane (Bebee) Arthur

Cherry Lane (Bebee) Arthur

Florida man gets prison time in computer hacking scheme

After learning of the scam, the FBI set up a ruse, claiming Jane Doe had an additional $50,000 for the fraudsters. When Joseph and others arrived to collect the money, the FBI arrested them.

Yaak residents lay Christmas wreaths, make plans to refurbish community hall

The Yaak Community Hall Board is looking forward to hearing from the community as they plan the 100-year celebration that will take place in 2025.

Libby man gets prison time for standoff incident

Chase Austin Butala, 36, who remains in the Lincoln County Detention Center on $100,000 bail, pleaded guilty...

Sam T. Giles

Sam T. Giles

James Lloyd Mohawk

James Lloyd Mohawk

Large animal vet in Heron now serving region

Dr. George White has been a veterinarian for nearly half a century and he will now be operating out of his clinic in Heron on a full-time basis.

Valoris Glenn (Bill) Bushnell

Valoris Glenn (Bill) Bushnell

Fish and Wildlife Commission adopts new administrative rules on grizzly, wolf management

The adoption of the rules for both species marks key steps as the state updates its wolf management plan for the first time in two decades and prepares to manage grizzly bears in the event the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decides to delist them in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem – a decision currently under review.

Legals for December, 22 2023

Grizzlies prevail in overtime to punch ticket to title game

Corbin Walker’s interception of a two-point pass sealed the win for the Grizzlies (13-1), who will unbeaten defending champion South Dakota State on Jan. 7 in Frisco, Texas.

Randy David Resch

Randy David Resch

Libby Loggers keep Highway 37 Battle of the Kootenai trophy

The Greenchain’s win over the Lions clinched the triumph.

Yaak Wings Walk Readers

Yaak Elementary School students read instead of walking...

A "Novel" idea for the Yaak Wings Walk

The last big donation of $2,025 coming from the Yaak Elementary School, in the form of a "Big Check," evolved in a very unique way.

Flathead Electric blasts dam removal proposal

The dams are within the Columbia River basin, which provides 60-70% of the electrical needs in the Pacific Northwest, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Marion man pleads guilty to fraudulent credit card use

Deuel pleaded guilty to theft on Monday, Dec. 11, in District Court. He will owe $9,610.22 in restitution. Judge Matt Cuffe set sentencing for Feb. 5, 2024.

A 2023 Political Recap: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

When we look back on the last year, all these changes and more were brought you by one party and its supermajority: Montana Republicans.

Herbert (Bert) Hoover Cole

Herbert (Bert) Hoover Cole

Handel's Messiah

Libby's Community Choir performed songs of the season...

Cabinet Peaks Foundation’s Festival Gala breaks $ record

2023’s Gala was no exception, with more than 280 attendees and over $82,000 in funds raised for Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, a record breaking number for the Foundation.

Lack of snow cancels Turner Mountain opening on Dec. 22

Officials at the mountain will continue to monitor conditions with an eye set on providing riders with a quality experience.

Senior commodities distribution Dec. 15

The senior commodities distribution will take place at the Libby VFW Post 1548.

Montana DEQ asks public for climate plan suggestions

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality announced earlier this month that it has received a $3 million federal grant to generate a plan to reduce Montana’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Pride of a craft

America was built by a lot of people with dirty hands. They are still building it.

Libby Speech and Debate second at home invitational

Cash Vaughn was first in Informative Speaking and Baylie Ames won in Original Oratory.

Peace Officer Park a place for all community members

City councilors, after much discussion at two separate meetings, finally decided on the new moniker for the park located next to the city police station on Mineral Avenue at the Nov. 20 meeting.

Loggers 2-0 at Western A Tip-off Tournament

On Saturday, the Loggers hammered Stevensville, 60-34. Cy Williams led the Loggers with 16 points while Tyler Andersen scored 14 and Aiden Rose added 11.

Libby man faces second felony case in 2023

Devine pleaded not guilty to the offense on Dec. 4 in Lincoln County District Court.

Victims of ‘cold hearted con job’ testify of Libby man’s sentencing

Quimby won’t be spending any time in custody though because the sentences are both suspended after a joint recommendation from Deputy County Attorney Jeffrey Zwang and public defender Scott B. Johnson.

Burglar pleads guilty to state shop theft

O’Hara was also involved in a burglary in 2022 in Lake County.

Greenchain second at Kinney; trounces Hamilton, Whitefish

Against Whitefish, the Greenchain throttled the Bulldogs, 66-6.

Lady Loggers win first game at Western A Tip-off Tournament

Kaydence Stanek was hot from 3-point land, draining three and finishing with 11 points. Rylee Delmas also scored 11 while Peyton Waggoner added 10 points.

More history on the Stimson Mill

In 2002, Stimson was being hammered with rapidly escalating and ultimately untenable insurance premiums due to W.R. Grace’s asbestos legacy.

Libby woman sentenced for bucket assault

On Monday, she pleaded guilty to an amended charge of misdemeanor partner or family member assault.

Legals for December, 15 2023

Southern border is a national security risk

Montana is a northern border state with a southern border crisis.

Feds seek input on managing climbing on national forests

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and the Department of the Interior’s National Park Service (NPS) are seeking public input on proposed guidance that would guide agency personnel in managing climbing opportunities on national forests, grasslands and parks.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

The first commercial airliner to use 100% biofuel landed in New York after a recent flight across the Atlantic, BBC wrote.

Eyes Wide Open

It matter not if you're a DEMOCRAT or a REPUBLICAN: Decisions are being made in Washington D.C.

Missing Lincoln Co. man found dead in Huson Peak area

The caller also reported that the man’s dog, Chester, was alive and took him to the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff's Office blotter

An officer responded to a wanted person reported in the 500 block of California Avenue, Libby.

Troy Trojans hammer Alberton, fall to St. Regis

The Tigers were dialed in from long distance as they made several 3-point shots in a 57-39 win at the Troy Activity Center.

Suspended sentence for Fortine man who set home on fire

Johnson, who said Huggins is 70% VA disabled...

Lincoln Co. man faces animal cruelty charge

Steven Joseph Davis, 42, was charged with cruelty to animals, failure to provide food and water...

Fifth officer joins Libby City Police Department

Seth Power became the department’s fifth officer after he was sworn in by Chief Cody Ercanbrack on Monday, Dec. 4.

Libby grad named Montana Assistant Principal of Year

Kathy Kidder, a 1985 Libby High School graduate, wasn’t expecting it when Rob Watson, the Executive Director of School Administrators of Montana, presented her with a plaque on Nov. 16.

Troy Lady Trojans can't overcome slow start against St. Regis

St. Regis bolted to a 17-0 lead in the first 4:46 of the game. The Lady Tigers led 19-2 after one quarter and 23-4 at halftime.

Richard Ivan Tobias

Richard Ivan Tobias

Forest officials seek comment on project near Trout Creek

The Cabinet Ranger District of the Kootenai National Forest is now seeking public input on the proposed Tuscor Project.

Online homeowners intervention program offered by CAPNM

Visit CAPNM’s webpage at https://www.capnm.net/homebuyer-education to enroll in eHome.

Grizzly managers to mark 40 years of bear recovery

The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) is celebrating four decades of collaborative efforts in grizzly bear recovery.

Griz set to tackle Furman in playoffs tonight

The Grizzlies will be chasing the program's 11th trip to the semifinal round when two of the winningest programs in FCS history collide in yet another night game in Missoula, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. Friday.

Battle between citizens, county and Happy’s Inn developers reaches court

District Judge Matt Cuffe heard arguments from attorneys from both sides as the Thompson Chain of Lakes Stewardship Coalition seeks a summary judgement against the county in its hope to stop the construction of a RV park in Happy’s Inn.

Audubon Christmas Bird Count set for Dec. 14

More than 72,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,400 locations across the Western Hemisphere will help scientists monitor the health of bird populations

Muzzleloader Heritage Season opens Saturday

Hunters can use plain lead projectiles and a muzzleloading rifle that is charged with loose black powder, loose pyrodex or an equivalent loose black powder substitute and ignited by a flintlock, wheel lock, matchlock or percussion mechanism using a percussion or musket cap.

Libby's DeShazer, Erickson champs at Owen Invitational

DeShazer won the 205-pound weight class after pinning Lake City junior Garrett Leonard in 2:31. As he did in winning a second consecutive state title earlier this year, DeShazer didn’t spend much time on the mat.

Births

Kira Lynne Wood

California man gets prison time in fraud case

Nieblas remains in the county jail. He will be screened for admittance into a facility for treatment of methamphetamine addiction.

Montana Freedom Caucus asks for poll of Legislature for special session on taxes

Democrats opposed to special session; previous calls for special session rebuffed

Libby man accused in Russian roulette death pleads no contest

Judge Matt Cuffe set Ball's sentencing for Jan. 29, 2024.

Sheriff's Office Blotter

Two units including medical help professionals arrived to a report of assault.

Florence Ethel Slater

Florence Ethel Slater

Winter ecology, birding class set for Dec. 16 in Libby

It begins at 9 a.m. in the Viking Room of the Venture Inn (1015 U.S. Highway 2) in Libby). A short introduction includes the basics of tracking, tree and plant identification and winter birding for about 40 minutes.

Legals for December, 8 2023

Loggers speech, drama, debate team hosting invite Saturday

The Libby Loggers prepared for hosting their first speech and debate competition in more than 10 years on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Canada lynx draft recovery plan available for public review and comment

The Canada lynx lower 48 DPS includes populations in northern Maine and northeastern New Hampshire, northeastern Minnesota, northwestern Montana and north Idaho, northcentral Washington and southwestern Colorado.

Feds list wolverines as ‘threatened’ under Endangered Species Act

Decision comes after decades of advocacy by Western conservation groups urging federal listing.

Julie J. Shadle

Julie J. Shadle

State urges Montanans to discard recalled cinnamon products

According to the FDA and DPHHS, these products were sold at 19 Dollar Tree stores in Montana, including Libby.

Santa arrives in Libby

To the delight of all...

Eureka probationer faces new felony charge

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Cody DeWitt was dispatched to the intersection of Purdy Drive and Sinclair Creek Road, east of Eureka, for a crashed and abandoned vehicle in a private field.

Idaho man charged with burglary, assault after Yaak incident

Tom Dana Upshaw, 50, of Rathdrum, Idaho is charged with felony burglary...

Eureka man dies in crash near Rexford

According to MHP, alcohol and speed were suspected factors in the crash.

Troy woman draws state sentence following probation violations

Earlier this year, Williams pleaded guilty to burglary and received a 6-year deferred sentence in March. The other charges were dropped after a plea deal was negotiated.

Lack of snow, crunchy conditions made hunting tough

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks tallied more than 10,000 hunters at its four regional check stations in northwest Montana. Hunters reported harvesting 761 white-tailed deer, including 567 bucks and 97 mule deer.

County gets debriefing report from election administrator

District 1 Commissioner Brent Teske said the commissioners wanted to hold the session after he said he received quite a few questions from voters about ballot problems and other issues.

Libby holiday decorating

Managhan Furniture employee Gage Cichosz hands a Christmas wreath to Montana Sky employee Todd Janssen...

Search continues for missing Libby man

According to the county Sheriff's Office, Johnnie Lee Hantz was last seen leaving Libby on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

Thomas Mark Durkin

Thomas Mark Durkin

Residents concerned about proposed grizzly rules that include killing on public lands

In August, the commission amended the proposed rule to require ranchers to try nonlethal means to deter grizzlies threatening their livestock on public land before they can receive a permit to kill a grizzly following pushback from the public.

Legals for December, 5 2023

Local 4-H club news

Getting involved in 4-H can help young people become leaders in their communities, make a positive impact and develop leadership skills.

Montana counties plead with Gianforte on property taxes

In fact, MACo said the state will still receive an extra $20 million over last year even at fewer mills.

Troy man guilty of DUI homicide returned to jail before release

Winebark was arrested at about 6:10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22 at the Troy Bowling Alley after District Judge Matt Cuffe signed a bench warrant on Nov. 20 for his arrest following a motion by county Attorney Marcia Boris.

Groups seek ban on shooting wolves from helicopters in Idaho’s national forests

Wildlife conservation groups today petitioned the U.S. Forest Service to prohibit aerially gunning of wildlife in national forests in Idaho.

Several Christmas-themed events on tab in south Lincoln Co.

For the next few weeks, there are plenty of events ready to get even Scrooge into the holiday spirit.

Ballot issues leave county resident concerned for 2024 election

When our ballots were somewhat late, I called the election office in Libby. They told me I could come to Libby to get our ballots. I went to our Eureka county commissioner and asked if our ballots could be faxed up here and he said no.

Lincoln Co. Election Office moves operations to courthouse

The only public notification that has been made is a note taped to the door of the elections office that says, “We are currently working in the Clerk and Recorders Office in the Courthouse. If immediate assistance is needed, please call us at 406-283-2302 or 406-283-2304.”

Winter weather advisory issued for Kootenai Cabinet region

Mountain passes west of Lincoln County could see significant snowfall through Sunday morning. Forecasters say there is a 90% chance for more than 30 inches at Stevens Pass and a 60% chance of more than 18 inches at Lookout Pass. Hazardous travel is expected on mountain passes from Friday through Sunday.

Troy woman pleads not guilty to animal cruelty

The owner’s concern was that Reid had allegedly abandoned a dog at the property.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

Her legacy, according to historian Stanley Godbold: she was “a master politician, diplomat, as well as caring mother and wife, she was intimately involved in every aspect of the Carter presidency.”

Setting the record straight on Kootenai National Forest timber sales

I do, however, take issue with his “revisionist history” concerning the closure of the Stimson Mill in Libby

Support for meat made in a lab

It has the potential to dramatically reduce the suffering we inflict on animals, as well as our greenhouse-gas emissions and pandemic risk.

Sheriff Office Blotter

Three police officers respond to a trespassing call...