Stories for February 2023

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Tuesday, February 28

Nearly time for new boat decals
February 28, 2023 7 a.m.

Nearly time for new boat decals

Current decals expire on Feb. 28.

February 28, 2023 7 a.m.

City looks to spur development near golf course

By increasing the amount of water available in the area new housing opportunities could become available.

February 28, 2023 7 a.m.

Troy grad returns to Montana Air National Guard

Jones is a graduate of Troy High School and served in the Army Reserves.

February 28, 2023 7 a.m.

Hunting, fishing license year begins March 1

Hunters and anglers can buy licenses and apply for permits on the FWP website beginning at 5 a.m. on March 1.

Tpr. Johnson and family thankful for community support at rally
February 28, 2023 7 a.m.

Tpr. Johnson and family thankful for community support at rally

Just 10 days after he was nearly killed after being run over by a man he was trying to arrest during a chase on Feb. 16 on Highway 37, Lewis Johnson spoke briefly to the assembled crowd who greeted him with a hearty round of applause during a rally of support.

February 28, 2023 7 a.m.

The Western News to launch expanded weekend edition

The driving force behind the expanded Friday edition is to get more news to our loyal readers.

Libby Volunteer Fire Department extinguishes trailer fire
February 28, 2023 7 a.m.

Libby Volunteer Fire Department extinguishes trailer fire

Andreessen also reported no one was injured and that fire crews had a good initial attack on the blaze.

Libby Elementary School celebrates Random Acts of Kindness week
February 28, 2023 7 a.m.

Libby Elementary School celebrates Random Acts of Kindness week

The idea behind Random Acts of Kindness Day is to cultivate feelings of kindness and brighten someone’s day.

Michelle Ann Colaianni
February 28, 2023 7 a.m.

Michelle Ann Colaianni

Michelle Ann Colaianni

Larry Gene Roche
February 28, 2023 7 a.m.

Larry Gene Roche

Larry Gene Roche

February 28, 2023 7 a.m.

State to hold public meeting on possible Libby asbestos settlement

The two agencies will hold a public meeting at the Libby City Hall Ponderosa Room at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 6.

Retired Forest Service ranger pens book of outdoor adventures
February 28, 2023 7 a.m.

Retired Forest Service ranger pens book of outdoor adventures

Mason will be at Libby Sports Center for a book signing event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 4.

February 28, 2023 midnight

Legals for February, 28 2023

Saturday, February 25

Tpr. Johnson support rally set for Sunday at Logan Health
February 25, 2023 7 a.m.

Tpr. Johnson support rally set for Sunday at Logan Health

Also, MHP, Attorney General Austin Knudsen and local law enforcement officials will hold a support rally at 1 p.m. Sunday at Logan Health.

Friday, February 24

Bill targeting drag performances sent to House floor after edits
February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

Bill targeting drag performances sent to House floor after edits

Rep. Neil Duram, R-Eureka, said he felt the amendment applied only to acts with a sexual connotation.

AG Knudsen calls out Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase for ‘firearm discrimination’
February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

AG Knudsen calls out Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase for ‘firearm discrimination’

At a hearing Wednesday, Knudsen said that large financial institutions were increasingly denying services to an “extremely highly regulated industry” because they “happen to be engaged in the Second Amendment.”

Fisher River Valley Fire and Rescue hosts annual fishing derby
February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

Fisher River Valley Fire and Rescue hosts annual fishing derby

Last weekend, the department’s primary fundraiser enjoyed good weather as anglers from across northwest Montana worked to bring home cash, other prizes and fish for the dinner table.

Donald Richard Weatherby
February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

Donald Richard Weatherby

Donald Richard Weatherby

Wayne D. Akin
February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

Wayne D. Akin

Wayne D. Akin

Daryl R. Anderson
February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

Daryl R. Anderson

Daryl R. Anderson

Libby Wrestling Club kicks off season in Columbia Falls
February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

Libby Wrestling Club kicks off season in Columbia Falls

Coach Jason Harrington explained that the event was put together in a short time and formatted in a way that provided the most wrestling per participant as possible.

Joyce Elaine (Teske) Manwell
February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

Joyce Elaine (Teske) Manwell

Joyce Elaine (Teske) Manwell

February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

Fireman's Park playground complex gets more funding

The new funding will be used to make the playground more inclusive.

Rocky Mountain goat shatters previous world record
February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

Rocky Mountain goat shatters previous world record

The club announced the new record at the Wild Sheep Foundation’s 2023 Sheep Show in Reno, Nevada.

Rexford man accused of trooper assault back in court
February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

Rexford man accused of trooper assault back in court

Jason Allen Miller, 41, has three felony convictions and one misdemeanor conviction.

February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

Lawmakers shy away from changing constitutional right to abortion

Montana is one of 11 states — most recently joined by South Carolina — where courts have ruled that abortion access is a constitutional right, and legal battles to dismiss or entrench those rights are picking up.

Libby lawmaker’s e-bike bill advances in key House floor vote
February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

Libby lawmaker’s e-bike bill advances in key House floor vote

During a Thursday afternoon floor session, House Bill 261 sponsor Rep. Steve Gunderson, R-Libby, said his bill would help Montana catch up to other states by establishing a regulatory framework for electrically assisted bicycles, or e-bikes.

Bill would limit state campground reservations to 80% of capacity
February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

Bill would limit state campground reservations to 80% of capacity

State Rep. Steve Gunderson said it’s nearly impossible for locals to get spots at campgrounds.

Money available for bear deterrent projects
February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

Money available for bear deterrent projects

The Bear Smart Community Resource Fund will support projects designed to reduce bear attractants like garbage and human foods and to help community members create plans to keep people and property safe and bears out of trouble.

Seasons end for south Lincoln Co. basketball teams
February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

Seasons end for south Lincoln Co. basketball teams

Libby (6-13) got 13 points from Ryan Beagle.

Elk, deer poachers sentenced for several violations
February 24, 2023 7 a.m.

Elk, deer poachers sentenced for several violations

An investigation eventually uncovered offenses by eight men, most of them non-residents.

February 24, 2023 midnight

Legals for February, 24 2023

Tuesday, February 21

Daryl R. Anderson
February 21, 2023 7 a.m.

Daryl R. Anderson

Daryl R. Anderson

February 21, 2023 7 a.m.

Regressive energy policy hurts Montana

The faster we lessen our dependence on fossil fuels, the less damage and suffering we will experience.

Accused of running over state trooper, felon appears in court
February 21, 2023 7 a.m.

Accused of running over state trooper, felon appears in court

Jason Allen Miller, 41, of Rexford, appeared in front of Judge Jay Sheffield for his arrest on absconding from parole for previous convictions in the county for theft and possession of dangerous drugs.

February 21, 2023 7 a.m.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

Bird flu has killed 60 million birds, either from flu or flu-prevention efforts. The World Health Organization says 52.8% of humans infected with H5N1 have died.

Man accused of stealing truck from dialysis center
February 21, 2023 7 a.m.

Man accused of stealing truck from dialysis center

Scull is currently locked up in the Missoula County Detention Center on felony charges related to a case from May 2022.

Libby Speech and Debate team wraps up season
February 21, 2023 7 a.m.

Libby Speech and Debate team wraps up season

Libby Logger students then ended their successful season by showcasing their performances to family, friends and community members.

February 21, 2023 7 a.m.

St. Joseph Youth Group annual fish fry

The festive dinner will include delicious fried cod, handcut fries, slaw and pie.

Yaak River Tavern and Mercantile Outhouse Races
February 21, 2023 7 a.m.

Yaak River Tavern and Mercantile Outhouse Races

Team Smell Ya Later surges into the lead.

February 21, 2023 midnight

Legals for February, 21 2023

Saturday, February 18

Fundraising effort launched to support MHP trooper
February 18, 2023 5 p.m.

Fundraising effort launched to support MHP trooper

Trooper Lewis Johnson, who is stationed in Eureka, has been on the job with MHP for eight years.

Friday, February 17

February 17, 2023 7 a.m.

Former Gov. Racicot takes note of constitutional amendment proposals

It cannot escape notice that the unprecedented number of the proposed constitutional amendments presented to a single legislature exceeds the total number of legislatively referred constitutional amendments placed on the ballot during the last 50 years.

Libby students enjoy Scotchman Peak's Winter Tracks program
February 17, 2023 7 a.m.

Libby students enjoy Scotchman Peak's Winter Tracks program

Libby resident Brooke Bolin, who is the Montana Outreach Coordinator for Friends, said the non-profit group has held its Winter Tracks for about six years.

Eileen Mee
February 17, 2023 7 a.m.

Eileen Mee

Eileen Mee

Christina Olivia Allen
February 17, 2023 7 a.m.

Christina Olivia Allen

Christina Olivia Allen

Former McCormick School employee sentenced for check fraud
February 17, 2023 7 a.m.

Former McCormick School employee sentenced for check fraud

Lincoln County School Superintendent Suzy Rios said Hilliard is no longer employed by the McCormick School.

February 17, 2023 7 a.m.

Hunter Ed classes scheduled in northwest Montana

Additional courses could become available this spring in other communities across the state, and information will be posted online at https://fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter-education.

Local animal shelters struggling to keep up with demand
February 17, 2023 7 a.m.

Local animal shelters struggling to keep up with demand

Shelters across the nation are struggling to house record numbers for animals as economic factors mix with post-pandemic trends, according to local shelter executive.

February 17, 2023 midnight

Legals for February, 17 2023

Thursday, February 16

MHP trooper struck by vehicle during police chase
February 16, 2023 6:25 a.m.

MHP trooper struck by vehicle during police chase

The trooper is reported to be in stable condition at a Kalispell hospital after being run over by the suspect vehicle during a police chase Thursday afternoon.

Tuesday, February 14

Accused killer returned to Lincoln County
February 14, 2023 7 a.m.

Accused killer returned to Lincoln County

According to booking information from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, Sauls was arrested on June 28.

Birth announcements
February 14, 2023 7 a.m.

Birth announcements

Ash Maddox Potter

February 14, 2023 7 a.m.

Flathead Valley Community College Fall Dean’s List

The following Lincoln County students are listed in alphabetical order by their home communities.

February 14, 2023 7 a.m.

House proposes state-wide lot mandate

A new bill hopes to increase housing supply to keep up with demand.

February 14, 2023 7 a.m.

Libby to host Lincoln Co. Spelling Bee on Feb. 23

Schools must be registered with the Scripps National Spelling Bee organization to participate in the Treasure State Spelling Bee.

February 14, 2023 7 a.m.

‘User fee’ bill would harm Montana nonprofits with slim margins, opponents say

More than a dozen nonprofit organization officials told a Republican lawmaker Wednesday her bill was a tax masquerading as a fee that targets some of Montana’s most vulnerable people and the organizations that serve them.

Libby's DeShazer wins second straight championship
February 14, 2023 7 a.m.

Libby's DeShazer wins second straight championship

That dominating run led DeShazer to be named the Outstanding Wrestler.

Whitefish sweeps Libby basketball teams
February 14, 2023 7 a.m.

Whitefish sweeps Libby basketball teams

The Libby Loggers boys basketball team battled, but lost 42-40.

February 14, 2023 midnight

Legals for February, 14 2023

Friday, February 10

Convicted felon gets suspended sentence in assault case
February 10, 2023 7 a.m.

Convicted felon gets suspended sentence in assault case

William Timothy Teeple, 43, pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of assault with a bodily fluid.

February 10, 2023 7 a.m.

A Yaaker's thoughts on increasing development

We never shut the gate once we had found our paradise.

Susan Elaine Pierce
February 10, 2023 7 a.m.

Susan Elaine Pierce

Susan Elaine Pierce

Guy James Uithof
February 10, 2023 7 a.m.

Guy James Uithof

Guy James Uithof

Libby Public Schools enjoy Spirit Week
February 10, 2023 7 a.m.

Libby Public Schools enjoy Spirit Week

Breaking up the winter doldrums is never a bad idea and what better way to do it than spirit week?

Beth Sagen
February 10, 2023 7 a.m.

Beth Sagen

Beth Sagen

Navy pilot with Libby ties will be part of Super Bowl flyover
February 10, 2023 7 a.m.

Navy pilot with Libby ties will be part of Super Bowl flyover

Anna Schauer’s stepdaughter, Caitie Perkowski, is a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and she is scheduled to be part of the jet flyover.

Aliya Rene Kolb
February 10, 2023 7 a.m.

Aliya Rene Kolb

Aliya Rene Kolb

Libby trio charged with child endangerment after search of filthy home
February 10, 2023 7 a.m.

Libby trio charged with child endangerment after search of filthy home

James William Deloach, Tonya Lynn Deloach and Matthew Manfred Priebe are lodged in the Lincoln County Detention Center on various charges.

New fundraising strategy for Logger athletics
February 10, 2023 7 a.m.

New fundraising strategy for Logger athletics

Libby High School fundraising has been reworked to be demanding of small businesses.

Heritage Museum announces holiday raffle, bazaar winners
February 10, 2023 7 a.m.

Heritage Museum announces holiday raffle, bazaar winners

At the holiday bazaar, Cheryl Stern claimed a 7-night stay at Pend O'Reille Shores Resort.

February 10, 2023 midnight

Legals for February, 10 2023

Tuesday, February 7

Libby man pleads guilty to stealing from sister-in-law
February 7, 2023 7 a.m.

Libby man pleads guilty to stealing from sister-in-law

According to court documents, Kevin Paul Burke, 45, pleaded guilty to one felony count of theft.

Feds move closer to lifting grizzly protections
February 7, 2023 7 a.m.

Feds move closer to lifting grizzly protections

State officials have insisted any future hunts would be limited and not endanger the overall population.

Libby's DeShazer leads 11 Loggers to state tournament
February 7, 2023 7 a.m.

Libby's DeShazer leads 11 Loggers to state tournament

For the fourth time in two months, DeShazer beat Saltzman to claim the 205-pound title at the Western A Divisional Saturday in Polson.

Jay Martin Ramlo
February 7, 2023 7 a.m.

Jay Martin Ramlo

Jay Martin Ramlo

Kenneth L. (Kenny) Beckstrom
February 7, 2023 7 a.m.

Kenneth L. (Kenny) Beckstrom

Kenneth L. (Kenny) Beckstrom

February 7, 2023 7 a.m.

Skull found in ’97 in remote Alaska belongs to New York man

Investigators used genetic genealogy to help identify the remains as those of Gary Frank Sotherden, according to a statement Thursday from the troopers.

Gladys Anderine Sather
February 7, 2023 7 a.m.

Gladys Anderine Sather

Gladys Anderine Sather

February 7, 2023 7 a.m.

Senior commodities distribution set for Feb. 17 at Libby VFW

It will run from 10 a.m. to noon at 114 W. 4th St.

February 7, 2023 7 a.m.

Shocking and shameful

No, it appears our esteemed commissioners have delivered one of the most ignorant, misguided and repugnant statements conceivable.

Flathead Electric supports Libby Library
February 7, 2023 7 a.m.

Flathead Electric supports Libby Library

The Libby Library, built in the early 1950s, is owned and operated by Lincoln County, but supported financially in many ways by the nonprofit Libby Friends of the Library.

Logger student athletes sign letters of intent
February 7, 2023 7 a.m.

Logger student athletes sign letters of intent

Libby Loggers Greenchain member Matthew Niemi will also compete at the collegiate level.

February 7, 2023 midnight

Legals for February, 7 2023

Kootenai Valley Head Start gets $1 million grant
February 7, 2023 midnight

Kootenai Valley Head Start gets $1 million grant

For 28 years children in Lincoln County have been supported in many ways by the Kootenai Valley Head Start program.

Friday, February 3

Verna Joan (Jo) Chapel
February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Verna Joan (Jo) Chapel

Verna Joan (Jo) Chapel

Marvin H. Kyes
February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Marvin H. Kyes

Marvin H. Kyes

Leroy Johnson
February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Leroy Johnson

Leroy Johnson

Donald R. Weatherly
February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Donald R. Weatherly

Donald R. Weatherly

Kenny Beckstrom
February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Kenny Beckstrom

Kenny Beckstrom

Phyllis Ann Woods
February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Phyllis Ann Woods

Phyllis Ann Woods

February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

Raising the debt ceiling is not about raising the national debt, which most media has not explained well. It is about paying for bills already incurred by Congress.

Billy Dan Fenimore
February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Billy Dan Fenimore

Billy Dan Fenimore

Cabinet Peaks Prevent program approaching fast
February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Cabinet Peaks Prevent program approaching fast

The next PREVENT program begins on March 6.

Council OKs deal with county Sheriff for police protection
February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Council OKs deal with county Sheriff for police protection

The proposal calls for the agreement to begin Wednesday, Feb. 1 and end June 30, unless the city notifies county Sheriff Darren Short that his department’s services are no longer needed.

David Thompson SAR hosts winter safety training event
February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

David Thompson SAR hosts winter safety training event

The training session included a classroom portion on Friday evening and outdoors training on Saturday on Keeler Mountain.

Libby's new robotics team headed to state
February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Libby's new robotics team headed to state

Friday morning, Eureka and Libby students in grades 7-12 will be among several teams competing in the First Tech Challenge at Montana State University’s Shroyer Gym.

Local treatment court's future dependent on state support
February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Local treatment court's future dependent on state support

Federal grant money helped launch treatment courts in a number of Montana counties, including Lincoln, a few years ago. But with the federal grant set to expire in September 2023, state lawmakers are considering a proposal by Gov. Greg Gianforte to fund treatment courts.

Virginia Anna (Wolfram) Sluiter
February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Virginia Anna (Wolfram) Sluiter

Virginia Anna (Wolfram) Sluiter

February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Private burials: Who's keeping track?

Documenting private burials 'not a required thing," but officials talk about ways to make the process more manageable.

February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Libby man's retort to alternative energy sources

No one who cares and loves our planet would ever put up a wind farm and some styles of solar farms.

Fisher River Fire Rescue ice fishing derby set for Feb. 18-19
February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Fisher River Fire Rescue ice fishing derby set for Feb. 18-19

Advance sale tickets are available at Happy’s Inn, Libby Sports Center, Snappy Sport Senter and Chancy and Dave’s Fish Camp. Tickets will also be sold at the event.

Aliya Rene Kolb
February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Aliya Rene Kolb

Aliya Rene Kolb

Heavy ice and snow cover can result in fish kills in shallow waterbodies
February 3, 2023 7 a.m.

Heavy ice and snow cover can result in fish kills in shallow waterbodies

Thick ice and persistent snow cover can create good angling conditions, but they can also strain fish populations in waterbodies prone to winter kill.

February 3, 2023 midnight

Legals for February, 3 2023