Tuesday, January 31
Area students make fall semester Dean’s List
The students listed below made UM’s Fall semester 2022 Dean’s List or the President’s 4.0 List.
Lincoln Co. residents part of Montana State grad class
Libby's Suzanna Powell earned her degree in the Doctor of Philosophy in Psychological Science.
Dirty Shame RV park plan draws ire of Yaak locals
The plan calls for 18 recreational vehicle sites, 10 cabins and six tent sites on the 5-acre chunk of land located just north of Yaak River Road.
Kalispell man with arrest warrants jailed in Lincoln Co.
David Wayne Anderson, 51, is lodged in the Lincoln County Detention Center on $15,000 bail and facing one felony for allegedly possessing methamphetamine.
Former legislator hopes state will stand up for seniors
Currently, Montana has a $2 billion budget surplus, thanks largely to an infusion of federal money intended to help our state during the public health emergency and provide a safety net for our state’s most vulnerable residents.
House passes bill allowing for state veterans cemetery in northwest Montana
The cemetery would be open to veterans in nine counties in the region, including Lincoln, Sanders, Flathead, Lake, Glacier, Toole, Pondera, Teton and Liberty.
Libby Middle High School Second Quarter Honor Roll
Libby Middle High School Second Quarter Honor Roll
Glacier reservations available starting Feb. 1
The round of reservations will be available to enter Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork from May 26 through June 30. This year Glacier is releasing them in blocks, rather than on a rolling day-to-day basis as in previous years.
Sen. Cuffe seeks to combine conservation commissions
Senate Bill 83, sponsored by Sen. Mike Cuffe, R-Eureka, is an agency bill brought forward by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
Lincoln Co. Community Foundation supports Koats for Kids
Kiwanis President Sandi Sullivan and member Gary Allen recently accepted a $2,400 grant from the Lincoln County Community Foundation.
House bill aims to revise careless driving laws
This bill revises an existing Montana law, which briefly states that a person operating a vehicle on a public highway should drive in a careful and prudent manner that does not unreasonably endanger the 'life, limb, property or rights of the person entitled to the use of the highway."
Eureka man accused of fentanyl possession
Shane Michael Coursey, 56, is accused of possessing methamphetamine, Xanex and fentanyl after his arrest on Jan. 24.
Troy Lady Trojans struggle out of gate, lose to Plains
But Plains held the Lady Trojans to just one point in the second quarter and took a 24-9 lead to halftime.
Orr leads Trojans to easy win over Plains
Orr was dialed in from long distance in the first half and the Trojans built a 20-point halftime lead over the Horsemen, 32-12.
City considers deal with county sheriff for protection
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in council chambers at the city building at 952 E. Spruce St.
Legals for January, 31 2023
Friday, January 27
Flower Creek, Old Snowshoe development plan approved
The new recreation development plan will improve access in the South Libby area for non-motorized recreation.
Troy man facing assault charge is accused of DUI
Joshua Michael Glaese, 39, was charged with felony DUI, fourth offense, and booked into the Lincoln County Detention Center after the Dec. 24, 2022, incident.
Livestock-attacking canines were actually dogs
The DNA indicated that the animals were domestic dogs and were not hybridized with wolf.
Bill to revise taxation on forestland advances in state Senate
The goal of SB 3, sponsored by Sen. Mike Cuffe, R-Eureka, is to incentivize timberland owners to continue growing trees through a fair system of taxation, supporters say.
Traffic accident in Libby
The FedEx truck collided with a white Toyota Tacoma.
City OKs paying Lincoln County Sheriff's Office for police protection
Controversy has swirled around city officials since word of the resignations reached the public in a Dec. 3 post on social media.
Winter storm watch in effect through Saturday
Total snow accumulations of five to 10 inches are possible with winds gusting as high as 35 mph.
Done deal: New owner takes keys of former Asa Wood School
Goodman also presented two framed posters that were signed by students and staff of the first class in 1954 at Asa Wood and the last, dated June 1, 2011.
Greenchain hammers Polson on Senior Night
Members of the Greenchain who were recognized included wrestlers Colby Booker, Matthew Niemi, Chase Rayome, Sam Rosling, Cael Schwindt, Tyler Smith, Mauro Vazquez-Otero, James Warner along with team managers Genevi Reatz and Maicy Svendsbye.
Virginia Bache
Virginia Bache
James Floyd “Jim” Pierce
James Floyd “Jim” Pierce
Dolores “Dee” Marie (Hoeffner) Fitzhugh
Dolores “Dee” Marie (Hoeffner) Fitzhugh
Libby man denies stealing unemployment benefits
Austin Joel Zugg, 46, is charged with two felonies, including making false claims to public agencies and theft.
Libby man pleads guilty to assaulting jail guard
Yakovenko's sentencing is scheduled for March 13.
Three grizzlies euthanized after testing positive for bird flu
The three bears, one near Augusta, one near Dupuyer and another near Kalispell, were observed to be in poor condition and exhibited disorientation and partial blindness.
Legals for January, 27 2023
Tuesday, January 24
Troy man accused of attacking officers deemed fit to stand trial
Jonathan Joseph Peterson, 33, faces charges of assault on a peace officer, disorderly conduct, intimidation, resisting arrest and obstructing a peace officer following a Jan. 2, 2022, police pursuit.
The evidence is clear – education choice improves outcomes
Our recent Idaho Poll showed a third of Idahoans are not familiar with education choice, but when they know about it, they overwhelmingly approve.
Gunderson disputes claim that Cabinet-Yaak grizzlies declining
Garrity is presenting data in a profoundly dishonest way to stall a project that will provide good paying jobs, aid in conservation and expand recreational access.
Federal lawsuit claims insurer deliberately stalling in Libby asbestos cases
Attorneys for the miner filed a complaint in federal court, claiming that Zurich American Insurance Company systematically stalled and dragged out court proceedings in an attempt to force him into settling the lawsuit before other asbestos cases are tried.
Andersen’s 26 points lead Loggers over TFalls
At the Montana Class A Duals in Lewistown, the Libby Greenchain were 3-1 in their pool and finished in the top 8.
Lincoln Co. 4-H hosts event with state legislators
There were nine members from South 40 and Kootenai Kids and Critters 4-H clubs who participated, including five youth members and four leaders.
Libby approves new growth policy
After some public concerns were heard by the council late in the process, the new document will guide Libby for the next decade.
Wayne Maffit
Wayne Maffit
Ida May (Garrison) Templin
Ida May (Garrison) Templin
New wrestling club hopes to add opportunity for youth
The Cabinet Mountain Elite Wrestling Club started last summer and according to its organizers, RJ Masters and Kirby Couvillion, is meant to give area youth the chance to wrestle year-round.
Forest Service seeks comment on Cedar Creek project
According to Matt Bienkowski, the operations supervisor for the Libby Ranger District, there are nearly 1,000 structures within 1.5 miles of the project area and nearly 3,000 within three miles.
Sheriff’s Office blotter
The law roundup is compiled from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office incident log. It is not meant to serve as an exhaustive account.
Leiss new chemotherapy manager at Cabinet Peaks
Leiss started working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the age of 16 and then became a Registered Nurse in her 20s.
City to hold special meeting tonight on paying county for police protection
The situation began after three of the force’s officers - Chris Pape, Ian Smith and Cody DeWitt - gave their resignations on Nov. 21, 2022.
Friday, January 20
Greenchain wrestling falls to Columbia Falls
The MatCats have eight grapplers ranked in the Jan. 17 Class A coaches poll.
Gloria Marie Cornwell
Gloria Marie Cornwell
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
A South Korean solar panel maker plans to invest over $2.5 billion in factories in Georgia, which are expected to supply about 30% of U.S. solar power demand by 2027, ABC News reported.
Cabinet Peaks welcomes Nicely to Foundation Executive Director post
Nicely was one of seven candidates the Foundation Board interviewed.
Libby speech and debate team prepares for divisional competition
The Libby Loggers are wrapping up the regular season and preparing for divisionals.
Columbia Falls man accused of fentanyl possession
Alexandr Shestak, 53, was charged with two felony counts of possession of dangerous drugs and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Police situation continues to rankle Libby City residents
In terms of an agreement between the city and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement coverage while the city works to rebuild its police force, council opted to table paying an invoice for $11,784.88.
Plea deal proposed for man accused of assaulting officer
Yakovenko is scheduled to appear in District Court at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23.
Legals for January, 20 2023
Tuesday, January 17
County health agencies seek public comment in survey
Residents asked to voice their opinions about health care in Lincoln County Health Survey.
Smith River permit application deadline is Feb. 15
Celebrated for its spectacular scenery, remote location and excellent fishing, floating the Smith River is one of Montana’s most sought-after outdoor recreation experiences.
Troy annual seed exchange set for Jan. 21
All gardeners, from novice to master, are welcome to attend.
Beware Republican deregulation
It was the biggest economic disaster in the history of Montana.
Author to present mountain goat program in Libby
Smith will do a family book reading from his Legend Keeper series titled, “Can Kids Save a Glacier?”.
Vincent to give Jan. 18 program on forestry in grizzly country
According to a news release, Vincent’s program will provide highlights of a project he is involved with on nearby private land aimed at thinning fire-prone forests while providing a travel corridor for grizzlies.
Cascade Co. judge upholds jury’s $36.5 million decision in asbestos case
Ralph V. Hutt, who worked for the W.R. Grace Company in Libby for about 18 months beginning in 1967, successfully sued Maryland Casualty Company, winning $6.5 million in compensatory damages and $30 million in punitive fines.
Libby resident discovers comfort in outdoors
I prefer to stay inside where it is not too hot, not too cold, but just right, watching movies or reading a book.
Citizen claims vote tabulators are not honest
The dept. in charge seems to be honest, but the tabulating machines they employ are not.
Robert Carmen “Bob” Marozzo
Robert Carmen “Bob” Marozzo
Greenchain place two at Jug Beck; Loggers at .500 after beating Thompson Falls
In two games, Ryan Beagle scored 32 points.
Eureka man headed to trial on strangulation charge
William Timothy Teeple, 43, appeared with his public defender, Scott B. Johnson, on Dec. 19 for a hearing to determine if his case would go to trial.
Passions still run high in debate over Troy Dispatch
While the sentiment is not new, Troy folks are feeling more confident they can maintain their location after hiring some new dispatchers since last summer.
Albert J. Fantozzi
Albert J. Fantozzi
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center shares first baby of 2023
Vincent Alexander Slosser was born on Jan. 11, 2023.
Butte native daredevil Knievel dead at 60
As a boy, Robbie Knievel began on his bicycle to emulate his famous father, Evel Knievel, who died in 2007 in Clearwater, Florida.
Legals for January, 17 2023
Friday, January 13
Ronald Bruce Carter
Ronald Bruce Carter
Northwest Montana man sentenced for wild land fires
In court documents, the government alleged that between 2013 and 2021, more than 40 suspected arson fires were set on state and federal land in Mineral County.
Loggers dump Eureka to help win Battle of the Kootenai
Sophomore Ryan Beagle led Libby with 17 points, including five 3-pointers.
Greenchain celebrate first home meet with win over Eureka
The Greenchain didn’t disappoint the home faithful, beating the Eureka Lions, 46-21, to secure the Highway 37 Battle of the Kootenai trophy.
Highway 37 Battle of the Kootenai Trophy returns to Libby
Libby Public School students celebrated Tuesday night with the Highway 37 Battle of the Kootenai trophy after the boys basketball and wrestling beat Eureka to reclaim the trophy.
W.R. Grace offers $18.5M to settle Montana asbestos claims
The proposed settlement was filed in W.R. Grace & Co.’s bankruptcy case in Delaware for the Libby Asbestos Superfund Site in Lincoln County.
Larry Winston Watt
Larry Winston Watt
Libby Police Commission elapsed; second investigation underway
According to the Jan. 7 press releases, Williams wrote that, “It has been determined that the police commission currently has no members."
Birth announcements
Adalie Mae Alexander
Libby man charged with drug crimes
Kevin J. Michael Simmons is facing felony charges of possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Flower Creek, Old Snowshoe development plan tabled
A plan to expand recreation near Libby was halted due to concerns about the city water supply.
Community teams up to recognize teen mental health issues
Mental health or substance use challenges to be more addressable for teens under new program.
Legals for January, 13 2023
Wednesday, January 11
State to test AMBER Alert system Jan. 13
In Montana, the criteria for issuing an AMBER alert is that the missing child is age 17 years or younger, or has a proven mental or physical disability. The law enforcement agency believes the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.
Tuesday, January 10
Beatrice ‘Bea’ Kinney
Beatrice ‘Bea’ Kinney
Ronald R. Hamel
Ronald R. Hamel
Greenchain log plenty of mat time in Mission Valley
Libby places fourth in dual and invitational tournaments.
Libby basketball teams swept by CFalls, Browning
Tyler Andersen led the Loggers in scoring in both contests, totaling 48 points.
Troy Lady Trojans win first game
On Saturday, the boys team picked up their second win, hammering Alberton, 76-25. The girls squad won its first, beating Alberton, 48-16.
A look back at 2022, Part 3
Join The Western News as it continues a look back at the second quarter of 2022.
The white sedan: How police found suspect in Idaho slayings
Eventually, the document said, police were able to narrow down what was at first known only vaguely as a white sedan to a 2015 Hyundai Elantra registered to Bryan Kohberger, a 28-year-old doctoral student in criminology at Washington State University.
James W. Long
James W. Long
Looking Back: Jan. 10, 2023
Looking Back, in various versions and titles, has been published and enjoyed by readers in The Western News for about a century.
Libby man pleads guilty in shooting incident
Charles Fernley Woods Jr., 67, entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of felony criminal endangerment in Lincoln County District Court on Jan. 3.
Nomad GCS ready to put stakes down in Libby
Mike Hahn, marketing director for Nomad, said the company's initial goal is to hire 20 to 50 people with a goal of 100 to 200 in the future.
Legals for January, 10 2023
Logger Leadership bridges community, student gap
Libby High School uses a new class to reach out to the community and help kids learn leadership skills.
Libby City Council tables vote on growth policy
After hearing public comment the city council voted to change language in the document.
Friday, January 6
Libby man found not guilty of DUI
After two hours of deliberation, the jury found Miller not guilty of driving under the influence.
Residents voice displeasure with Libby police situation
Three of the force’s officers - Chris Pape, Ian Smith and Cody DeWitt - gave their resignations on Nov. 21, 2022.
DeShazer leads five ranked Greenchain wrestlers
The Greenchain wrestle this weekend in the Ronan Tournament. Tuesday, they host Eureka.
Helen “Marie” Martin
Helen “Marie” Martin
Tracy L. Lauer
Tracy L. Lauer
Libby woman sentenced for meth possession
According to court documents, Quinn had five previous felony drug charges, four of which were dismissed. A fifth resulted in a 2-year deferred sentence.
Lincoln Co. man sentenced for stealing sporting goods
Vaughn Grier Rouse, 25, pleaded guilty on Oct. 31 to felony theft in exchange for the dismissal of a felony methamphetamine charge.
Year in Review, Part 2
Join The Western News as it continues a look back at the second quarter of 2022.
Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge Designated as International Dark Sky Sanctuary
With IDA Dark Sky Sanctuary status, the 9,225-acre refuge in northwestern Montana is recognized as public land with an exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment.
Lima-Hageness honored for work with local youth
Lima-Hageness has been recognized for being outstanding in her field over her long career.
Legals for January, 6 2023
Tuesday, January 3
The big lie of the big lie
To stop it and to remove suspicion, the 2020 elections need to be fully investigated. If Biden was fairly elected, it will be shown as such.
Libby, Troy scholastic sports team return to action
On the mats, the Greenchain will wrestle a quad in Polson Thursday. In addition to the host Pirates, Stevensville and Bigfork will take part. The grapplers will then compete in the Ronan Tournament on Friday and Saturday.
Montana Innocence Project client gets $5M settlement for wrongful conviction
Richard Raugust, wrongfully convicted in a homicide, has received a $5 million settlement in a case against Sanders County and a deputy sheriff, law firm Blackford Carls announced Wednesday.
Investigators arrest Idaho man for alleged drug dealing
Redl was arraigned on Dec. 5 in Lincoln County District Court and pleaded not guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute, use of property subject to criminal forfeiture and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Libby to host conservation easement meeting
Lands under easement remain in private ownership and management and landowners continue to pay property taxes.
Friends of Library book sale Jan. 6
There will be some special features as well to start off the New Year.
Superfund group says state should pay for cleanup work
Maintaining asbestos contaminants continues in Libby and beyond.
Birth announcements
Abbygale Hobson
Libby man accused of stealing unemployment benefits
Austin Joel Zugg, 46, is charged with two felonies, including making false claims to public agencies and theft.
Hunters group asks for $200 million of budget surplus for land stewardship, restoration fund
Along with helping the land, the fund would benefit Montana’s agricultural and outdoor recreation industries, supporters said.
The Year in Review, Part 1
Join The Western News in looking back at the first quarter of 2022.
New project to study impacts on elk in Lower Clark Fork
This winter and spring, biologists and researchers will begin capturing elk, mountain lions, wolves and black bears.
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
On Christmas day vandals attacked four power substations in Pierce County, Washington, stopping power to 14,000 customers.
Former Libby Police Commissioner sounds off on officer resignations
I am left with an overwhelming feeling that these former officers showed insubordination, lack of moral character, dereliction of duty to the oath of that of a peace officer.
Janice Ilene McName
Janice Ilene McName
Patricia M. Midyett
Patricia M. Midyett
