A look back at 2022, Part 3

July 1

No visitors allowed at Lincoln County jail after COVID-19 outbreak

Visitors will not be allowed to see inmates at the Lincoln County Detention Center after a recent outbreak of COVID-19 at the jail.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received notice of its first confirmed positive case of COVID-19 in the detention center, according to a post on its social media page on June 28.

When further testing was done, it was learned that five inmates and one staff member tested positive for COVID-19 so far.

July 5

Troy High School grad is an American hero

They used to call him “Gump” but now they can call him an American hero.

Kris Goyen, 37, is a graduate of Troy High School. He and his family moved from Oregon when he was 2.

He is currently a Technical Sgt. in the U.S. Air Force and was recently honored for his actions in the 2020 rescue of an American citizen taken hostage by armed kidnappers in Niger, a country located in West Africa.

Goyen recently received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his work in the rescue effort.

County commissioners approve cost of living increase for employees

The Lincoln County Commissioners approved a cost of living increase for its employees at a recent meeting.

The motion to approve a 2.5% increase for all county employees, excluding those in union positions, was approved unanimously on June 22 for fiscal year 2022-23. The fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 31, 2023.

Commission Chair Jerry Bennett said he wanted to see county employees get at least 2%. Elected officials automatically receive 1% longevity annually.

July 7

Eureka man accused of killing father in custody in California

A Eureka man accused of killing his father on Memorial Day is in custody in Los Angeles County.

According to a news release from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, it was notified on June 30 that Joshua Joseph Sauls, 23, the son of the victim John Sauls, was arrested by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office on unrelated charges.

Sauls was served an arrest warrant for deliberate homicide in Lincoln County that was issued as a result of the investigation.

July 8

Some county residents voice displeasure with Pride event

The Lincoln County Pride Festival is set to happen Saturday at Fred Brown Pavilion in Riverside Park, but not everyone is happy about it.

At the Libby City Council meeting on Tuesday, a handful of people spoke about their displeasure with the event being held in Libby and their beliefs that it would be harmful to children.

July 19

It’s the pits: Lincoln County residents frustrated at new opencut mining law

House Bill 599 was pitched by Rep. Steve Gunderson, R-Libby, as one that would cut the red-tape of environmental laws and reviews to allow for “high and dry” open-cut gravel and mining operations. However, a closer reading of the law shows that it substantially changed how the state regulates sand and gravel pits, including those nearby residential areas.

Gunderson defends the changes and points the finger at the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, which he said may not be interpreting it correctly.

Tugging incident leads to felony charges against Troy man

A battle over a bicycle has resulted in a Troy man facing felony gun charges.

Garrett Damion Cassidy, 51, pleaded not guilty to assault with a weapon and criminal endangerment July 11 in Lincoln County District Court.

July 22

Jury finds Purkhiser guilty of witness tampering; hung on assault charge

It was a split decision in the case of a Lincoln County man who is accused of assaulting a woman earlier this year.

A jury found Walter Jason Purkhiser, 42, guilty of felony witness tampering on Saturday, June 16 in Lincoln County District Court. But the group of eight women and four men deadlocked on one felony count of partner or family member assault, third offense.

July 29

Troy man helps save teens from fiery wreck

A Troy man is credited for helping save the lives of two teens who were caught in a fiery wreck on U.S. 2 and Walsh Road earlier this month.

Levi Lawson, 26, said he was traveling down the highway with his family after a visit to Whitefish when he came upon the accident July 10 at the intersection.

He ran over to the car and checked on the occupants. All five were teens heading to the Under the Big Sky festival.

He said at first the engine was just smoking, but then it started to show flames.

August 1

Fire crews battle blaze near Weasel Cabin in Ten Lakes area

While there have been several fire starts in Lincoln County over the last few weeks, it now has its first sizable wildfire.

The Weasel Fire was detected at about 4 p.m. Saturday, July 30, near the Weasel Cabin turnoff in the Ten Lakes Scenic Area on the Kootenai National Forest. The Weasel Cabin was built in 1943.

Officials at the Ksanka Ranger District office believe the fire was caused by lightning.

August 5

Stalking case dismissed after Libby man dies

A Libby man accused of stalking a local grocery store employee was dismissed last month after he died.

Keith Archer Carlson, 76, faced one felony count of stalking, but according to court documents filed July 26 by Lincoln County Attorney Marcia Boris, the case was dismissed after his death.

He was arrested on March 25, 2022, after numerous incidents that allegedly began in the summer of 2021.

August 12

Libby School Trustees OK contract for Asa Wood cleanup

It’s been a years-long process, but the Libby School District is getting closer to moving on from Asa Wood Elementary School.

At its Aug. 1 School Trustees meeting, board members voted to approve a contract with Manzo Hauling Management to perform abatement work at the school, which closed in June 2011 due to a budget shortfall.

Manzo, a company based in the Flathead Valley, submitted a bid for $199,904, substantially less than three other contractors. Missoula-based Abatement Contractors of Montana’s bid was $289,620, Butte-based Ingraham Environmental’s bid was $370,333.10, and Environmental Contractors of Billings bid $383,564.

August 16

Chain of Lakes residents speak against Happy's RV subdivision

The Lincoln County Commissioners got an earful from some residents about a proposed subdivision for a RV park and campground in the Happy’s Inn area at a public hearing last week.

The meeting room in the Lincoln County Courthouse is typically lucky to see more than a few residents, but at the Wednesday, Aug. 10 hearing, there weren’t enough chairs for those who shared their thoughts on the plan.

According to the proposal, Parks Family Real Estate, a Whitefish-based company, wants to build a 21-acre park that would house 69 recreational vehicle spaces and 20 primitive tent camp sites.

August 19

Lincoln Co. families facing school meal costs, new levy

Families and individuals dealing with the costs of inflation in Lincoln County will have to dig a little deeper.

The reasons are twofold. One is because a federal program that provided free meals for students over the last two years has ended and also because the cost of diesel fuel has increased substantially.

According to information from the Libby School District, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is not offering free meals this year and it has directed districts to return to the pricing model that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The free meals for all students ended with the 2021-22 school year, but programs for free and reduced meals still exist,” Libby Schools Superintendent Ron Goodman said.

McCormick School suffers act of vandalism

Authorities are investigating vandalism that occurred recently at the McCormick School in Lincoln County.

According to new lead teacher Jennifer Adair, the vandalism happened at an outbuilding on school property. She said merchandise, including glassware, was destroyed that the school uses in their rummage sale to help pay for field trips for school students.

August 23

Coach Fuller ready to tackle 2022 season

It’s a career that has spanned five decades in two states with the opportunity to coach a Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Libby head football coach Neil Fuller is entering his 20th year coaching the Loggers and it will likely be his last.

While he hasn’t completely committed to ending his coaching and teaching careers, Fuller has 37 years under his belt.

August 30

Former Libby City Councilor accused of fraud

A former Libby City Council member who resigned in 2018 after her criminal history was exposed is now accused of felony theft.

Angel Lee Ford, 53, of Libby, who previously pleaded not guilty, appeared in Lincoln County District Court on Aug. 15 for a hearing to determine if she would go to trial. Her public defender, Keenan Gallagher, said she would and expected a trial would last two days. Gallagher also said he was going to file a request for a change of venue.

Ford is accused of writing a bad check in November 2021 to a local company for nearly $900.

McMeekin dies at age of 74

Former Lincoln County Sheriff Michael McMeekin has died at the age of 74.

The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office shared the news in a social media post last week, saying "Sheriff McMeekin had a heart for service and is described as being a “wonderful Sheriff.” He served with professionalism, integrity, and honor."

According to his obituary posted on www.gardencityfh.com, McMeekin died on Aug. 22.

McMeekin became a deputy in Lincoln County in May of 1972 and was appointed sheriff in July of 1975. He was elected in the general election for a two-year term and was the youngest sheriff in the state of Montana at the time.

Storm leaves Libby without power

Wednesday night’s lightning and wind storm left about 1,300 Libby area residents without power and sent fire managers out to check smoke reports and new fire starts in the area.

According to Flathead Electric, the storm, which moved through the area a little after 9 p.m., left most customers without power until about 1 a.m.

As of 10 a.m. Thursday, two customers were still without power. The cause was listed as a treein a power line. According to Flathead Electric, the estimated time of restoration was 5 p.m.

Also, fire managers were busy checking smoke reports and new fires late Wednesday and Thursday.

As of 12:30 p.m. Thursday, the Kootenai Interagency Dispatch Center had reported eight new fires on the Kootenai National Forest.

Two Libby men accused in golf course incident

Two Libby men are facing felony charges for the alleged theft of a golf cart and vandalism last month at Cabinet View Golf Course.

Cole Douglas Murphy and Shane Brian Rice, 20, are charged with felony burglary, felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

According to the affidavit charging the offenses, at about 6:37 a.m. Thursday, July 14, Libby Police Officer Cody Dewitt was notified by dispatch that golf course employees had reported vandalism and the theft of a golf court earlier that morning. Shortly after, Dewitt learned from dispatch that the employees, while searching for the cart, found two drunk men and one had a gun. Dewitt and several officers from the Sheriff’s Office and Libby Police Department responded.

Sept. 1

Troy man accused of attacking wife

A Troy man is accused of attacking his wife, threatening her life and spraying her with a fire extinguisher during some recent incidents.

Joshua Michael Glaese, 39, pleaded not guilty to one felony count of assault with a weapon and one misdemeanor count of partner or family member assault, first offense, on Monday in Lincoln County District Court.

Glaese posted $100,000 bail on Aug. 22. Part of his terms of release include not possessing any weapons, not using or possessing illegal drugs or alcohol. Glaese is also not allowed to have any contact with the alleged victim.

According to the charging documents, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Captain Boyd White met with the alleged victim on the afternoon of Aug. 15 at the sheriff’s office. The woman said her relationship with Glaese has been very rough. She said Glaese is an alcoholic, he is violent when he drinks, but he drinks every day.

Sept. 16

Purkhiser gets 10-year prison sentence

A Lincoln County man found guilty of felony witness tampering in June was sentenced Monday to 10 years in the Montana State Prison.

Walter Jason Purkhiser, 42, learned his fate in Lincoln County District Court, but not before launching into a nearly hour-long tirade when he was given the chance to address the court by District Judge Matt Cuffe.

“I’ve been fed into a trap and I’m afraid of these people. I don’t want to be anywhere near them,” Purkhiser said as he attempted to make his case for a suspended sentence.

“I know I’ve been a little wrong, but I don’t feel I deserve 10 years,” he said. “I know my past doesn’t look good, but I can’t change it, I can only change the future.”

Purkhiser’s past includes a conviction in Georgia for assaulting his then-wife at a military base. He was initially charged with assault to commit murder before pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge. He was sentenced to time served and placed on probation for one year.

Troy Schools investigate misconduct; teacher resigns

Troy Public Schools will have to replace C.J. Franke after she resigned from her position as the intervention counselor earlier this week.

Franke, who was suspended on Sept. 6 after the school launched an investigation due to allegations of misconduct, submitted her resignation to the school on Tuesday, Sept. 13.

Franke told The Western News she submitted her resignation in a text message on Tuesday. It followed a school board meeting Monday night in a packed library where several parents and concerned citizens spoke their feelings about the situation.

Franke said she was not told what the allegations were, but school Superintendent Jacob Francom said they dealt with not going through the proper channels in the school for handling a complaint.

Sept. 20

Train fracas leads to assault charge

A South Dakota man pleaded not guilty on Monday, Sept. 12, in Lincoln County District Court to assaulting a police officer after a fracas on an Amtrak train last month in Libby.

Justin James Schneider, 37, is charged with felony assault on a police officer and three misdemeanors, including assault with bodily fluid, disorderly conduct and obstructing a peace officer.

According to court documents, Schneider posted $50,000 bail on Aug. 27 and was released. According to his terms of release, Schneider was allowed to return to South Dakota. But, he is only allowed to leave South Dakota to return to Montana for future court hearings.

According to charging documents, Schneider has a history with law officers in South Dakota and Wyoming. His criminal history, reported by Libby Police Officer Ron Buckner, includes convictions for assaulting a peace officer in Wyoming in 2012 and for assaulting an officer and disorderly conduct in South Dakota in 2019.

Trojans celebrate homecoming with win

Troy junior Derek Cole recovered a Plains fumble at the Trojans 5-yard line with 19 seconds left to seal a 52-46 win on homecoming Friday night.

Cole’s recovery capped a wild game as the Trojans picked up their first win of the 2022 season. The recovery was the second one in the fourth quarter for the Trojans. Freshman Carson Orr pounced on a Plains’ fumble at the Trojan 14-yard line with about three minutes left to play.

Seniors Trevor Grant and Paxton Fisher gave the Trojans (1-3) a 52-46 lead with 4:04 to play. Grant scored on a 1-yard run and Fisher’s conversion run brought Troy back from a 46-44 deficit.

Troy beat the Horsemen (0-3) in 2021, but this one was a lot tougher than last year’s 56-14 triumph.

Sept. 23

County OKs Happy’s RV Park subdivision

The Lincoln County Commissioners unanimously approved a preliminary plat for a proposed RV park at Happy’s Inn at Wednesday’s meeting in Eureka.

The approval means Parks Family Real Estate Company can proceed with plans to develop the park which would include 69 recreational vehicle sites and 20 tent sites. The park would be located just north of U.S. 2 across from Happy’s Inn.

The commissioners were originally set to vote on the plan on Aug. 24, but a property owner with land adjacent to the proposed subdivision didn’t receive a letter until one day after the Aug. 10 hearing.

Sept. 30

Libby's Lind part of new class of Montana Highway Patrol troopers

Libby native Dietrich Lind is a trooper for the Montana Highway Patrol.

Lind was part of a class of 10 new troopers who were commissioned by the Montana Highway Patrol on Monday, Sept. 26 at a graduation ceremony at the Civic Center in Helena.

Lind is assigned to the Townsend station.

Libby's Malyevac, Foss qualify for state golf tournament

Two Libby golfers are going to state after Friday’s Class A Western Divisional tournament at Cabinet View Golf Course in Libby.

Junior Reece Malyevac and senior Mackenzie Foss will be playing at the Class A state tournament on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at the Hamilton Golf Club.

Malyevac’s 7-over 79 placed him tied for eighth in the boys’ field while Foss’s 25-over 97 placed her in a fifth-place tie.