Ellington

Firefighters tackle Rainy Creek blazes; fire danger at extreme

While the area falls within the Libby Asbestos Superfund Site, Kootenai National Forest Fire Manager Officer Dan Rose said only one of the three fires was in Operable Unit 3, which contains the former W.R. Grace vermiculite mine.

Governor seeks federal drought relief for Northwest Montana

Gianforte noted that Montana is already in drought disaster status per a prior declaration.

More fishing restrictions added on Montana rivers

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks issued the full fishing closures on the Clark Fork where several tributaries meet the river in Missoula and to its northwest: Within 100-yard radiuses from where Rattlesnake Creek, the St. Regis River, Cedar Creek and Fish Creek meet the river.

Libby's Moeller picked for West Legion All Division team

The team was recently announced by Legion officials.

Grizzly kills woman near West Yellowstone; another bear euthanized in GNP

The fatal mauling occurred on July 22 on the Buttermilk Creek trail about eight miles west of West Yellowstone in Gallatin County.

Delivering income and property tax relief for Montanans

We worked with legislators and got property tax relief across the finish line.

Fire managers approve Stage 1 fire restrictions in northwest Montana

People can also be held liable for all suppression costs and damages for starting a fire.

Lady Loggers volleyball hopes summer work pays off

Last week, the team welcomed North Idaho College coaches Brittany Tilleman and Missy Fleshman and players Rachel Stacey and Jessie Stires for a two-day camp.

Officials seek info on Haul Road fires

People with any information on these fires are asked to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 406-293-4112.

Montana property taxes explained by state revenue dept.

The bottom line here — even though your property appreciated greatly, it doesn’t mean your taxes will go up by the same amount.

Libby ex-con pleads not guilty to drug, fleeing charges

Joshua David Hoffman, 47, faces five counts, including one felony, after he allegedly was involved in a police chase.

Libby man accused of child sex assault

Laurence Alton Haflich, 69, is charged with two felonies in relation to an alleged incident...

County resident takes on graffiti vandals

Wendy Chopyak wanted to repaint the sign.

'Cats top choice in Big Sky coach and media polls

Montana opens the 2023 season on Sept. 2 against the Butler Bulldogs out of Indianapolis in a first-time matchup while Montana State hosts Utah Tech on Sept. 2 to kick off their season.

Heritage Museum celebrates 45th anniversary with new exhibit

The museum is home to a vast collection of local, regional and U.S history.

Libby native realizes long-time dream

A former Libby Logger will go on to serve her country and join the nursing profession.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reminds everyone: A fed bear is a dead bear

Raising small livestock like chickens can be a fun, fruitful activity, but in bear country it presents a likely conflict waiting to happen.

Western state budgets, industries rely on federal lands, but so does wildlife

Under the proposal, most conservation leases would be offered for a maximum of 10 years, with the opportunity for renewals.

Marvin H. Kyes Sr.

Marvin H. Kyes Sr.

Legals for July, 28 2023

Two men dead after shooting at Rexford Bench

Authorities said a verbal dispute between two men turned deadly when a Kalispell man shot another man from Oregon.

Patriot Front members jailed, banned from downtown Cd'A

A Kootenai County judge sent five members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front to jail Friday and banned them from the city's downtown area for a year, following their conviction for conspiracy to riot, a misdemeanor.

Legislators pulled a fast one on Montana homeowners

Now they’re blaming local governments for this massive state property tax hike.

Parade kicks off Lincoln County Junior Fair

Students got to show off their abilities in raising stock animals, art, including paintings, photography and handmade creations in the 69th annual event.

FWP warns of possible fishing closures in NW Montana

NWS is predicting a brief break in the weather this week in northwest Montana. Forecasters are saying the low temperatures will be in the mid 40s to low 50s while highs will range from about 80 to 90.

Troy man charged with DUI homicide in death of former Libby resident

Terren Craig Winebark, 21, is charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence, or in the alternative, negligent homicide.

Christopher Robert Parker

Christopher Robert Parker

Troy Dispatch no longer taking calls for service

Emergency and non-emergency dispatch services for the Troy Area District were transferred to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch on Monday, July 17.

Ruby Alice McElmurry

Ruby Alice McElmurry

CARD Clinic ordered to pay $6 million in fraud case

BNSF Railway, upon behalf of the United States government, brought the suit in 2019 under the False Claims Act. The act allows private parties to sue on behalf of the federal government.

Community briefs

The Lincoln County Republican Central Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Aug. 10 at North Point Grill in Eureka to elect its officers.

New OB-GYN joins Cabinet Peaks Medical Center

Following the completion of his residency, Dr. Robles served as an medical doctor in the Air Force for four years.

Montana adds protections for kids in private residential treatment programs

The law increases the state Department of Public Health and Human Services’ oversight of such programs by requiring weekly, unmonitored video calls between program attendees and their parents, more inspections, and a 24-hour child abuse hotline for program residents.

Superintendent Arntzen pleads guilty to ‘bump with bumper’

Last year, Arntzen pleaded no contest to illegally passing a school bus that had stopped to board children.

Montana fire outlook: ‘Be prepared for big change’

Borsum said the initial concerns will be in northwest Montana, particularly Glacier, Flathead and Lincoln counties, which he said were drier currently than in 97% of other years because of a year-long drought.

Public participation in FWP carnivore management is a sham

Wildlife is part of the public trust. The state has a duty to manage wildlife for the public and for future generations.

Libby man gets suspended sentence in drug case

Simmons, through his public defender Ben Kolter, agreed to plead guilty on May 22 to possession of dangerous drugs in exchange for the dismissal of misdemeanor charges related to driving offenses and resisting arrest.

Legals for July, 25 2023

Lester Charles McKean

Lester Charles McKean

Pacific Northwest Economic Region supports hydro energy bill

Mike Cuffe, Montana state senator from Lincoln County, brought the letter of support during the PNWER business meeting Monday, July 16 in Boise Idaho.

County OKs elimination of five green box trash sites

While some residents aren’t happy about the new plan, other proposals would have cut green box sites to either six or three locations. Hooper warned of the possibility at a May 10 commission meeting.

Libby's Jim Mee to be inducted into Carroll College Hall of Fame

Mee literally took a more circuitous route — roughly 7,000 yards farther than your typical basketball court.

To protect forests, fix Cottonwood first

No wonder both the Obama and Trump administrations looked for ways to administratively circumvent Cottonwood.

Facts on property tax and a billion bucks back

State and local governments don’t need huge additional amounts of inflationary money, so the actual tax bills will be less than this initial estimate.

Officials ID man who died in crash near Happy's Inn

The vehicle continued off an embankment, rolled four times and hit a tall tree stump before coming to rest.

Kenneth A. Lyon

Kenneth A. Lyon

Allan Rice

Allan Rice

Libby man sentenced and ordered to treatment court

Priebe was ordered to attend and complete the county’s treatment program. He was given credit for serving 159 days in the county jail.

Danny Dempewolf

Danny Dempewolf

Nancy E. Neubrech

Nancy E. Neubrech

Bear attacks tree planter in B.C.; griz euthanized near Hungry Horse

A bear believed to be a grizzly attacked and seriously injured a 21-year-old woman who was planting trees in an area southwest of Bearhole Lake Provincial Park/Protected Area near Tumbler Ridge

Kootenai Outdoor Adventure Club making memorable connections

Libby Middle School teacher Bill Moe runs the program that educators have offered for nearly 20 years.

Legals for July, 21 2023

Missing man found dead in Koocanusa Reservoir

According to a press release from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, 47-year-old Johnathan Orr, had jumped...

Jennings Haul Road fires were human-caused

Jeresek said northwest Montana is not under current fire restrictions, but he added, "It's dry out there and on more south facing aspects, the grass is curing quickly. It's only a matter of time before we have a large fire."

Bill aims to ease path to homeownership for volunteer firefighters

The bill allows volunteers to participate in that loan program even if their income exceeds the maximum allowable income level by up to $18,000.

State revenue department hears property tax concerns

Libby was one of many communities across Montana that has or will host local meetings where state officials attempted to allay those fears.

Gerald “Gary” Heath

Gerald “Gary” Heath

Secretary Jacobsen: Supporting public lands while following the law

I was recently made aware of a social media campaign soliciting money claiming to fight for interests that I support and will continue to support: local control and public lands.

Community briefs

Should you receive a call like those reported, do not release your personal or financial information, or pay using gift cards.

Plan to raise Flathead Lake level torpedoed by water management team

After deliberating for nearly two hours, members of the Columbia River Technical Management Team said the plan wouldn’t be compliant with state and federal laws, nor would it actually mitigate the negative effects of the lake being low.

Libby woman accused of assaulting partner with metal bucket

The person who called 911 said a man had been hit in the face with a beer bottle.

Police say Troy woman struck man with whiskey bottle

A conviction for assault with a weapon may result in a 20-year sentence.

White supremacist helps accused killer post bail

The victim, 60-year-old Scott Bryan, was from Eureka, Montana.

Former governor sounds off on property tax debacle

How did the largest percentage of Republicans elected in Montana history grow government at the fastest rate in state history – and at the same time raise property taxes on your home?

Shed hunters sentenced for trespass

Due to the popularity and value of shed hunting, FWP wardens have seen an increase in trespass on WMAs during the closed season.

Partnership seeks help in fight against feral pigs

Within the United States, feral swine are known to cause over $2.5 billion in damage and control costs to agriculture, property and natural resources.

Man faces federal gun charge after local investigation

Matthew Cory Glen Robocker, 27, appeared in Missoula on June 29 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto

Libby welcomes new police officer; looks to extend memorandum

The memorandum of agreement, signed in April, is expected to be extended for one year by the city council.

Playing for Fundsies sets new fundraising record

The excitement drew a total of 31 teams to participate in the tournament.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

Texas, which has been suffering a record-breaking heat wave, is getting backlash from a state bill, to activate in September, which would eliminate water breaks for construction workers.

Legals for July, 18 2023

Libby man dies in crash near Happy's Inn

The man was not wearing a seat belt and speed was a suspected factor in the crash.

Unite for Youth continues youth support efforts

The organization has helped bring SEEDS training to schools.

Joan (Joanne) Waychoff Maynard

Joan (Joanne) Waychoff Maynard

Libby man jailed after Russian roulette turns deadly

Keigan I. Ball, 22, is in the Lincoln County Detention Center facing charges of negligent homicide and criminal endangerment after a May 27 incident south of Libby.

Libby man accused of burglary, witness tampering

Daniel James Marozzo, 39, is facing three felony charges.

Tax relief or cover up?

And ask your legislators and governor to do what is right and stop this dramatic rise in property taxes.

Grizzly bears continue to spread across Montana

Grizzly bears haven’t lived there since the late 1800s, FWP said.

Loggers Legion baseball says goodbye to seniors

The Class A District Tournament is scheduled for July 20-23 in Polson.

Man killed in Kalispell attack was from Eureka

Bryan, 60, was from Eureka and had most recently been a tenant at the former Vacationer Motel in Kalispell, according to intake paperwork from the shelter.

State conservation license now required for some sites

Increased use of state lands — particularly fishing access sites and wildlife management areas — has pushed up maintenance costs, according to officials with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Kenneth R. Farmer

Kenneth R. Farmer

Robert A. Snow Sr.

Robert A. Snow Sr.

Libby ex-con faces more criminal charges

Joshua David Hoffman, 47, faces five counts, including one felony, after he allegedly was involved in a police chase.

Daniel Michael Casey

Daniel Michael Casey

Legals for July, 14 2023

Missing mushroom hunter found alive in Canada

According to a press release from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Clifford Persons was picking mushrooms with a friend in an area about 11 1/2 miles east of Eureka.

Property taxes

We rely heavily on property taxes to fund state and local government, a balanced tax package would be equal parts of income, property and sales taxes.

Lindsey's walk-off hit lifts Loggers over Bitterroot

Hunter Lindsey’s bases-loaded hit in the bottom of the seventh scored the game-winner.

More property tax consternation

Make no mistake, the tax increase is permanent and the rebate is ONE TIME ONLY. There are programs that could use the state surplus to help people.

Chamber's rubber duck race returns to Libby

Chamber Board President Bruce Vincent was decked out in various forms of personal flotation devices when he dove into the shallow pool.

Libby resident arrested after allegedly striking man with truck

Vanhoose was released from the Lincoln County Detention Center after posting $100,000 bail.

Community briefs

The Kootenai National Forest’s current postal mailing list will be retired in December 2023. After that date, subscribers should not expect to receive project notifications by postal mail.

Phyllis Eilene Auger McWhirk

Phyllis Eilene Auger McWhirk

Rebo joins Cabinet Peaks Medical Center Foundation board

Currently, she generously devotes her time to youth sports, including soccer, wrestling and baseball.

State wildlife officials release draft rules to manage grizzlies

The current language says that grizzlies “committing depredations” that don’t endanger human life but are causing property losses should be evaluated in that manner.

Montana proposes dropping wolf hunt quota significantly

FWP said the wolf population has dropped in the last two years, and it believes the new quota will keep wolves at a healthy and sustainable population per state law.

Coming soon to Montana politics: Property tax revolt

Those with good memories will recall when a citizen property tax initiative, I-105, was on the ballot in 1986.

Libby native Rambo inducted into Montana Pro Football Hall of Fame

Rambo, a Libby native and Carroll graduate (1975), was one of the best running backs in program history, amassing several rushing records in his time as a Saint.

Health officials issue measles alert in wake of increasing cases

While no measles cases have been found in Montana since 1990, officials in Seattle and King County investigated a confirmed case involving a child in May.

Legals for July, 11 2023

Michigan murder suspect captured in Plains

According to the Sanders County Sheriff's Office, Chadwick Shane Mobley was arrested Monday evening after citizens saw him and called authorities. He was found on River Road West.

Michigan murder suspect escapes in Plains

According to information from the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office, Mobley escaped custody at the Town Pump in Plains at about 9:58 a.m.

Fire officials increase danger level as conditions worsen

Despite very green vegetation, fire officials are reminding people that rapidly changing conditions have led them to increase the fire danger level to very high and Preparedness Level 3 on Thursday.

Forest management

The eco-extremists do not want us, the citizens and visitors to Montana, in the woods. Period.

Libby to host property tax meeting; rebates available soon

The City of Libby’s Ponderosa Room, located at 952 E. Spruce St., will host a forum from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 13.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

Multnomah County in Oregon is suing 17 major oil companies for their role in causing the climate crisis that triggered the 2021 heat dome, which killed 69 people in that county.

Troy man jailed for stabbing, sending man to hospital

The case began late on the night of June 5 when Troy Police Officer...

Libby man pleads guilty to assaulting woman, officer

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

Troy Fourth of July photos

The usual parade, car show, breakfast and other festivities were accompanied by a new splash pad and sun shade for the kids.

A Yaak Fourth of July celebration

It is a time for us to pause and remember our independence from the tyranny of Britain’s mad King George 247 years ago and the founding documents that started America on her path to freedom.

New parking requirement for residential builds

After drawing on past experience, city council decided that at least two parking spaces will be required for new residential buildings.

Federal judge halts Ripley logging project, orders Forest Service to do more work

The project slated about 25,000 acres for “treatment” or various logging activity, including new roads and the likely disturbance of grizzly bear habitat.

Kaczynski’s death a powerful reminder of danger of unchecked mental illness

Ted Kaczynski’s brother, David, said Gehring’s book “might well be the best attempt to yet understand the strange life and mind of my brother.”

Election deniers are controlling local elections. What could go wrong?

This conspiracy has been thoroughly debunked in Montana and across the country. But election deniers persist in claiming evil forces are manipulating elections.

Fortine man accused of arson

Justin D. Huggins, 35, pleaded not guilty to one felony count of arson and one count of criminal endangerment.

Legals for July, 7 2023

Hunters may register for online game damage hunt roster

Hunters are asked to sign up for districts where they know the landscape and can respond quickly to game damage issues typically within 24 to 48 hours.

Libby woman sentenced on business break-in convicttion

Bucker wrote that he saw merchandise and clothing removed from shelves and thrown on the floor. He said about $200 in cash was missing from the cash register.

Even after his death, Kaczynski still holds the nation’s attention

“Unabomber” was the nickname given to a long-wanted domestic terrorist who, starting in 1978, committed 16 bombings across the United States, usually with package bombs sent in the mail.

Suspected Kellogg killer won't face death penalty

As a result of this decision by Allen’s office to take capital punishment off the table, Kaylor will now face a potential maximum life sentence for each count of first degree murder.

Convicted killer pleads guilty to assault of prison guards

Standing Rock tried to dissolve the victims of his fatal stabbing attack in acid.

Jury determines CARD Clinic submitted false asbestos claims

False claims enrolled hundreds in Medicare when they were not eligible.

Lawmakers override Gianforte’s veto of bill tied to pot revenue measure

Representatives for the Montana Association of Counties, Wild Montana and the Montana Wildlife Federation this week lauded legislators’ override of Gianforte’s veto of the appropriations bill, House Bill 868.

Community briefs

Hunter and bowhunter education classes are open to registration in Libby.

Teen injured in ATV accident on U.S. 2

The ATV, driven by a teen from Ronan, collided with a Toyota pickup truck.

Shane Donald Crill

Shane Donald Crill

CARD leaders say verdict won't halt its efforts

CARD Executive Director Tracy McNew and Board President Leroy Thom said they were both disappointed by the verdict and felt a ruling by Judge Dana L. Christensen hamstrung its case against railroad giant BNSF.

Michigan homicide suspect won't fight extradition

Cuffe told Mobley he was not obligated to waive extradition, but the defendant had no qualms about his decision.

Legals for July, 4 2023