Friday, June 30
Selenium standards
The BC Premier resigned to join the Teck Board. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau declined an IJC Committee to study transboundary pollution. Montana has no jobs threatened by the selenium limits, all we get is more pollution.
MHSA approves change to Class A state hoops tourney
Four teams from the East and four from the West will qualify for the state tournament and there will no longer be a state play-in game for Class A.
Libby's Johnston medalist at U.S. Amateur qualifier
Libby native and Arizona State University standout Ryggs Johnston was the medalist with an impressive bogey-free two rounds of golf at Old Works, which was playing at more than 7,600 yards.
Montana deploys 22 firefighters to Canada
The firefighters were assigned to the Kimiwan Complex of fires in the Peace River Fire Protection Area of northwest Alberta. Alberta has been in a crisis state because of the wildfires, which have been ongoing since March.
Patricia “Patti” Slauson Kelly
Patricia “Patti” Slauson Kelly
How to pay down the deficit
The question politicians need to ask is “How much money will we secure for the honest American taxpayer when we catch the unpatriotic tax cheats?”
Sign-up open for surplus drawing hunting licenses, permits
To be placed on the Surplus License List, resident and nonresident hunters can sign up through the MyFWP portal.
Terry A. Holthaus
Terry A. Holthaus
Blackfeet release bison at Chief Mountain
To the Blackfeet Nation’s knowledge, the June 26 event marks the first time in America’s history that a sovereign indigenous nation has returned free-roaming buffalo back into their native habitat. Other tribes have restored bison on to reservation lands, but none have restored free roaming buffalo.
Walt P. Rucinski
Walt P. Rucinski
Kootenai Forest Stakeholders hear grizzly report
Kasworm, the team leader for the Cabinet/Yaak Ecosystem Program, said there were three human caused grizzly fatalities in 2022, including two females.
Helena judge orders Gianforte to produce communications with Hecla
Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Christopher Abbott on June 23 ordered Gianforte to produce the records sought by Montana Environmental Information Center and Earthworks, both nonprofits active in mining issues.
Fighting the fentanyl crisis in Montana
In April, the Justice Department announced charges against several leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel and numerous other individuals accused of trafficking fentanyl.
Libby's Uithof wins twice at Millpond Motocross
Competitors came from across the region, including Montana, Idaho and Washington and Canada, too. Northwest Montana was was well represented, too, as the field was dominated by racers from Libby, the Flathead Valley and Plains.
LOR continues to make a difference in Libby
As they close in on $500,000 in grants to dozens of community projects, LOR’s Tabitha Viergutz took some time to briefly reflect on what’s happened in the last 12 months.
David Joshua Patterson
David Joshua Patterson
William D. Baeth
William D. Baeth
Legals for June, 30 2023
Wednesday, June 28
Michigan murder suspect arrested near Libby
The sighting followed a Sheriff's Office Facebook post that was published about four hours prior to the arrest.
Tuesday, June 27
Former Libby man dies in crash in Troy
All three people were taken to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. The 21-year-old man was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Libby, Troy have contested races for council seats
The election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 7, according to Howell.
Rose joins Cabinet Peaks Medical Center's Board of Directors
Dan has been a resident of Libby since 1992. He initially moved to the area after returning from his Peace Corps service in Ecuador, accepting a temporary position with the Forest Service in Troy.
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
Trump’s former Attorney General Bill Barr confessed on Fox News that he was “shocked” at the sensitivity of the documents “and how many there were.”
Kootenai National Forest hosting public meetings for Cedar Creek project
The second is a field trip from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, July 13.
Loggers baseball fourth at Big Bucks Tournament
The Loggers return home on Wednesday, July 5 to face Miles City. The home finale is July 9 against Bitterroot.
Duram received threatening letter containing white powder
Reps. Rhonda Knudsen, R-Culbertson, and Neil Duram, R-Eureka, both received anonymous letters at their homes with local return addresses but post office markings from Kansas City.
Understanding Montana's property tax appraisals
Property tax calculations are complex and understood by few. To calculate your taxes, you must know the formula. The calculation is: the market value of your property X tax rate X mill rate = taxes.
Death of local woman found in Flower Creek ruled accidental
An autopsy by state officials determined the causes of death were difluoroethane intoxication, drowning and hypoxia.
U.S. 2 road work nearing completion
Crews have been working to enhance roadway safety features by repairing the existing rockfall structure and removing potentially hazardous and unstable rock material.
Pitiful Players to perform Pirates of the Kootenai
These shows are family fun and free.
Libby man gets deferred sentence in golf cart incident
Murphy also faced charges of felony burglary and misdemeanor unauthorized use of a motor vehicle but those were dismissed as part of the plea deal.
Clyde Ross Jr.
Clyde Ross Jr.
George Leon Booth
George Leon Booth
Legals for June, 27 2023
Friday, June 23
Libby's Harma wins Safari Rifle Challenge
The big bore rifle competition drew shooters from Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Colorado and Canada.
Libby couple sentenced for drug trafficking offense
Both hearings saw debate on paying restitution and fines related to the respective cases. The defendants each described their employment situations as tenuous.
Troy educator nominated for teacher of year award
She is being considered alongside other teachers throughout the state.
Laurence Carlberg
Laurence Carlberg
State commission OKs elk hunting access agreements
EHA agreements provide landowners with an opportunity to obtain an elk license, permit or combination thereof in exchange for allowing free public hunting access to a minimum of three public hunters – one of which may be selected by the landowner.
Grant awarded to improve police health
New equipment will help keep new officers in shape.
Council seats up for grabs in Libby, Troy
In Libby, there are six candidates for three, four-year seats.
Leslie Miles Pollard
Leslie Miles Pollard
Cabinet View Golf Club hosts youth golfers
It was free for everyone and equipment was provided to all kids.
Accused Kellogg murderer appears in court
Each count of murder included the names of his alleged victims, except for a juvenile identified only as A.S.
Mass casualty drill a learning experience for first responders
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center is in the process of becoming a designated trauma facility and running such a drill is a needed step in the process.
Californian charged with local check forgeries
Forty-two-year-old John E. Nieblas, also known as John Eugene Kelton, was arraigned Monday in District Court and pleaded not guilty to the offenses.
Community briefs
Several Lincoln Co. students made the cut.
Legals for June, 23 2023
Legals for June, 23 2023
Tuesday, June 20
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center Auxiliary supports hospital mission
Over the past three years, their generous donations have amounted to over $27,000, benefiting various departments and services within the medical center.
New fentanyl law offers up mandatory minimum sentence
The legislation imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of two years of jail time for anyone convicted of trafficking fentanyl in the state of Montana.
New VA Clinic coming to Kalispell in 2025
The facility, planned to be nearly twice the size of the existing VA clinic in Kalispell, will be located on the northwest corner of Reserve Place and Old Reserve Drive, near Glacier High School.
Lincoln Co. woman gets prison time for probation violations
According to court documents, Hart was recommended for placement at Elkhorn Treatment Center in Boulder, Montana.
Change at the top of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Deputy Director Dustin Temple will assume Hank Worsech’s position.
Troy, Libby students pass welding certification tests
Instructor John Love said passing the test is important for a number of reasons.
EPA recaps progress, looks at former mine site
Recreation activities in the area are not seen as a risk and the EPA hopes to clean up the area enough for other activities.
Citizens not happy with Libby Cemetery maintenance
We follow the rules and regulations set forth by the City of Libby, but recently it appears the city does not even follow its own regulations and rules.
Dog's death leads to assault charge against Yaak man
Benjamin Michael Manheim, 63, is charged with one felony count of strangulation of a partner or family member following an incident on May 23 at a River View Drive residence.
Leon D. Brown
Leon D. Brown
Charles “Les” Stewart
Charles “Les” Stewart
An argument for bringing life into the world
It is inconceivable that anyone could try to justify killing a fetus, a baby in the womb, because they can’t afford to raise the child.
Libby to host FWP meeting on setting hunting seasons
In Libby, KW Maki Theater, at 724 Louisiana Ave., will host a meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 6.
Libby residents injured in fatal vehicle crash
The Libby man and a passenger in the Ford, a 74-year-old woman from Libby, were injured and taken to Logan Health. They were both wearing seat belts.
Has a good lady missed the mark?
It seems OK though to allow young undeveloped minds to be influenced by violent shoot-em-up video games where the goal is to kill all in your path!
Libby Loggers set to host Big Bucks Tournament
The action begins Thursday at Lee Gehring Field and ends Sunday. There will be a home run derby and skills competition on Saturday evening.
Montana FWP hosting photo, art contests
Winners will see their work on the front and back cover of the 2024 fishing regulation booklet.
Legals for June, 20 2023
Friday, June 16
Libby has a new definition for yard sales
Spring cleaners, estate sales and those moving should take note of the new definition of yard sale.
Cabinet View Golf Course Junior Clinic
Dozens of young golfers teed off, chipped and putted...
Victoria (Vicki) Jane Hudson Todd
Victoria (Vicki) Jane Hudson Todd
Libby artist's drawing survives severe fire
Hagen said the inspiration for his drawing of the “oldtimer” was from a book written by Fritz Perls and titled, “In and Out of the Garbage Pail.” It was published in 1969.
Duaine Schultz, 74
Duaine Schultz
William T. Lowe Jr.
William T. Lowe Jr.
Community briefs
Other upcoming tournaments include the Capital City Classic in Helena and Polson Splash.
Grizzlies, hunters collide in northern Rockies
A hunter killed a grizzly bear in self-defense last week in the Madison Range southeast of Ennis.
Russell Dickerson to play Northwest Montana Fair
The fair is scheduled for Aug. 16-20 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.
Libby's Jon Obst honored by Gov. Gianforte
Sgt. Obst has worked as a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Game Warden since the fall of 1998.
Roneta (Ronnie) Bruno
Roneta (Ronnie) Bruno
Homicide suspect may present alibi defense at upcoming trial
Joshua Joseph Sauls, 25, is facing a charge of deliberate homicide in the death of his father, John Lewis Sauls, on May 31, 2022.
Legals for June, 16 2023
Tuesday, June 13
BLM rule proposes to put conservation on ‘equal footing’ with other uses
A conservation organization called the proposal a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’ to improve the condition of public land. An oil-and-gas group argued that the agency is overstepping its authority.
Libby man pleads guilty to meth possession
Simmons will be considered for admittance to the county Treatment Court.
Happy's Inn fundraiser supports vets, first responders
According to Kris Cole, the Gopher Derby, a silent auction and performances by Tim Montana, Copper Mountain Band and Wild Wind helped bring in $35,000 that was donated to Valor Equine Therapy Service.
State declines millions in federal food assistance for children
The decision brings the total amount of dollars to address hunger Montana has left on the table to more than $135 million since 2021, according to the Montana Budget and Policy Center.
Application available for FWP’s Habitat Conservation Lease Program
As it has for decades, FWP is still pursuing conservation easements and land purchases where support from landowners, local officials and the community exists.
Eureka school project produces twin tiny homes
The project has brought to fruition an idea that’s been cooking in the mind of Eureka’s school superintendent, Joel Graves, for several years.
Charles L. Stewart
Charles L. Stewart
Eureka man sentenced in intimidation case
Joseph Daniel Heil, 38, pleaded no contest to one felony count of intimidation for alleged acts he committed in March 2022.
Opportunities to fix forests in the farm bill
Fixing our forests will ultimately require cutting through the environmental red tape that prevents many forest-restoration projects from getting off the ground or stalls them until they go up in flames.
Virnie Carrol Mack
Virnie Carrol Mack
Guns have changed everything, especially childhood
My brain fritzed out with confusion: Here a drill, but in Florida, children were being mowed down. Relief, and yet also great grief. Other mothers were getting different news.
State Crime Lab maintains status as top-performing forensic lab
Only 14 other laboratories worldwide earned the distinction.
Kootenai Forest Stakeholders Coalition to talk grizzlies
Meeting attendees will hear a panel style discussion with select speakers on the topic of grizzly bears and road management.
Bears 'n Stuff busy in Libby; makes donation to food pantry
The little Marine will buddy up with Clarence and maybe join in with a few other vets who live at the Libby Care Center.
Deborah Jane Ryan Zwang
Deborah Jane Ryan Zwang
Mission Valley Mariners sweep Loggers in doubleheader
Libby will be at home Saturday for a doubleheader with the Cranbrook Bandits. The first game begins at 1 p.m.
Legals for June, 13 2023
Friday, June 9
Group still lobbies for MT 37 speed reduction
Jim Mitchell is part of the group seeking the reduction of the limit from 70 miles per hour to 55 or even 60.
Libby man accused of strangling girlfriend
A conviction on the felony charge could result in a maximum penalty of five years in the Montana State Prison.
Little Libby Loggers tee ball photos
The Nationals and Braves tee ball teams had a great time on the diamond recently.
LOR, Libby 4-H team up for safe cattle handling
Kara Matthews, whose daughters Leah and Hailey are both members of the South 40, said teaming up with LOR has been great to further expand the club as well as the Troy Kootenai Kids & Critters 4-H Club.
Good times at Troy Kids Fishing Day
The Troy Community Pond was constructed 21 years ago when FWP partnered with the City of Troy to help build it.
Troy Museum and Visitors Center celebrates 50th anniversary
Lincoln County officials bought the land from Stimson Lumber Company and gave it to Troy.
Georgina Kay Woody, 71
Georgina Kay Woody, 71
Libby Police Chief outlines long road to hiring new officers
Becoming a police officer is a long and complicated process.
Kootenai Cross Country Ski Club gets $ for trail work
Lincoln County's Kootenai Cross Country Ski Club will receive $13,560 for grooming and maintenance of 13 miles of the Flower Creek Nordic Ski Trails system.
Thompson SAR shares its mission with Libby youth
There were five stations, including the K-9 unit which works to help find lost people and the mountain unit which can set up rope systems that allow even a second grader to pull a truck easily.
Northwest Montana man accused of meth possession
Gallery is scheduled to appear in Justice Court at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Bob Payne, 83
Bob Payne, 83
Clyde E. Ross Jr, 57
Clyde E. Ross Jr, 57
Legals for June, 9 2023
Tuesday, June 6
Janese "Jan" Marie Dirkes
Janese "Jan" Marie Dirkes
Sports in brief
The Loggers were scheduled to host the Glacier Twins Monday evening.
Highway work continues near Kootenai Falls
Even if you are abiding by posted speed limits, you can still be traveling too fast for safety – particularly in inclement weather, low/no light conditions, or around emergency response or work zone sites.
Libby City officials sound alarm on vandalism
Sikes said if anyone sees vandalism happening, they should contact law enforcement immediately.
Lincoln County hires new election administrator
Howell comes from Grants Pass, Oregon, where she worked in the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office since the beginning of 2020.
Ned Eugene Decker
Ned Eugene Decker
Gladys A. Sather
Gladys A. Sather
Gary “Slim” Leggett
Gary “Slim” Leggett
EPA hosting vermiculite meeting June 6 in Libby
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the Ponderosa Room, Lincoln County Emergency Management, 952 E. Spruce St. 205, Libby.
Suit says Cascade County Elections Office mishandled district elections
The districts want the elections for their respective boards redone within 85 days, saying violations of election law likely affected the outcomes, according to a lawsuit filed on Friday.
Gov. Gianforte signs MEPA bill into law
Sen. Mark Noland, a Republican businessman from Bigfork, told Montana Free Press that he sponsored the measure after seeing his friends’ livelihoods impacted by timber sales that had been halted under MEPA.
National Elk Refuge antler auction nets $218k
A total of 164 registered bidders participated in Saturday’s auction, which yielded a total of $218,382.
Hammond's words inspire as Libby Class of 2023 graduates
Hammond, also the Senior Class President, shared her story of triumph over adversity while speaking during graduation ceremonies in Ralph Tate Gymnasium at Libby High School.
Legals for June, 6 2023
Friday, June 2
Libby Schools work to prevent bullying
Recently at Libby High School, the Seeds Leadership Group and Justin Boudreau gave an interactive presentation for a few dozen students.
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond: Billionaires profit from Covid-19
Jeff Bezos gained $17 billion, while union busting; Elon Musk became $153 billion richer while also union busting, and Warren Buffet gained $47 billion while denying rail workers sick leave.
Shane M. Ellison
Shane M. Ellison
Libby's Beagle grabs bronze medal at state tennis
Beagle placed third and claimed a bronze medal for the second straight season.
Boltz, Stevenson, Andersen medal at state Track and Field Championships
For the girls, senior Rylee Boltz capped her career with a second-place in the high jump. Her top leap of 5 feet, 3 inches was also a personal best.
Sidney "Bruce" Switzer
Sidney "Bruce" Switzer
Heritage Museum hosting quilt display
Beginning July 1, artwork by local artists will be shown.
Kalispell Lakers rally to defeat Loggers
For the Loggers, Dylan Buckner had two hits, a run scored and an RBI from his leadoff spot.
Libby 2-2 at state; Foss named All-State
Libby finished the season 15-13 and took state champion Columbia Falls to the wire in the Western A Divisional playoffs before losing a one-run game.
Environmental groups file suit over Koocanusa selenium levels
Environmental groups have filed suit against groups accused of working together to change the state's water standards.
Libby educator studies how to retain teachers
A local school councilor looks into the issues facing schools in rural Montana.
Group says it plans to sue state, feds because they’re failing to protect grizzlies from trapping
The 60-day notice is a requirement in order to bring a lawsuit in federal court and puts the agencies on notice so that they may opt to correct or modify plans to avoid a lawsuit.
The debt dilemma and tax cheats
Only relatively recently has the idea that “taxation is theft” been seriously suggested in the public discourse.
Congress must stand up for common-sense gun laws
I know there are gun owners who own and use stabilizing braces for sport shooting who do not want the actions of some bad actors to limit the rights of all gun owners.
Libby man sentenced in child assault case
Ty Reed Orsborn, 35, was originally charged and pleaded not guilty to felony assault on a minor and misdemeanor DUI.
Flathead Electric Co-op announces scholarship winners
A total of $118,000, funded by the Co-op's unclaimed capital credits, was awarded to local students this year.
Emma Louise Andreessen
Emma Louise Andreessen
Libby community restores angel statue
The statue was restored in 2022 for its centennial celebration.
Legals for June, 2 2023
Thursday, June 1
Local woman taken to hospital after traffic accident
Libby Volunteer Ambulance, Montana Highway Patrol, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Libby Volunteer Fire Department and Libby Police Department responded to the scene.
