Tuesday, May 30
State seeks info on grizzly shot in Sanders County
The grizzly bear was shot and killed in the South Fork of the Bull River area near Berray Mountain off Forest Road 2272, also known as Berray Mountain Road.
Austin Reedy Post 97 American Legion honors Libby veterans
Saturday afternoon, members of the auxiliary and Austin Reedy Post 97 placed U.S. flags and flowers on veterans' graves.
City code discussion draws plenty of comment
Proposed Libby ordinances aimed at clarifying the city code were changed after public involvement.
County battles abuse at Green Box refuse sites
She said there are trail cameras at a few sites that are used to determine those repeatedly breaking the rules and those folks are facing possible fines.
Oath Keepers' Rhodes gets 18 years in Jan. 6 attack
The U.S. Department of Justice says the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys planned the effort in order to keep then-President Donald Trump in office despite him losing the election two months earlier.
Anglers battle tough conditions in Koocanusa Salmon & Trout Derby
Nevertheless, the diehards still managed to pull some good rainbow trout from the reservoir as well as some tasty kokanee salmon.
Local TU chapter hears FWP plans to improve Kootenai River
Gerstenecker elected new KRTC Trout Unlimited chapter president.
St. John Lutheran Church members keep it clean
Members of St. John Lutheran Church recently completed their semi-annual highway cleanup.
Senate Wildlife Caucus to focus on forest management
The caucus has been in the works for the past couple of months, according to Daines’ office.
Eugene (Gene) Lawrence Yahvah
Eugene (Gene) Lawrence Yahvah
Libby's Adamson kicking off new carving show in Lincoln
The new festival will be held July 13-16 in the town of Lincoln in Lewis and Clark County.
Whitefish man accused of voting fraud
The indictment alleges that on Oct. 10, 2020 in Flathead County, Hill knowingly gave false information about his name, address and period of residence in the voting district for the purpose of voting in a general election.
Major miscue for FWP in moose, sheep draw
The mistake occurred when quotas were incorrectly entered into the drawing system by licensing staff and resulted in more licenses being drawn in some districts than what the quota dictated.
FWP embarks on mule deer monitoring and research
In response to this concern, FWP is embarking on research efforts to look into the declines and engage hunters about their attitudes on mule deer management and hunting.
Legals for May, 30 2023
Friday, May 26
Taking on China to defend our Montana way of life
And while the spy balloon certainly got a lot of headlines, the truth is that China has been working to undermine us for a long time now.
Suspect allegedly wielded shotgun in Libby standoff
Butala, originally from California according to a court filing, is scheduled to appear in Justice Court for preliminary hearing
Scoping deadline nears for potential easement in Thompson River drainage
The proposed conservation easement would be held by FWP and would allow Green Diamond to retain ownership and management of these timberlands, preclude development, protect important wildlife habitat and provide public access and associated recreational opportunities.
Bull trout redd numbers down in some western Montana streams
Catch and release angling of bull trout is allowed in Lake Koocanusa and the South Fork Flathead River (above Hungry Horse Reservoir) and harvest of bull trout is still allowed in Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Libby Legion baseball photos
The Loggers scored two runs in each of the fourth and fifth innings.
Libby community briefs
The Libby Friends of the Library will have its next book sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 2.
Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness plans 2023 trail projects
It also is extremely rewarding to work alongside other volunteers that love nature.
The best way to honor those who didn’t make it home is to fight for those who did
I’ve taken the lead in introducing bipartisan legislation with 12 of my colleagues, including every Navy SEAL in Congress to ensure the VA is granting veterans access to life-saving mental health care in their local communities.
Big Sky Bash announces concert performers
The opening act will be Jay Snow and the Tone Keepers.
Boyd Eugene “Gene” Adkison
Boyd Eugene “Gene” Adkison
Kansas woman dies in Glacier's Avalanche Creek
The woman was declared deceased by ALERT personnel at the side of the creek.
Barry (Butch) L. Brown
Barry (Butch) L. Brown
Ronald Wayne Osborne
Ronald Wayne Osborne
Deadline for deer, elk B licenses fast approaching
In northwest Montana, the either-sex white-tailed deer license that's only valid in the Libby CWD Management Zone is now a limited B license (199-20) with a quota of 2,000. Apply for that license before June 1.
Warren “Dean” Ferch
Warren “Dean” Ferch
Shawna Jo Green
Shawna Jo Green
Libby, Troy track and field athletes headed to state
The Libby Loggers are sending nine competitors to the Laurel Sports Complex for the Class A event and Troy is sending three to the Class B Championships in Butte.
Deadline looming to register to run in 2023 elections
There are three seats up coming up for election on the Libby City Council.
Gianforte signs bill to expand block management
The Block Management Program allows landowners to work with the state wildlife agency to provide the public with hunting access on private lands. It also aids landowners in managing hunting activities.
Legals for May, 26 2023
Tuesday, May 23
Linda M. Erickson
Linda M. Erickson
Libby softball team headed to state tournament
Libby (13-11) will take on the fifth place finisher from the East, Fergus, in the first round at 11 a.m. Thursday.
Libby's Andersen makes state tourney; Loggers lauded for hosting
They got to see sophomore Ryan Beagle win his second straight divisional singles crown and junior teammate Tyler Andersen qualify for the state tournament after placing fourth in singles.
Libby's Beagle wins divisional, sets sights on state title
But after five wins in two days at last week’s divisional, Beagle’s hunger for gold is renewed.
Shawna Green
Shawna Green
Jackie Lynn Weist
Jackie Lynn Weist
Associaton of counties not happy with Gianforte veto
His veto ignores 132 legislators from both parties who voted for SB 442. It ignores 56 county commissions and numerous local governments who support the bill because it supported needed county road maintenance, enabling farmers and ranchers to get their products to market and EMTs to respond to emergencies.
Troy man faces prison time after alleged probation violations
In the 2020 case, authorities said they uncovered more than one-half pound of methamphetamine during a search of a Wapiti Lane property in Troy.
Schools, police continue battle against teen nicotine use
The use of vapes is so prevalent that 'we never see cigarettes anymore,' school official says.
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
A New York judge recently denied Trump’s lawsuit filed in 2021 against The New York Times, following the paper’s investigation into his finances. The judge said the Times action was protected by the First Amendment and ordered Trump to pay attorneys fees, legal expenses and associated costs.
Legals for May, 23 2023
Sunday, May 21
Libby standoff ends with man in custody
When deputies arrived, they learned that several individuals had been threatened by a man, identified as 36-year-old Chase Butala, with a weapon and a female had been assaulted.
Saturday, May 20
Libby woman dies in traffic crash on Bull Lake Road
The driver and the passenger, the 32-year-old woman, were ejected from the Wrangler. She was taken by air transport to Logan Health in Kalispell where she died of her injuries.
Friday, May 19
Canada wildfire smoke generating unhealthy local conditions
National Weather Service predictions for Troy and Libby say haze and hot weather through Sunday afternoon. Areas of smoke will persist on Thursday and Friday with high temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s from Friday through Sunday.
Libby 7th grade female runners set several new records
Capri Farmer set three new individual records this season.
James “Jim” Thomas Tackes
James “Jim” Thomas Tackes
Lincoln Co. gets failing grade for short-term air pollution
Most of the pollution detailed in this year’s report stems from small “particulate matter.” That is smoke and microscopic debris found suspended in the air from the fires.
Good times at the Lil Anglers Fishing Derby
There aren't too many better ways to spend a warm, sunny day than fishing.
Yaak WINGS event raises $55k for cancer victims
The generosity of the Lincoln County community continues year after year to help local cancer patients with expenses related to their treatment.
Ben Graham Memorial Golf Tournament winners
Money raised at the tourney also helps support the Libby Logger golf team, high school scholarships and the junior golf program.
Diane Eileen (Hudlow) Jellesed
Diane Eileen (Hudlow) Jellesed
Rosendale proposes defunding conservation land programs
Four bills would zero out Land and Water Conservation Funding for National Park Service, BLM, USFS and Fish and Wildlife Service
Libby man gets suspended sentence for DUI conviction
Lincoln County Attorney Marcia Boris and Ague’s defense attorney, Sean Hinchey, made a deal that called for a 5-year suspended sentence and that’s what Lincoln County District Judge Matt Cuffe delivered.
Libby Food Pantry still providing for its community
After about one year the pantry has settled into a new building but it has also noticed new costs.
County residents can win cash in Montana Meth Project's art contest
Three $10,000 grand prizes to be awarded to teen, adult and popular vote winners. One winner could win up to $20,000.
North Idaho's Silverwood Theme Park celebrates 35 years
The park, about 20 miles north of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, just off U.S. 95, has more than 70 rides, slides, shows and attractions.
County gets money to continue treatment court
Costing a fraction of incarceration, treatment courts help non-violent offenders rebuild their lives through treatment, recovery, counseling, education and job placement services.
Former Libby man accused of drug trafficking
The traffic stop allegedly turned up nearly one pound of methamphetamine in a vehicle Rosenlund was driving on Nov. 14, 2022.
Local expert explains unique form of communication: Morse Code
Pretty much everyone knows the familiar sound of Morse code when they hear it, but not everyone knows what is being said.
Legals for May, 19 2023
Tuesday, May 16
Boaters should be prepared for high water dangers this spring
The combination of high water and high expectations can be deadly when conditions are too extreme for safe bo
Libby City Council renews contract to plan recreation
Over the last five years, and likely even 10 years, recreation has become a major driving factor in where people would like to live, Petrusha said.
Libby contractor accused of stealing thousands from local couple
Steven Austin Quimby, 25, appeared in Lincoln County District Court on May 1 and pleaded not guilty to three charges, including two felonies for theft and check forgery.
Libby man pleads not guilty in gun incident
A woman was making accusations against a man, saying he had inappropriately touched her granddaughter.
CARD wants increased role in Riverfront Park
In order to create a memorial and better facilitate public events CARD would like to help the city rent the pavilion at Riverfront Park.
Gianforte again pledges aggressive approach to wildfires
During a round table discussion, land managers from multiple state agencies confirmed their commitment to aggressive action when dealing with wildfires, as well as proactive preventative work such as fuel reduction.
Rescued hiker's family thankful to searchers
Read is the youngest of five children and grew up in Michigan. His parents and most of his siblings arrived in Kalispell during the search and rescue efforts. Before crews found him Monday night, they were losing hope that he was still alive.
LoRee (Ruth) Hook
LoRee (Ruth) Hook
Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild awards more Quilts of Valor
The presentation followed a delicious dinner, prepared by the friends of the VFW and was served to approximately 70 veterans, active service members and guests.
Troy Trojans tennis battles Superior
The regular season is done and the divisional tournament will be held this weekend.
Women's golf league results
Low Net A Flight was Nancy Hull and B Flight was Marilee Brown.
William “Kelly” Carr Jr.
William “Kelly” Carr Jr.
Libby tennis battles Ronan, Polson
Libby will host the divisional tournament Thursday and Friday with qualifiers headed to the state tournament May 25-26 in Missoula.
Perfect weather heralds opening of Heritage Museum
Sunny skies greeted hundreds of visitors and locals to the opening day of the Heritage Museum.
Legals for May, 16 2023
Friday, May 12
Betty Emma Vinion Challinor
Betty Emma Vinion Challinor
Proponents tout virtues of federal Inflation Reduction Act for cheap power
The IRA’s tax incentives will accelerate deployment of cleaner, cheaper electricity.
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact.
Upcoming workshops to discuss forestland succession planning
The “Ties to the Land” workshops, sponsored by the Montana Forest Stewardship Foundation, are scheduled separately for May 6 in Helena and May 13 in Kalispell. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is co-sponsoring the Kalispell workshop.
In defense of logging, not burning
Why waste trees? Yes waste, up in smoke that we have to breath for months every year.
Troy School District Trustee election results
For the 3-year elementary school Board of Trustees seat...
Libby woman gets prison time for child endangerment
Tonya Lynn Deloach, 47, was first charged with two felonies, including possession of dangerous drugs and child endangerment.
Chicken little
I must say I’ve grown tired of election deniers and the paranoia they foment.
Alice Anne (Balch) Shoemaker
Alice Anne (Balch) Shoemaker
Hunting, fishing and trapping part of Montana heritage
Montana’s weak protection for sportsmen and women provides fertile ground for anti-hunting, trapping and fishing activists to attack our heritage of harvesting wild fish and game.
Libby Logger Legion baseball splits two at rainy Wood Bat Classic
Sunday, the Loggers A squad enjoyed a fast start with three runs in the first inning and five in the second on the way to a 10-5 win over the Kalispell Sluggers.
Libby High School students excel at state music festival
Several Libby High School students participated and received superior scores in the state music festival.
Troy High School announces Class of 2023 scholarship winners
The Troy High School Higher Education Foundation, Inc. is a permanent endowment to help provide financial support for Troy High School graduates to attend institutions of higher learning and/or educational pursuits as approved by the Board of Directors.
Pink Bench Distilling hopes to open soon in Troy
From the founders of the Troy Apple Festival comes a new way to enjoy Troy's fruits.
Heritage Museum to host opening day celebration May 13
Homemade quilts by the Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild will be on display in the museum’s tower gallery. The quilts will remain in the gallery through June 30.
Libby track and field squad has multiple top 10s at Roe Invite
Rylee Boltz had the best performances for Libby. She ran the 200-meter dash in 28.21 seconds to place fourth. In the high jump, her 5-foot leap placed her second.
Joan Patricia (Drasdis) Mears
Joan Patricia (Drasdis) Mears
Ryggs Johnston is PAC-12 Scholar Athlete of Year
Johnston is also still in the running for a berth at the U.S. Open next month at the Los Angeles Country Club.
Legals for May, 12 2023
Thursday, May 11
Woman's body found in Flower Creek
Circumstances of the death are not being released currently pending further investigation.
Tuesday, May 9
Libby's O'Rourke sets his sights on space
Thankful for early learning from both high school classes and a childhood on a ranch, Isaac O'Rourke will spend the next school year working for the Borealis program funded by NASA.
Robert L. (Bob) Moore, Jr.
Robert L. (Bob) Moore, Jr.
Mail carriers to participate in annual food drive on May 13
Participation in the food drive is simple, Muniz said. “Just leave a non-perishable food donation in a bag by your mailbox.”
More money for Kootenai Complex Priority Landscape
The one million acre landscape in Lincoln County includes 150,000 acres of hazardous fuels treatments surrounding the communities of Libby, Troy, Eureka, Stryker, Fortine and Trego.
Judge halts Knotty Pine project because of grizzly concerns
Federal judge says U.S. Forest Service intentionally didn’t consider road impacts on grizzly habitat
Joan E. Olson
Joan E. Olson
Betty Jean (Sandler) Kempff
Betty Jean (Sandler) Kempff
State says no speed limit change needed in Happy's Inn area
Concerns from residents prompted county officials to ask the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) to conduct speed studies on Montana 37 and U.S. 2 in the Happy’s Inn area.
Two northwest Montana residents enter guilty pleas in drug case
Amber Patterson Martin, 38, of Libby, and Christopher Wayne Martin, 34, of Marion, were each charged with two felony counts of possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to distribute. They are also charged with use or possession of property subject to criminal forfeiture.
Legals for May, 9 2023
Friday, May 5
Troy School Trustees approve Schertel as next superintendent
At Monday night’s meeting, the trustees were unanimous in their vote to make her the next Superintendent of Schools.
Margaret Irene (Campbell) Cox
Margaret Irene (Campbell) Cox
Libby students treated to Native American culture presentation
Bill Moe, a social studies teacher at the elementary school said he was networking with other teacher at a conference when he found out Hockaday’s show.
Libby Elementary School track photos
Libby Elementary School fourth and fifth grade students...
Libby celebrates 30 years as Tree City USA
Libby Mayor Peggy Williams led the ceremony and shared some of the history of Libby becoming a Tree City USA member.
Troy Lady Trojans lose close contest against Eureka
The Lady Trojans are scheduled to host a doubleheader Tuesday against Loyola. The first game begins at 3 p.m.
Troy youth baseball, softball teams kick off season
Volunteers and coaches teamed up with the City of Troy Parks & Recreation as well as several Troy area businesses.
Wilma W. Dotson, 84
Wilma W. Dotson
Troy Police, school officials investigate threat by student
Troy Schools Superintendent Jake Francom said officials do not believe the threat to be credible but did say a junior high student was trespassed from school property.
Libby man questions leadership of Rep. Gunderson
His refusal to support the idea of the COS movement speaks to this person as usurping our wishes to suit himself.
Officials issue flood watch alert for Yaak River
The National Weather Service is predicting the Yaak River will crest at about 8.28 feet around 11 a.m. Sunday.
Zinke: Make America work again
Not a day goes by in Montana that you don’t see a restaurant or shop with a sign that says “closed today due to staff shortage,” or have to wait four months for a vehicle repair.
Ercanbrack sworn in as new Libby Police of Chief
On Ercanbrack's first official day of duty, Monday, May 1, he attended the Libby City Council meeting and thanked Sergeant Ron Buckner.
State seeks comment to further reduce mountain lion numbers
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet June 8 and the comment deadline is May 11.
Certainty, jobs and hope through sustainable forestry
Serial litigators also know about the risks Libby faces, but they don't care. Nor do they care about the Kootenai National Forest, grizzly bears, bull trout or any of the other threatened or endangered species that have become litigation cash cows.
More election consternation in Montana
A local elections group in Great Falls filed an ethics complaint against newly elected Cascade County Clerk and Recorder Sandra Merchant and other county officials alleging electioneering and more than 20 untrained volunteers working in the Elections Office.
Leah Gay Voorhies
Leah Gay Voorhies
Dale A. Hudson
Dale A. Hudson
Watercraft inspection stations open across most of Montana
2,000 watercraft inspected so far this year
Legals for May, 5 2023
Tuesday, May 2
Clark Fork River named one of the 10 most endangered rivers in America
It’s not the first time a Montana river has made the list. The Smith River was named in 2018 and 2016; the Middle Fork of the Flathead River was named to the list in 2017 and the Kootenai River made the list in 2013.
Libby Loggers baseball hosts youth camp
Kids from 4 to 12 years old got to hang out with their favorite Logger players while learning and improving their baseball and softball skills.
Logger boys win county invitational
Libby sophomore Kasen Day won the 100 and 200 dashes and teammate Tristan Andersen won the long jump and high jump.
Sources: Lee newspapers plans to reduce printing days
The decision to cut publication days has been an industry trend and something that Lee Enterprises has discussed on recent investor calls, but no specific details on the printing plans have been released by the company.
Libby Friends of Library book sale set for May 5
There are several special features, including a selection of items for Mother’s Day.
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center passes surprise state inspection
Within a week of passing the state inspection, the Life Safety Survey also took place and CPMC received glowing reviews once again.
Yaak resident pleads guilty to assaulting wife
According to his public defender, Ben Kolter, and Deputy County Attorney Jeffrey Zwang, the negotiated plea deal calls for a 3-year suspended sentence.
Lincoln Co. recognizes National Crime Victim’s Rights Week
For additional information about victims’ rights and services in Lincoln County, contact the office at 406-283-2415 or advocate@libby.org.
Troy Rural Volunteer Fire Department battles brush fire
Temperatures had warmed from the 30s in the morning to about 80 degrees Saturday afternoon, helping create very dry conditions in many areas across the region.
Loggertown Wood Bat Classic kicks off Friday at Gehring Field
The 2023 tournament will feature five teams in round robin play. 2023 teams include Libby Loggers A, Libby Loggers B, Kalispell Sluggers, Missoula Impact and the Cranbrook Bandits.
Francom stepping down as Troy Schools Superintendent
Troy Public Schools may not have to look far for its next superintendent because Christina Schertel was on the agenda for consideration for the position at the Monday, May 1 school board meeting.
