Ellington

City OKs new school safety zone; lists parking restrictions for snow plowing

City Streets Supervisor Justin Williams and Chief of Police Cody Ercanbrack did a site visit and came up with a plan for the area.

The truth about your home’s property tax increase

As we prepare to write an actual check for our home property taxes, we are livid.

Grizzly spotted in Missouri River Breaks on American Prairie land

Grizzly tracks have been documented in the area near the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument the last couple of years as the bear population has expanded.

No. 2 Griz set to host Delaware in FBS playoffs

Delaware (9-3, 6-2 CAA) came from behind to defeat Lafayette 36-34 in Newark, Delaware, to advance to the second round of the playoffs.

Prep basketball drops 1-and-1 free throws

The move was made to speed up games and eliminate rough play during the first foul shot.

How Canadian coal mines put unparalleled pollution in Montana-bound waterways

The mining-related growth of selenium, nitrate and sulfate concentrations in the Elk River, “are among the largest documented increases in the primary literature,” the researchers write.

Troy welcomes Santa and Mrs. Claus

Lincoln County residents of all ages enjoyed the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Troy as well as the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 25.

Man admits to stealing from Libby resident

Henry Mareman Yeadon entered his plea during a hearing on Nov. 6

County jail drug smuggler gets prison time

Gibson was part of a group of county inmates accused of being involved in a drug smuggling case.

Montana Supreme Court sides with state, orders counties levy full statewide school mills

The court found the department’s interpretation of its taxation authority is consistent with the Montana Constitution and the Legislature’s directive to equalize funds for public education across Montana.

Proposal to change primary elections on 2024 ballot advances with state high court order

Currently, Montana voters in a primary choose which party’s ballot they want to vote, but in August, a group called Montanans for Election Reform Action Fund proposed a constitutional initiative to change the way primaries are held.

Chronic wasting disease confirmed in Yellowstone National Park for first time

Parks says mule deer from Wyoming died on southeastern side of park.

State committee wrestles with Montana’s childcare capabilities, low wages and staff retention

After the presentations, lawmakers acknowledged there was significant work to do on several facets of the workforce and childcare issues, as childcare is now costing Montanans, on average, about 28% of their median household income.

Libby Library hosting two events on Friday

Starting at 4 p.m. and going until 5:30 p.m. on the same day, Dec. 1 , the “Bows & Blows” musical group will be providing music of the season and other selections.

Libby's DeShazer named to All-State football team

Every player named first-team All-Western A is also All-State and because the Western A had three of the four semifinalists the league was allowed an additional four All-State picks.

Troy Christmas tree lighting

The lighting of the Christmas tree in Troy...

Trial date pushed back in homicide case involving Eureka man

That was the general thought following a hearing on Nov. 13 in Lincoln County District Court for twenty-five-year-old Joshua Joseph Sauls.

Legals for November, 28 2023

Sheriff’s Office blotter

Multiple deputies respond to a two vehicle crash...

Strengthening the integrity of Montana’s elections

We’re now less than a year out from one of the biggest elections in Montana history.

Libby community leaders host symposium on homeless issues

Orellano said homeless people in the area were typically transients. But things have changed.

Voices in the Wilderness: Is that a wolverine?

A small dark shape is slowly working along the lake's edge, nose to the ground.

Vital Ground expands Fowler Creek Grizzly Habitat Conservation Project

With major project support from the Wildlife Land Trust, Vital Ground’s expansion of the Fowler Creek project gives grizzlies and numerous other species a wider protected area for movement across the Yaak Valley bottom.

Libby teen's rabbit earns national recognition

Jason had never intended in entering...

Stephen (Steve) Henry Bowers

Stephen (Steve) Henry Bowers

Judge limits Montana wolf trapping season over threat to grizzly bears

Preliminary injunction limits season to Jan. 1 to Feb. 15 for next year.

Sheriff’s Office blotter

A sheriff’s deputy made two traffic stops for school bus violations at U.S. 2 and Dawson Street.

Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild presents Quilts of Valor to 14 veterans

Family and friends of the honorees and members of the Quilt Guild families were among the guests present. Dinner for all was prepared by the friends of the VFW.

Sleep Center at Cabinet Peaks receives national accreditation

In achieving this esteemed five-year accreditation, the Sleep Center has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence.

General hunting season down to final days

Harvest results at the regional check stations are slightly down compared to a year ago while the number of hunters reported is slightly higher.

Legals for November, 24 2023

Thursday Night Pursuits: Sharing inspiration and outdoors adventures

For five consecutive Thursdays every fall, community members joined in the event, which ended on Nov. 17.

Austin's 25th birthday celebration

Austin said he was going to his aunt and uncle's home for cake and ice cream to celebrate.

Marion Landis

Marion Landis

Timber Wars Redux

The Yaak Valley is one of many ground zeros is the long running and exceptionally well-funded political war to end all forms of science-based management on public forestlands in the United States.

Truth and honest inquiry should guide our country, not religion

Christian nationalists are constantly sensitive to any criticism of their beliefs, to where they believe they are victims in today’s society.

Tickets on sale for Cabinet Peaks Medical Center's Gala event

Scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, at the Libby Memorial Events Center, the Cabinet Peaks Foundation’s Festival Gala Fundraiser...

Cabinet Peaks tabs May to lead Emergency Department

With an impressive 44-year career in healthcare and a wealth of experience...

Raymond Glenn Munts

Raymond Glenn Munts

A bad recipe for our republic

They talked to those 4,347 voters about 13 months after the 2020 election and based on what the voters told them got the facts, or at least the facts as the voters could remember them more than a year after they voted.

County office move to Asa Wood could cost $15 million

Arnold provided figures and an estimate of the costs if the county selected the Asa Wood property.

Eureka man accused of several probation violations

He is also accused of using methamphetamine.

Libby man admits guilt to striking person with truck

According to a probable cause statement by Libby Police Sgt. Ron Buckner, officers responded to the parking lot late in the morning of June 10 after a 911 call reported a man in a blue Toyota pickup struck another man.

Yaak man pleads guilty to assaulting wife following pet’s death

The second woman said Manheim took the dog to a shipping container and placed it on a love seat.

Francis Donald Landis

Francis Donald Landis

Wedding: Everett-Moak

Kate is the daughter of Liz and Larry Williams, of Troy, Montana and Roger is the son of John and Myrle Lake, of Hemet, California.

Libby Elementary School Book Fair

Books were the focus of the annual fair at Libby Elementary School.

Dozens compete in Libby's Ninth Annual Turkey Dash

This year the proceeds were split between the Libby Food Pantry and the Libby Video Club.

Legals for November, 21 2023

Wintry conditions hamper travel in Libby area

There were multiple accidents on U.S. 2.

Heritage Museum Holiday Bazaar auction winner

Nora Hansen was the happy winner...

Libby youth bags big mulie buck

Thirteen-year-old Libby resident Blake Michalkiewicz might be a young hunter...

Election concerns still exist, but county OK with process

For county Election Administrator Melanie Howell and her assistant, Sierra Gustin, it was their first time running an election.

Tim Sheehy’s personal finance disclosure shows vast wealth, array of investments

The multi-millionaire Republican U.S. Senate candidate’s investments range from the mildly amusing to the potentially politically problematic.

Addiction treatment facilities operating on a provisional license after state investigations

Inspectors cited Recovery Centers of Montana for shoddy admissions protocols, practicing unlicensed withdrawal management and failing to report serious incidents on time.

State launches contest for new Montana migratory bird stamp

FWP launches new migratory bird stamp, issues call for submissions...

Montana releases draft of first wolf management plan update in 20 years

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks seeks public comment, holding listening sessions in December

Glynda Kay Collier Olson

Glynda Kay Collier Olson

Montana to accept federal $ to feed school-aged children next summer

The state previously opted not to apply for $10 million through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program in July, with the Department of Public Health and Human Services citing a “significant administrative burden for what was meant to be a temporary program,” a spokesperson previously told the Daily Montanan.

Wrestling program in Kalispell School District subject of new complaint

Parent alleges district officials failed to protect son from sex assault and hazing.

Libby woman in standoff pleads guilty to witness tampering

Her sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 8.

End of an era for Loggers football as Coach Fuller retires

Fuller has coached scholastic sports since 1985, but the bulk of his time has been in Libby with the Loggers.

Grover Wesley Lockwood

Grover Wesley Lockwood

Deer rut kicks in as general hunting nears end

The general deer and elk hunting season concludes Nov. 26.

Libby Adventist Christian School receives LOR Funding

The Libby Adventist Christian School received funding for a new privacy fence.

Legals for November, 17 2023

County says lead-tainted product was sold in Libby

Montanans are advised to check their homes and discard recalled products, which include WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit purée pouches, Schnucks brand cinnamon applesauce pouches and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches.

Mabel Louise Goyen Beebe

Mabel Louise Goyen Beebe

Fisher River Valley Fire seeks county’s help with truck loan

At the time of the purchase the adjustable interest rate was 1.65% In February 2022, the rate was decreased to 1.55%

Rexford man sentenced in assault of step father

The defendant thanked Cuffe and smiled broadly as he left the courtroom.

Libby Loggers soccer trio earns All-Conference honors

They include junior Alderic Martineau, sophomore Colby Iliff and sophomore Nolan Morris.

Libby's DeShazer gears up for wrestling season

DeShazer, already a two-time state wrestling champion, had 146 tackles in nine games in 2022. He also added 585 yards and five TDs.

Water, sewer rates going up in Troy

The increases were approved by city council members at a special meeting on Monday, Nov. 6.

Officials tout progress with new statewide election software

After a series of try-outs in local elections this year, lawmakers get an update on the status of Montana’s twice-delayed election system ahead of a busy 2024 cycle.

Vietnam veteran Bill Lafrance leads program in Troy

Last Friday, the highly decorated soldier who still has a bullet lodged in his back from the war shared some of those stories with students at the Troy Junior Senior High School during its annual Veterans Day ceremony.

Gene Louis Auge

Gene Louis Auge

William Robert Pittsley

William Robert Pittsley

Beverly Parker Perez

Beverly Parker Perez

Montana man pleads not guilty to slew of charges

The drug possession charge is a felony while the others are misdemeanors.

Veterans Day ceremony at W.F. Morrison Elementary in Troy

W.F. Morrison Elementary School students in Troy...

Veterans Day ceremonies in south Lincoln County

Veterans Day was celebrated widely across south Lincoln County last week.

Two Lincoln Co. vets receive Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation

Troy’s Jerry Erickson and Fortine’s Thomas Bianco were the recipients from Lincoln County.

Legals for November, 14 2023

Pocket Park painters

Teacher Heather Robertson said as long as the weather holds up, they’ll continue with the hope of finishing this fall.

Mable L. Beebe

Mable L. Beebe

Town Pump matching $1 million for local food banks

The Town Pump Charitable Foundation is again matching over $1 million to help raise $4 million during its annual fundraising campaign for food banks, including the Libby Food Pantry and the Troy Food Pantry.

Libby voters say yes to former police officer Ian Smith

Incumbents Brian Zimmerman and Hugh Taylor were also re-elected. Zimmerman had the highest vote total with 568 while Taylor collected 515.

Several area Veterans Day events planned in Libby, Troy

There will be an informal ceremony recognizing U.S. military veterans past and present at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Lincoln County Veterans Memorial in Riverfront Park in Libby.

Hunting season hits halfway point in Montana

The general deer and elk hunting season concludes Nov. 26.

Legals for November, 10 2023

Two-vehicle accident on U.S. 2

MHP's incident log indicated the accident that occurred shortly before 5 p.m. involved an injury.

Search for missing Troy woman has tragic ending

At about 11:10 a.m., Two Bear notified the Sheriff’s Office that a vehicle had been located submerged in Savage Lake, about 82 feet offshore from the boat ramp.

Daniel Carl Webley

Daniel Carl Webley

Just another day in paradise

Revolted by this latest massacre, a friend called me and said: “Do you know we’ve killed more people by gun violence in the last two years in America, than civilians killed by Russia in Ukraine.”

Brian David “Kief” Kieffer

Brian David “Kief” Kieffer

Libby timber company honored with forestry award

Jared Fitchett owns and operates J. Shar Timber Harvesting, a cut-to-length timber enhancement company.

FWP admits to constitutional violations, enters consent decree with wolf advocacy group

Department agrees to public records training, more comment time for group.

Terrence “Terry” Francis Keller

Terrence “Terry” Francis Keller

Heritage Museum gets locals in the holiday spirit

The well-known event gave local shoppers an early start on Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping for handcrafted items and homemade edibles.

FWP hosting meetings on possible hunting reg changes

There are a number of proposed season and quota changes involving elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer in Region 1.

State, local election workers quitting amid abuse, officials tell U.S. Senate panel

Conspiracy theories have fueled a more hostile environment for election workers, which has led many to quit, creating more challenges for the inexperienced new leaders.

Sheriff's Office blotter

A woman called 911 to report someone knocking on her door at 4:30 in the morning on Spencer Hill Avenue.

Libby Elementary School celebrates Red Ribbon Week

Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t.

Marion man accused of using stolen credit card

Deuel was arraigned on the charges Monday in District Court where he pleaded not guilty.

Registration open for Libby's Turkey Dash

The Ninth Annual Turkey Dash will be held at J. Neils Park at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18.

Legislature cut red tape to increase housing availability

Excessive government regulations have been one of the barriers to meeting demand for housing.

Tester secures $26 million to strengthen Montana’s energy grid against wildfire

Grid resilience funding comes from the Senator’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Endangered Species Act protections for wolverines likely imminent

Wolverine ecology is plagued by unanswered “key questions” about the population size, gene flow and dispersal corridors across the Canadian border, the assessment states.

City considers plan to improve its image; leaf collection continues

Council voted at the Oct. 16 meeting to work with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry on a program to develop posters and banners for placement in the city.

Legals for November, 7 2023

Hall of Fame basketball coach Bob Knight dead at 83

Knight's family said he died at his home in Bloomington, Indiana with his family by his side.

Trick or treaters on Mineral Avenue in Libby

Trick or treaters of all ages celebrated Halloween...

Libby Trick or Treat

Sunny skies were all that were needed for Libby area Halloweeners...

Meet Libby City Council candidate Ian Smith

The Western News reached out to Libby City Council candidates running in the Nov. 7 municipal election. The information below was provided by the candidates and edited for spelling and punctuation.

Tuesday is Election Day for county voters

At the county level, registered voters will decide if the county will be able to collect a 3% tax on sales of recreational and medicinal marijuana.

Another miscue in Lincoln County’s election process

On the county’s Elections home page, a note titled, “Attention Town of Eureka Voters” was posted alerting those receiving absentee ballots that it was incorrect.

Kathleen Williams

Kathleen Williams

Big game harvest numbers down in Western Montana

While harvest numbers are lower for white-tailed and mule deer in Northwest Montana, elk are on par with 2022.

Troy man pleads guilty to DUI homicide in death of friend

Winebark, who appeared with his attorney Sean Hinchey, pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide while under the influence.

Maury Anderson

Maury Anderson

Meet Libby City Council candidate Brad Nelson

The Western News reached out to Libby City Council candidates running in the Nov. 7 municipal election. The information below was provided by the candidates and edited for spelling and punctuation.

Defendant in Libby standoff pleads guilty

Butala, originally from California, according to a court filing, is scheduled to appear for sentencing on Dec. 18.

Montana man pleads guilty to possessing meth

He has been locked up in the Lincoln County Detention Center since June 1.

Dustin S. “Dusty” Price

Dustin S. “Dusty” Price

Legals for November, 3 2023