Ellington

Man convicted of drug crime in Lincoln Co. faces time in state facility

Alexandr Shestak, 54, was originally charged with two felony counts of possession of dangerous drugs and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop in the Eureka area in the summer of 2022.

Troy man gets suspended sentence in stabbing case

The case began late on the night of June 5 when Troy Police Officer Travis Miller learned a man had been stabbed on a residence on Missoula Avenue.

Meet Libby City Council candidate Hugh Taylor

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.

Meet Libby City Council candidate Brian Zimmerman

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.

Libby man pleads guilty to stealing nearly $29,000

But on Oct. 23, Quimby appeared in court to plead to felony theft and check forgery.

Libby man sentenced in gun disturbance case

But a victim in the case made a written statement that was part of the case file.

Pitiful Players hosting "The Mark of Zero" in Libby, Troy

Shows in Libby at the Maki Theatre are at...

Community forum on housing problems set for Nov. 14

The forum will have five people covering the changing real estate market, how housing insecurity affects education and physical and mental health, zoning that affects growth and programs that are in place to help those in need.

Killed or maimed by a product? The Montana Legislature says, ‘Good luck'

In the face of this record, it is shocking that your 2023 legislature not only effectively eliminated strict liability for dangerous products, it also barred all claims against manufacturers filed more than 10 years after the product was first placed on the market.

Community briefs

The Libby Friends of the Library will have its next book sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p,m. Friday, Nov. 3 in the Book Sale Room downstairs at the library.

$100 million rate heist?

On Wednesday, the Commission unanimously approved a 28% rate increase from last year, the majority of which will fall on small businesses and residential users – renters and homeowners.

Talking actual property tax numbers

The complexity of Montana's property tax system requires data-driven solutions over partisan finger-pointing.

Libby Chief of Police urges drivers to slow down

Ercanbrack also reminded motorists of defensive driving and having extra clothing in a vehicle in case of an emergency.

Montana Association of Counties wants ‘swift resolution’ on property tax question

At least three lawsuits already are asking the courts to clarify a statute that governs how much money counties must collect on behalf of the state for education equalization.

Legals for October, 31 2023

Heritage Museum hosts holiday bazaar Nov. 3-4

This year, The Heritage Museum will host its annual Holiday Bazaar Friday, Nov. 3 rd !

Dysfunctional Forest Service needs an attitude adjustment

I recently read the article “Stimson Lumber owner expresses criticism of U.S. Forest Service” (CEO Andrew Miller) with great interest.

How artificial intelligence plus local expertise can promote ‘good fire’ in Montana

Potential Operational Delineations, also known as PODs, is the name of a collaborative risk-based framework designed to help fire managers and landowners get on the same page before fires start.

Montana Public Service Commission votes to increase NorthWestern Energy rates

This agreement will mean a 28% increase in residential energy rates since August 2022.

Sheriff's Office blotter

An officer made a traffic stop at the intersection of U.S. 2 and Vinion Lane after a vehicle failed to slow for a school bus.

County efforts continue in wake of Troy Dispatch dissolution

At Wednesday's county commissioners meeting, they learned they're stuck with a $58,000 tab that resulted, in part, from TAD paying overtime in a futile attempt to keep its dispatch open this year.

Stephen G. Howard

Stephen G. Howard

Meet Libby City Council candidate DC Orr

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.

Meet Libby City Council candidate Zach McNew

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.

Libby cross country caps record-setting season at state championship

Freshman Cody Watson’s season-best time was 17:12 at the Western A Fall Classic on Oct. 14. Junior Rowen Sherbo’s top time in 2023 was 17:14 at the Whitefish Invitational on Sept. 26.

Libby ex-con gets prison time for drug offense

Hoffman was involved in a police chase on the afternoon of Saturday, July 8, on Farm to Market Road.

Libby, Troy plan for Halloween events

Whether you're looking for trick or treats or scary filled fun there are plenty of Halloween events in southern Lincoln County.

Montana FWP chief of operations on administrative leave

She volunteered that he was cited for a game violation, hunting without permission, but declined to provide further detail on the citation.

A slap in the face of Montana’s public land users

The governor’s decision to veto SB 442 and put public lands on the chopping block is a slap in the face to every Montanan who has built a life on the opportunities and freedoms our outdoors provide.

Dog-eating grizzly causes consternation in North Fork

The problems started on Oct. 1, when a grizzly bear, apparently chasing a dog, encountered and mauled a woman at the “bubble-ups” near Trail Creek Road. Her husband drove it off with bear spray.

Fortine man pleads guilty to setting dad's home on fire

Huggins, who was freed after posting $100,000 bail, will have to pay restitution.

Local law enforcement determines school threat wasn't credible

After speaking with the suspect about the information received from the Bonner County deputy, it was determined there was no threat to the schools or the public.

Troy Trojans football honors its seniors

Troy football seniors were honored during Senior Night festivities on Friday, Oct. 20.

Officials say dry winter could mean deeper drought in northern Montana

Climatologists hopeful that addition of new monitoring sites can improve drought, water forecasts.

Wildlife officials hopeful about decline of CWD in Libby

When officials first detected the disease in Libby, they initially saw 13% prevalence among the population, Anderson said. The majority of those infected were white-tailed deer. Currently, the prevalence is around 8% or 9%.

Ballot box for Troy area voters will remain in former dispatch center

But with word that a video camera would be installed in the former dispatch center, it was decided to maintain the drop box at its current location.

Washington man accused of burglary pleads not guilty

His first appearance in Lincoln County was on Sept. 25 for an extradition hearing on a fugitive complaint in Bonner County, Idaho.

County approves assessment fee increase for Fisher River Valley Fire

The increase, the first in 15 years, was approved at the Oct. 11 meeting. The commissioners held a public hearing on Sept. 28 at Happy’s Inn.

Officials ID Washington man who died in U.S. 2 vehicle mishap

England died Saturday night after being struck by a vehicle while he was on U.S. 2 just east of city limits.

Troy hosts tailgate party for Senior Night football

The Trojans also honored their seniors before the game.

Libby Lady Logger volleyball seniors honored

Lyndee McElmurry, Molly Gotham, Mylie Rayome, Addy Gilden-Vincent and Allison Beaty were recognized for their contributions to the program.

Former Libby resident pens book on ESP

Boeve spent her early years south of Libby on the banks of Libby Creek, her high school years in Bonners Ferry and then met and married her husband, Ron, who was stationed at the Air Force base in the Yaak.

UM students create virtual reality hunting tool to advance stewardship

‘You are going to have to identify the animal. You are going to have to get in a place to make a good shot. You are going to have to target, understand the ballistics of your gun, the range. All those things.’

Snow, cold coming to northwest Montana

Tuesday night and Wednesday may see snow accumulation of about one inch. Tuesday, the snow level is predicted to drop to 2,800 feet.

Legals for October, 24 2023

Escudero bags a buck

Fourteen-year-old Libby resident William Escudero was hunting with his mom, Aimee Escudero, Thursday morning when...

California man pleads guilty to check forgery

Forty-two-year-old John E. Nieblas, also known as John Eugene Kelton, faces a 10-year prison term.

U.S. should focus on its problems, not the world's

We can't abandon our own citizens at the expense of Americans every time we see viral videos and news cycle about conflicts on the other side of the globe.

Is a new GOP tax underfoot?

The Montana Republicans claim that they support lower taxes and they do – selectively. They support lower taxes on millionaires and big corporations.

Harol Marshall Leffler

Harold Marshall Leffler

Lloyd Charles “Chuck” Evans

Lloyd Charles “Chuck” Evans

Stella Alice Bjornrud Sharp

Stella Alice Bjornrud Sharp

Missoula housing co-ops aim to prove an anti-gentrification tool can work

With help from nonprofits and city grants, tenants in two pockets of Missoula have established resident-owned co-ops in an effort to keep their housing affordable.

Biden signs law allowing hunter education, funding for schools

Ron Goodman, superintendent of Libby School District, also applauded the policy change.

Montana deer, elk seasons begin Saturday

The Libby CWD station is open Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10 a.m. to one hour after shooting light.

Carol Elaine Desire Metcalf Collinson

Carol Elaine Desire Metcalf Collinson

Marcia Lynn Smith Brickey Rasmussen

Marcia Lynn Smith Brickey Rasmussen

Plans move forward for Libby’s smallest park

The tiny green space located between the city police department and Timberline Auto Center on Mineral Avenue isn’t a large park, but councilors have made it a priority.

James Lewis Haines

James Lewis Haines

One less barrier in the fight against breast cancer

Also, effective Oct. 1, is a new law which eliminates barriers to breast cancer diagnosis and provides a pathway to early treatment, without increasing your premiums.

Steven F. Jellesed

Steven F. Jellesed

Libby woman pleads not guilty to drug possession

Katherine Hoffman Mutrie, 42, is charged with criminal possession of dangerous drugs and obstruction.

Responsible hunters critical to future of hunting

Accessing public lands: Access to public lands (on a private road) through private land requires permission of the private landowner, lessee, or their agent.

Legals for October, 20 2023

Libby Rosauer's employee second in super sacker contest

Calen Treat placed second in the Rosauers store competition for the Super Sacker Fastest Grocery Bagger Competition and received second place.

Washington man accused of several Libby area thefts

Andrew Tyler Watts, 23, of Port Angeles, is charged with a total of six counts of theft, including two felonies and four misdemeanors after a lengthy investigation by officers in the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.

Eureka man sentenced for strangling woman

She said Corpman struck her and then tried to strangle her by placing a hand on her throat, applied pressure and pressed down.

Libby man accused of assaulting family member

According to court documents, Libby Police Chief Cody Ercanbrack was called to an alleged assault at 9 a.m. Sept. 19 in the parking lot at Lee Gehring Field.

Schwinden was a great man

The morning after the November election, she came running out to where I was feeding my cows and said Schwinden had just called and wanted me to come up to his house.

Admissions on hold at Montana addiction treatment company

The state has temporarily barred new patients from Recovery Centers of Montana after a September patient death.

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center honors its ER nurses

Oct. 8-14 marks the annual observance of ER Nurse's Week, a time dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the unwavering dedication and specialized skills of the Emergency Department staff.

Kevin Richard Young

Kevin Richard Young

Troy Lady Trojans beat Superior

Troy enjoyed strong play with several aces on the line and also physical play at the net.

Neta Kay Johnson Legere

Neta Kay Johnson Legere

Wanting to be part of the in-crowd

Was there something unusual about the German people that evoked an evil tendency?

Libby man dies in U.S. 2 traffic mishap

The man was taken to Cabinet Peaks Medical Center where he died.

Libby Loggers beat Browning on Senior Night

That the game was played on Friday the 13th seemed fitting with the amount of penalties, turnovers, a fight between the teams and the appearance of law enforcement in the second half.

Gladys L. Tollett

Gladys L. Tollett

Drought raises concerns for Libby water supply

But weather experts are predicting the drought to persist in the region through the end of the year.

Libby Loggers Senior Night

Libby's senior football players were honored before the Logger's 42-26 win over Browning on Friday, Oct. 13.

Prosperity smothered by money

It has become obvious that we have been deluged in a tidal wave of money that has turned our real estate market into a speculative casino.

Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission meeting Thursday

The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. The meeting will be streamed live on the FWP website and YouTube. The public can participate in person. The commission will take public comment on agenda items for registered commenters both in person and on Zoom.

Legals for October, 17 2023

Education advocates sue 56 counties over property tax dispute

The Montana Quality Education Coalition wants the Montana Supreme Court to force counties to collect the full state school funding equalization property tax.

Libby Saddle Club hosts season-ending O-Mok-See event

“We had riders as young as 6 and our oldest is Bob Jones, who’s 86,” Freese said.

FWP hosting meetings in Libby for conservation easements

These meetings encompass lands under the following easements: Lazy Creek, Lost Trail, Kootenai valleys, Kootenai forestlands, Swan Valley and Thompson-Fisher. The combined easement acreage encompasses approximately 226,300 acres in the region.

Another Lincoln Co. grizzly euthanized

Both cubs will be going to ZooMontana, a zoological/botanical garden, accredited arboretum and educational facility in Billings.

Elizabeth A. Hafferman

Elizabeth A. Hafferman

CWD sample collection workshops scheduled in Libby, Kalispell

The first workshop will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19 in the parking lot of Libby Sports Center (204 W. Ninth St.).

Loggers football set to host Browning on Senior Night

The Indians (3-4) are on a two-game losing streak after falling to Bigfork, 54-28, last week at home.

Libby boys soccer triumphant on Senior Night

Alderic Martineau scored two goals while teammates Joaquin Canizares and Aaron Thomas each had one goal.

Man accused in DUI homicide can appear on video

David Daniel Lefell, 68, is charged with two counts of felony vehicular homicide under the influence.

Libby cross country runners gearing up for state

Rowen Sherbo was fourth with a time of 17:17 and Cody Watson was eighth with a time of 17:41. Coach Brittany Katzer reported there were also seven runners who achieved their personal bests, including Matteo Gibbs, Eli Moore, Silas Moore, Greysen Thompson, James Redifer, Katelyn Huff and Julianna Shumate.

City OKs street closure for Halloween trick-or-treat

Councilor Brian Zimmerman suggested moving the barricades up to Lincoln Boulevard, “to make it safer in conjunction with the trunk or treat” event.

New proposals to bring grizzlies bears in the North Cascades

But the proposals to bring back grizzly bears to the North Cascades will also stir controversy.

DEQ asks for input on updating Montana Environmental Policy Act

Two more meetings are scheduled, including Oct. 18 at the Delta Hotel in Helena and Oct. 19 at a location in Missoula at a site yet to be determined. Each meeting will be held in person from 6-8 p.m., but people will be allowed to join remotely via Zoom.

Community briefs

It will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Oct. 20.

Maury Anderson

Maury Anderson

Idaho elk hunter kills grizzly in self-defense

That area of eastern Idaho has been the nexus of grizzly- human conflicts in the state over the last several years.

Legals for October, 13 2023

Paint it Pink Fun Run

Cabinet Peaks Medical Center and Glacier Bank hosted the annual Paint it Pink Fun Run on Saturday, Sept. 30.

City council candidates cover much ground in final debate

Six men running for three, four-year seats gathered at the Maki Theater last Thursday, including incumbents Zach McNew, Hugh Taylor and Brian Zimmerman, as well as challengers Darrel “DC” Orr, Ian Smith and Brad Nelson were at the 90-minute affair along with 14 citizens.

Lincoln County votes to lower school property tax mill collection

At last Wednesday’s commissioners meeting, the vote was unanimous on a resolution to reduce the mill levy from 95 to 77.9 for the 2024 fiscal year.

Libby man gets state sentence for violating probation

Lincoln County District Judge Matt Cuffe sentenced Eric Ernest Bohn, 50, to three years on Sept. 20.

Grizzly kills couple, dog in Banff; bear injures woman near Polebridge

The victim was on national forestland with her husband and dog when the bear emerged from thick brush and attacked her. Her husband deployed bear spray and the bear moved away from the victim.

Man accused of child sex assault pleads not guilty

He is being held in the Lincoln County Detention Center on $100,000 bail.

The biggest problem with our forests? The U.S. Forest Service

The problem with the Forest Service’s current love affair with chainsaw medicine is that it assumes that anything that kills a tree (except a chainsaw) is undesirable.

Libby High School Class of 1961 Reunion

Libby's graduating class of 1961 funded two $1,961 Teacher Appreciation Awards for two of Libby's current teachers.

It’s time for state control of grizzly bears

When grizzlies were listed on the Endangered Species Act, there was good reason for it, but the reality on the ground is far different now.

Hydropower generation drops in Montana, Pacific NW due to drought

Feds say Montana hydropower generation dropped 26% in first half of year compared to 2022.

Montana to apply for federal money for children’s meals for summer 2024

Schools see more hungry children this year

Montana man in jail accused of drug possession charges

A Montana man is jailed after accused of various drug possession charges accompanied with failure to carry proof of insurance in Libby late last month.

Registration open for apprentice hunting program

The apprentice hunter program allows people ages 10 and older to hunt as apprentices with a mentor for two seasons without completing a Hunter Education course.

Evelyn M. Maxfield (McAllister)

Evelyn M. Maxfield (McAllister)

Frames Unlimited celebrates 30th anniversary

Frames Unlimited has a history not too many people may know about after being in business for three decades.

Homesteaders Ranch and Feed Supply new owners

Brad and Lisa Wofford are the new owners of Homesteaders Ranch and Feed Supply.

Kootenai campground killer sentenced to state prison

Garry Douglas Seaman, 64, appeared in Lincoln County District Court and received two 60-year concurrent sentences.

Autumn ecology, birding, animal tracking class Oct. 14 in Libby

It will begin at 9 a.m. Mountain Standard Time in Libby.

Montana man pleads guilty to smuggling drugs into jail

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

Libby City Council candidates make their cases for office

Most expressed an interest in keeping local government ordinances to a minimum while all expressed an interest in seeing a more united community.

School official seeks more traffic safety measures

Kootenai Valley Christian School Administrator Tara Niemi said rising enrollment has led to more traffic and concerns for safety at the school, which is located at 1024 Montana Ave.

Libby's Malyevac fifth at Class A state golf

"Finishing fifth was a great accomplishment also knowing he had beaten the guys ahead of him at earlier tournaments,” Rohrer said.

Man pleads not guilty in alleged police chase, drug cases

Howe is in the Lincoln County Detention Center on $35,000 bail.

Northwest Montana Stand Down steps up for its veterans

Twenty-five years later, Erickson is handing his responsibilities to others.

Todd M. Schatz

Todd M. Schatz

Groups sue over changes to Montana voter registration law

The lawsuit notes several times during the legislative session when lawmakers and others questioned the criminal penalties in the bill and called it too vague or broad for interpretation.

Montana wardens describe fear, intimidation in audit report

More than half the game wardens surveyed by state auditors from the Legislative Audit Division said they feared retaliation from leadership in Helena and complained that the agency was turned into an arm of county law enforcement.

Sen. Molnar brings class-action lawsuit for statewide residential property tax relief

In a class-action lawsuit filed in Yellowstone County on Tuesday, attorney Matthew Monforton, a former Republican lawmaker, and current lawmaker Sen. Brad Molnar, R-Laurel, allege that the state is continuing to overcharge residential taxpayers of the state.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

MarketWatch notes the difference between a government shutdown due to failure to reach a debt limit and a shutdown due to failure to pass an annual budget. The former threatens the distribution of Social Security benefits, while the latter does not.

Legals for October, 6 2023

Ex-con accused of bringing fentanyl into Lincoln Co.

Salli Suzanne Bosma, 39, appeared in District Court on Sept. 25 and pleaded...

Stimson Lumber owner critical of U.S. Forest Service

Stimson’s mill in Plummer, Idaho, has dropped about two-thirds of its workforce by the end of last week.

Public comment open for USFS timber project near Troy

The project area includes 4,300 acres of Forest Service land from the South side road to Iron Creek Road, including McConnell Mountain, Callahan Creek and Iron Creek.

County hosting public hearings on Troy TV District fee; 911 dissolution

A public hearing on the matter is being held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Lincoln County Commissioners meeting.

Friends of the Libby Library Book Sale

The Libby Friends of the Library will have a book sale on Friday, Oct. 6

U.S. Forest Service logging makes a mockery of Biden’s climate pledge

This is a battle we should not have to fight under a president who vowed to seriously deal with climate change.

God, guns, guts and compromise

I am not criticizing them for their beliefs, but I am criticizing them for using their power to harm America without considering compromise.

Federal biologist gives update on region's grizzlies

Wildlife biologist Wayne Kasworm of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service out of Libby, said grizzly bear recovery in the Selkirk and Cabinet-Yaak mountains is slowly continuing to improve.

No AIS detected by inspectors in northwest Montana

Inspectors at the Troy Rest Area station have been particularly busy while performing 5,5 watercraft inspections. That’s fifth in the state.

Groups ask judge to halt Montana wolf trapping season over alleged threat to grizzlies

The Missoula-based Flathead-Lolo-Bitterroot Task Force and western nonprofit WildEarth Guardians asked for a preliminary injunction on Friday that seeks to block the state of Montana, Gov. Greg Gianforte, and Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission Chair Lesley Robinson from allowing wolf and coyote trapping in habitat inhabited by grizzlies in the state.

Loggers get back to .500 with rout of Butte Central Catholic

Libby (3-3) plays at Columbia Falls Friday night before returning home on Oct. 13 for Senior Night against Browning.

Ronan volleyball sweeps Libby

They'll host Senior Night on Oct. 19 against Bigfork.

Hunter kills grizzly north of Yellowstone National Park

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said the bear reportedly charged the hunter before the hunter shot it “at close range in self-defense.”

Libby woman accused of witness tampering pleads not guilty

According to charging documents, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Deputy Anthony Jenson learned Dedrick had submitted letters from some juvenile witnesses.

Legals for October, 3 2023