Friday, September 29
University of Montana working on vaccine for fentanyl, heroin overdose
Human trials are expected to start in early 2024 for both vaccines, according to UM.
Koocanusa Krank returns to Lincoln Co.
The Northwest Montana Climbers Coalition worked with the Access Fund, American Alpine Club and the Kootenai National Forest to host the first revival.
Steven Paul Curl
Steven Paul Curl
Property tax rebate deadline extended
Because taxpayers may have last-minute questions, the department decided to accept claims until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 2 via the department’s online portal at getmyrebate.mt.gov. The department will also receive paper claims postmarked by Oct. 2.
How many Montanans were born in Montana?
Census data collected in 2022 indicates the state still has a majority Montana-born population — for now.
Two debates scheduled for Libby City Council candidates
The respective debates will begin each night at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3 and Thursday, Oct. 5.
Libby man pleads not guilty in bar stabbing case
Part of Reid's release conditions include not possessing any weapons and he is not allowed to use any dangerous drugs or alcohol.
Walter E. Brazington Sr.
Walter E. Brazington Sr.
Libby boy hospitalized after bike-vehicle collision
A 12-year-old bicyclist was taken to the hospital Monday afternoon in Libby after running a stop sign...
Washington man jailed on burglary, theft charges
Kaya, who represented himself, waived extradition to Idaho.
Libby soccer teams each drop two games
Dylan Warner scored Libby's lone goal against the Bulldogs.
Legals for September, 29 2023
Local youths volunteer at the Kootenai River Stampede
The Kootenai River Stampede PRCA Rodeo committee relies on the support of the community and individuals who step up to provide the necessary funding and labor.
Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild show winners
Fifty-four quilters from the Libby area entered 138 beautiful quilts. The youngest quilter this year was 8 years old!
Tuesday, September 26
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness
To my brothers and sisters who are struggling, I implore you to reach out. You are not alone in this war; this battle is not lost.
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
Republican efforts to impeach President Joe Biden may run into a roadblock, since a Trump-era Justice Department opinion puts into question the ability to go forward with an impeachment inquiry without a House vote.
Meth trafficker receives suspended sentence
An agreement between the county Attorney's Office and Hinchey called for a 6-year suspended sentence.
Steven P. Curl
Steven P. Curl
Two more Lincoln Co. grizzlies euthanized
FWP bear specialists captured the bears and moved them to forestland near Frozen Lake and Tuchuck Mountain near the Canada border. The bears traveled to the North Fork of the Flathead and began seeking food sources by breaking into cabins, garages, outdoor freezers and a trailer.
Board votes to dissolve Troy Dispatch Center
The center has struggled to maintain necessary staffing for quite some time with the county Sheriff’s Office handling calls in the Troy area in the interim.
Libby's Malyevac headed to state golf for third straight year
Malyevac’s 73 at Whitefish Lake Golf Course put him just one stroke behind Polson’s Christian Lund.
Loggers football loses homecoming game to Corvallis
The reeling Loggers have dropped three straight games after a 2-0 start.
Libby Homecoming Photos
The court also included...
Libby Homecoming King and Queen
2023 Homecoming King and Queen
Montana VA will support Libby Stand Down
The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1 at the Memorial Center in Libby. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Truth will prevail
There's an old saying that goes...
Birding event planned for Sept. 30 in Libby
People interested in the program should be at the Venture Inn in Libby at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30.
Libby man accused in two high-speed chases
Izack Thomas Howe, 18, is charged with two felony counts.
Kick boxing, Muay Thai focus of Libby man's new business
Brant's road to opening Champions Corner has been a remarkable accomplishment thus far in under a year.
Legals for September, 26 2023
Friday, September 22
Troy Dispatch to discuss dissolution at Friday meeting
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in city council chambers at 301 E. Kootenai Ave.
Billie Diane Pullman Foote
Billie Diane Pullman Foote
Climbing competition returns to Stone Hill after long absence
The Northwest Montana Climbers Coalition in association with the Access Fund, The American Alpine Club and the Kootenai National Forest, will host the first revival.
Kayla D’Lynn Fox
Kayla D’Lynn Fox
Loggers host Corvallis for homecoming
The Loggers beat Corvallis, 52-42, in the regular season finale in 2022 to clinch a playoff spot.
Richard “Dick” Moots
Richard “Dick” Moots
Clarence Walter Knutson
Clarence Walter Knutson
Man accused of sexually assaulting teen girl
Robert William Emerick, 34, is charged with one felony count of sexual assault, victim less than 16 years old.
Libby native Heinert achieves career military milestone
His U.S. Naval service began one year before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks occurred on United States soil.
New police officer joins City of Libby force
Luthey retired from the Ripon Police Department in October 2020 after a 26-year career. Ripon is a small town located between Modesto and Stockton in California.
Jim (James) R. Hicks
Jim (James) R. Hicks
Browning tops Lady Loggers volleyball in three sets
The Lady Loggers are at Ronan Tuesday and host Whitefish Saturday.
Libby soccer sweeps Frenchtown; boys tie Bigfork
Tuesday, both Libby squads scored wins over Frenchtown.
Accused rapist returned to county after missing court date
Brickey missed a pre-trial conference on Sept. 5 and District Judge Matt Cuffe issued a warrant for his arrest.
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center recognized for improvement in patient care
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center was recently awarded the Montana Rural Healthcare Performance Improvement
A Libby native's journey to success
Jacob went from being a young man that had no interest in attending college to to a student that excelled, with honors and received his PhD.
Legals for September, 22 2023
Tuesday, September 19
Report says Montana should adopt better wildland zoning for local government to curb fires
Montana insurance commissioner says some companies already dropping customers or raising rates
Fisher River Valley Fire Rescue revises assessment request
The Lincoln County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the matter at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at the fire station at 70 West Camp Road in Happy's Inn. The hearing will allow the public to comment for or against the fee schedule amendment.
Libby woman dies after exiting moving vehicle on U.S. 2
The 32-year-old Libby woman, the passenger in the Tahoe, was upset and wanted to stop and get out at Happy’s Inn.
Kootenai Forest officials announce road work, prescribed burns
The first was scheduled to begin Monday, Sept. 18, with road repair work on Quartz Creek Road No. 600 in the Libby Ranger District.
CPMC offers program for those at risk of pre-diabetes, heart conditions
The upcoming PREVENT program is set to begin Oct. 3, with classes scheduled every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Troy woman accused of animal cruelty
When the officer entered the home, he said he was immediately met by a female Labrador type dog, yellow in color. It appeared to be blind.
Timber harvesting and wild game
For this outdoor column, I want to discuss how to improve big game populations in Northwest Montana.
Libby cross country hosts Wilderness Run
The event, with the Cabinet Mountains as the backdrop, last Saturday proved to be the same and top five finishers also received hand-made medals courtesy of the shop program at Libby Middle High School.
Libby cross country hosts Wilderness Run
Libby cross country runners Carmen Kohler and Rowen Sherbo...
Lester C. McKean
Lester C. McKean
Libby Care Center receives Achievement in Quality Award
Libby Care Center is one out of four to receive the Achievement in Quality Award.
Locals experience the wonder of Messiah's Mansion
The museum came to Libby last week where area residents and school groups got the opportunity for an unique learning experience.
Legals for September, 19 2023
Friday, September 15
Troy man accused of arson, burglary in R Place fire
Joseph Michael Haughton, 41, is charged with three felonies including two for arson and one for burglary.
USS Montana Committee receives Heritage Guardian Award
The committee, with diverse stakeholders from across the state, played a critical role in imprinting the submarine’s shared spaces with iconic Montana imagery.
Nashville Nights events features country music stars
The son of legendary County Music Hall of Famer, Charley Pride, Dion has inherited his father’s talents.
Jennifer Lynn Culpepper
Jennifer Lynn Culpepper
Unprincipled men
When Jared Kushner and Donald Trump buried the details of Mohammed bin Salman’s brutal murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in exchange for $3 billion, the GOP said nothing.
Public meeting Sept. 18 for forest management near OU3 site
The purpose of the public meeting is to discuss potential Forest Service fuels and forest management activities on lands encircling the former zonolite mine and OU3.
Lewis Donald Gamm
Lewis Donald Gamm
Judy M. Wagner
Judy M. Wagner
Time running out to claim property tax rebates
About 70% of estimated potential claims have been approved.
Man charged, woman hospitalized after Libby bar stabbing
David Kenneth Reid, 38, is lodged in the Lincoln County Detention Center after allegedly stabbing a woman in the Pastime Bar on Mineral Avenue.
Free lunch and learn event about life insurance
Toni-Lynn Backen Insurance Agency in Libby is hosting a free lunch and learn session at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20 at Dorio’s Restaurant on California Avenue.
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
Two Americans seeking a refreshing dip this summer paid with their lives, the Washington Post reported. Both swam in natural bodies of water hosting the brain-eating bacteria, Naegleria fowleri, which apparently proliferated due to climate change.
Troy VFW, first responders remember 9/11
Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks carried out by 19 terrorists from al-Qaeda who hijacked four commercial airplanes and crashed them into the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York City and a third plane into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.
County commissioners question state's property tax calculations
According to MACo’s calculations, the total property tax for the governor’s Helena home in 2022 was $7,837.15; whereas in 2023, it is projected to be $7,407.55, which is a decrease of $429.60. Overall, Gov. Gianforte’s taxes went down, but his state property taxes increased 8%.
Libby's Malyevac wins Polson Invite for third straight year
The Loggers are on the road again Friday in Hamilton for their final regular season match.
Paul Clifford Bunn
Paul Clifford Bunn
Richard “Dick” Francis Moots
Richard “Dick” Francis Moots
Local residents hear county office relocation proposals
Increased parking and convenience for county residents were the main talking points from county employees who made their cases for consolidation.
Legals for September, 15 2023
Growth continues at organic certified Hoot Owl Farms
Rudy and Bonnie Geber expand their business into a secondary location in only a seven year span and host a Community Support Agriculture event.
Tuesday, September 12
Montana law enforcement seizures of fentanyl sets new record
The task forces have also seized 45 percent more cocaine than they did last year.
Libby woman charged with witness tampering
Katherine Margaret Dedrick, 35, was charged with witness tampering in relation to a standoff in May in Libby.
Killer grizzly euthanized near West Yellowstone
One was a 10-year-old female grizzly which killed a woman near West Yellowstone in July.
ARPA money helps county commissioners pass balanced budget
The commissioners had to use the last of the American Recovery Plan Act money - $800,000 - it had to help get to a balanced budget.
Libby Lady Loggers volleyball plays in home-opener
The Lady Loggers return to action Tuesday at Bigfork and host Browning on Friday.
Even in Libby
Through his tears, he told me of his intention to use the .45, because he didn’t know what else to do.
Loggers senior Malyevac wins Libby Invitational
But a 6-under 66 at Cabinet View made him a winner with a two-day total of 141.
Troy man accused of multiple felonies sentenced for burglary
On July 11, Peterson pleaded no contest to burglary in district court in relation to incidents that occurred in March.
Kootenai Country Montana International Chainsaw Carving Championship
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Will Biden and Trudeau find a framework to rein in coal-mining pollution?
Amid intense political pressure, the U.S. State Department weighs in on efforts to address pollution from a British Columbia coal mine.
Yaak man pleads not guilty to kidnapping, assault charges
Jeremy B. O’Day, 46, is also accused of a third felony count.
Libby native joins Cabinet Peaks Rehabilitative Services
Cabinet Peaks Hires New Rehabilitative DPT
Luscher has an impressive background that has shaped his career in the field of physical therapy.
Legals for September, 12 2023
Bad juju in the federal district courthouse in Missoula
Bad juju is drifting through the halls of the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Missoula.
Dorio's hosting meet and greet with author Kessler
Dorio's Hosting a Author Meet and Greet
Lee Kessler is a television actress, screen writer, playwright, and stage director, as well as an e-commerce business owner.
Friday, September 8
Loggers 2-0 after beating Polson, 35-26
The Loggers defense forced three turnovers and held Polson to just 13 yards rushing on 21 attempts.
Libby ex-con pleads guilty to meth possession
Judge Matt Cuffe set Hoffman's sentencing date for Oct. 23. Hoffman remains in the Lincoln County Detention Center.
Troy man pleads guilty in knife assault
On Aug. 28, Joshua Miller, 36, pleaded to one felony county of aggravated assault.
Hunters say game animal numbers the biggest concern
Notably, Region 1 hunters said that there are too few mature bull elk in the region as elk hunter numbers increase.
Forestry can reduce carbon emissions
Active forest management can help mitigate climate change impacts and improve forest health and resiliency.
Man jailed after two killed in Superior bar shooting
Kraig Benson is alleged to have shot two Superior residents, 49-year-old Jennifer Savage Benson and 43-year-old Logan Gardner, before fleeing.
State sees record number of appeals to property tax appraisals
The onslaught of appeals comes as Montana homeowners and renters are projected to see the largest increases in property taxes in the Treasure State ‘s history.
Lincoln Co. Shooting Complex gets a helping hand from LOR
LOR's grant is for $15,495 and when the awnings are built it will provide covered shooting positions for rifle shooting.
County to move ahead with plan for Lower Yaak zoning
The public hearing, held on Aug. 30, lasted nearly two hours and saw comments from several people, some of whom returned to the podium repeatedly to voice their thoughts and opinions.
Republican property tax fumble reveals corporate Oz behind the curtain
Costs will continue to rise for working families, thanks to Montana Republicans.
Libby Loggers golf hosting tourney today
The first day was held Thursday in Eureka at Indian Springs Golf Course. Head coach Dann Rohrer said there are 96 players registered.
Virgil Byron Rockstad
Virgil Byron Rockstad
Thompson SAR rescues lost hiker
While David Thompson SAR members began a ground search in the China Face area, others waited to hear if Two Bear Air could aid in the search.
Kootenai Country Montana International Chainsaw Carving Championship
The Kootenai Country Montana International Chainsaw Carving Championship on Mineral Avenue...
Patricia “Patti” Slauson Kelly
Patricia “Patti” Slauson Kelly
Tre Monroe Shelly
Tre Monroe Shelly
Messiah's Mansion traveling museum comes to Libby
Step 3,000 years back in time with this Living Museum of the Messiah’s Mansion.
Co-op’s Ribeye Raffle facilitates food bank donations
Over the last eight years, Ribeye Raffle has raised $70,580 in cash and donated approximately 7,000 pounds of meat to the Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Bigfork, Lakeside, Libby and Veterans food banks.
Gianforte should show fiscal restraint on property taxes
The state will collect almost $90 million more property tax revenue this fiscal year than it did last fiscal year — a 26% increase.
Troy Lady Trojans kick off volleyball season
The Lady Trojans return to action at home on Sept. 14 against Eureka.
Lady Loggers soccer team wins home-opener
Goals by Madison Vincent, Kaydence Stanak and Capri Farmer in the last 12:34 turned the game into an easy win.
Legals for September, 8 2023
Tuesday, September 5
Library hosting meetings to increase access
Both meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 6.
Lincare to pay $29 million for overbilling Medicare for oxygen equipment
According to court documents, the case began in May 2021 when two whistleblowers, former employees in Lincare’s center in Libby, Montana, filed a complaint.
The brouhaha over BORZ designations in Lincoln Co.
What are BORZ and what do these designations mean?
Lincoln County officials see spike in fentanyl deaths
Sheriff Darren Short said in a phone interview with The Western News Friday that he knew of at least five overdose deaths in the county this year.
Troy, Libby 4-H clubs show well at Lincoln Co. Fair
According to Kara Matthews, of Libby, the auction sales were $469,372.35.
Jerry W. Snyder
Jerry W. Snyder
CPMC Foundation acquires state-of-the-art U-Arm for Cabinet Peaks Clinic Orthopedics
This innovative device enables on-site X-ray capabilities, eliminating the need for patients to travel to the hospital for imaging services.
Flower Lake Road paving enhances access to recreation
Thanks to the perseverance of the Libby Outdoor Recreation Association, a section of Flower Lake Road is now paved.
Medicare Advantage supports health care for rural Americans
Many Medicare Advantage plans go beyond the basic coverage of traditional Medicare.
Legals for September, 5 2023
Friday, September 1
John Rex Macpherson
John Rex Macpherson
Officials lift, ease fire restrictions across northwest Montana
The order, which was approved by fire managers and county commissions, took effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
Carol Rosenquist named guild's Quilter of the Year
Carol Rosenquist, a member of the guild since the 1990s has been honored and will be featured at the 2023 KVQG Quilt Show, to be held at Memorial Center Sept. 8-9.
Archery, upland bird hunting seasons begin this weekend
For more specifics, refer to the regulations book or visit Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website fwp.mt.gov.
Cabinet View Women's Golf League results
The Cabinet View Women's Golf Invitational was held on Aug. 16.
Lincoln Co. considers moving offices into Asa Wood
Williamson said the consolidation could include offices in the county’s Libby Annex, treatment court, forester and Asbestos Resource Program.
Libby boys soccer opens season victorius
The Loggers got the game-winning goal from Cody Watson to break a 1-1 tie.
Roads and wildlife
Actually, road closures are not the result of a nefarious plot by evil people who want to take away our freedoms.
Kootenai Karacters to perform at Maki Sept. 7-10
Tickets are $15 and will be available for advance purchase at The Printing Press, Homesteaders or Lincoln County Credit Union.
Grizzly bear killed in self-defense encounter in Whitefish Range
The adult bear charged the individuals and both men shot and killed the bear.
A response to Yaak property owner's letter
In addition, because of out-of-state developers seeking to turn once pristine and safe areas into areas from which they came, zoning districts are a necessary tool to prevent the haphazard, ill-conceived development of Lincoln County.
Three Lincoln Co. boys charged with arson in Haul Road fires
Petitions were filed on Aug. 2 by Lincoln County Deputy Attorney Jeffrey Zwang that the three boys were alleged to be delinquent youths and serious juvenile offenders.
Troy man sentenced for threatening wife
The county Attorney’s Office later determined the shooting was likely justifiable.
Libby hosts season-opening cross country invitational
Sunny skies and pleasant temperatures greeted the hundreds of runners who competed from the middle school level to high school varsity.
