Tuesday, February 27
Energy-efficient heat pumps benefit Libby Public Schools
Libby Public Schools recently worked with the Co-op to replace their elementary school’s aging, inefficient cabinet heaters with 46 ductless heat pumps.
Tester secures more than $9.8 million for Kootenai wildfire mitigation
Funding comes from his bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Seasons over for Libby, Troy basketball squads
Libby's Madison Vincent hit one 3-pointer to start the Loggers (1-18) comeback and another to cut the gap to 27-25 with 5:55 left in the game.
Arnold Eugene “Butch” Steiger
Arnold Eugene “Butch” Steiger
Libby Wrestling Club gears up for Kootenai Klassic
With just shy of 80 registered wrestlers from LWC, it’s an easy testament to the value this club provides to the communities of Libby and Troy.
Federal judge quizzes lawyers in Flathead National Forest plan lawsuit
In the case, conservation groups allege the U.S. Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife Service are again failing to protect grizzly bears and bull trout by skirting a tried and true way to account for roads.
EPA wants to delete a portion of Libby Superfund site from Superfund list
Comments will be accepted through March 18.
Karen R. Lyon, 63
Karen R. Lyon
Former Libby boat shop owner faces theft charges
According to the charging document filed by Lincoln County Attorney Marcia Boris, the various alleged incidents in a span of more than five years, from 2018 to 2023.
Sheriff's Office blotter
A “nervous” cat was found in dog park at J. Neils Memorial Park.
WILD ART-Libby Elementary School kindness poster winners
Lincoln County Unite for Youth provided passes to the winners for use at the Carousel Roller Rinke.
Road access focus of FWP's Northwest MT citizen advisory committee meeting
At the Feb. 29 meeting, citizen advisors will receive a presentation on motorized road access across the region.
Hunter education courses offered in northwest Montana
Trapper education field days also open to registration.
Marritta “Kay” Welch
Marritta “Kay” Welch
Libby councilors not ready to commit to fund spending
Many of the current councilors shared their thoughts on what the fund money, about $1.5 million, should be used for.
Legals for February, 27 2024
Friday, February 23
Fisher River Fire Rescue's fish derby results
In the kids category, northern pike division, Swayze Cooper’s 10-pound, 2-ounce fish that measured 32 1/2 inches, earned top honors.
Let’s keep our communities stable, safe and healthy
In 2023, Congress ended that protection and required states to redetermine eligibility for Medicaid recipients, increasing red tape and government hurdles for programs that keep our kids safe and healthy.
Troy man enters plea on drug, fleeing charges
Rebo is lodged in the Lincoln County Detention Center on $25,000 bail.
State inmate involved in 2021 shooting sues Lincoln County
Tristan Kirk Assance, 35, filed the suit against the county on Jan. 11 in federal court in Missoula.
Sheriff's Office blotter
Two calls were received about scams. One came from a residence in the 100 block of Vicks Drive, Libby. Another came from a Cedar Hills Road resident who reported that someone said they were from the Inspector General’s office using Eureka dispatch’s phone number.
Tester announces applications open for veteran suicide prevention grant
First-of-its-kind program created by Chairman’s historic Hannon Act provides VA funding for community suicide prevention programs.
Montana Junior Duck Stamp accepting 2024 entries
The Junior Duck Stamp Contest is an active participatory art and science program designed to teach wetland habitat and waterfowl conservation to students in kindergarten through high school enrolled in private, public or home schools.
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
Between 2019 and 2021, 97 members of Congress, or their family members, invested in weapons contractor stocks; 25 of them sat on committees responsible for shaping national security while also trading and profiting off defense stocks.
Libby Elementary School spelling bee winners
Their teachers are Mr. Brittain and Mrs. Sherbo.
WILD ART-Pitiful Players perform in south Lincoln County
The Pitiful Players proudly present, “Snow White and the Magnificent Seven” this weekend in Libby and Troy.
Zinke pitches bill restricting federal land transfers
The “Public Lands in Public Hands’ bill draws support from sporting organizations, skepticism from Zinke critics.
Democrat Busse announces Raph Graybill as lieutenant governor candidate
Graybill, a lawyer, has fought and won against abortion bans in cases playing out across Montana, but he said even though the courts have blocked legislation supported by Republican legislators and signed by Republican Gov. Gianforte, the laws still create fear.
Rehberg re-do: Former six-term Republican Congressman runs in an already crowded field
Rehberg exited politics after unsuccessfully challenging Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat, in what was then Tester’s first re-election bid to the United States Senate in 2012.
Libby’s “Herd of Nerds” continues upward trend in robotics competition
The team had its first season of competition a year ago and it enjoyed a dramatic improvement at the state meet in Bozeman earlier this month.
One man’s mission to shine a light on veteran suicide
“Stop Soldier Suicide” (https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/). Donations can be made directly to the organization or through his Facebook page.
Outdoors briefs
Starting this year, visitors will have up to three months prior to their planned arrival date to make campsite and lodging reservations or purchase tour tickets.
Man sentenced for fraudulent use of credit card
Deuel pleaded guilty to theft on Monday, Dec. 11, in District Court. He will owe $9,780.22 in restitution.
Legals for February, 23 2024
Tuesday, February 20
Former firefighter guilty of setting two wildland blazes
McClure was guilty of starting the approximately 18-acre Finley fire on Evaro Hill and the devastating Boulder 2700 fire, July 31, 2021, on the east shore of Flathead Lake. The latter blaze burned 2,589 acres, consumed 14 homes and 17 other structures, and forced the evacuation of Finley Point.
Libby student Faith Erickson honored at Senior Night
Erickson, the daughter of Liz and Josh Erickson, excelled in Special Olympics in the 50- and 100-yard dashes...
Libby council will consider developer's $ requests at tonight's meeting
But during Tuesday’s nearly hour-long meeting, the discussion involved how much Libby Lofts and The Friends of Historic Hotel Libby should receive as well as revising a policy set in 2017.
New hunting, fishing and conservation license year begins March 1
Deer and elk permit application deadline is April 1.
Former Libby resident honored on her 102nd birthday
Flesher was the first resident of the Idaho State Veterans Home in Post Falls, where many of her family and loved ones gathered for the party and quilt presentation.
Public comment reopened for grizzly, wolf management plans
FWP said reopening the comment window through March 9 will ensure it is adhering to Montana statute when it comes to giving county commissioners the chance to comment on plans involving managing large carnivores like grizzlies and wolves.
Washington man sentenced for burglary conviction
Kaya apologized and asked forgiveness and said he had written a letter of apology to the victims.
Northwest addiction treatment centers will remain open after state inspections
Recovery Centers of Montana has been under the microscope for admitting clients before they detox and failing to quickly report serious incidents.
Grizzly bears still trapped in their own end zone
On the whole, grizzly bears are still limited to about 2% of their former numbers and 2% of their former range.
Concern over Gianforte’s property tax increases
Recently, a young friend reached out, concerned about his $100 monthly mortgage increase and he didn’t know why. That’s a lot of money - $1,200 a year.
Dillon man guilty in U.S. Capitol Breach
Henry Phillip “Hank” Muntzer, 55, of Dillon, Montana, was found guilty in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia of obstruction of an official proceeding and civil disorder.
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
The CDC says smoking has dropped from 16% of the population, two years ago, to 14%.
Man accused of exposing himself on train pleads not guilty
Mallory Nehemiah Brown, of Auburn, Washington is being held on $150,000 bail.
Legals for February, 20 2024
Friday, February 16
Libby Cheer Team Senior Night
Four members of the Libby Cheer team were honored during Senior Night festivities.
Montanans can pick our own candidates
We want fair and honest elections not selections.
Former Eureka man accused of indecent exposure
Cody Hosko, 60, of Victor, pleaded not guilty to the felony offense on Jan. 29 in Lincoln County District Court.
Montana is now officially for Californians
The governor then sought a shady procedural loophole to veto the bill. This shady loophole has now been found to violate the Montana Constitution.
Patricia (Pat) M. Potter
Patricia (Pat) M. Potter
Lincoln County spelling bee set for Feb. 22
Schools must be registered with the Scripps National Spelling Bee organization to participate in the Treasure State Spelling Bee.
Voters will decide on local government review
The resolutions call for elections where voters will decide if the municipalities will conduct a local government review.
Lincoln County Community Foundation awards grants
The foundation has been granting awards to non-profits in Lincoln County since 2000. The foundation has awarded more than $250,000 in that time.
DeShazer ties all-time Libby wins mark; Erickson wins first state medal
DeShazer’s undefeated campaign was the first of his varsity career and he owns a 154-14 record.
Libby Elementary School girls basketball
It was also Senior Night for the Loggers and their annual soup fundraiser.
Gesture of sportsmanship lifts Libby's Freese
While the girls squad also celebrated Senior Night along with the pep band and cheer team, senior Ashley Freese made it on to the court.
Libby Pep Band Senior Night
Five members of the Libby High School pep band were honored at Senior Night festivities.
Libby girls basketball Senior Night
Four members of the Libby varsity girls basketball team were honored at Senior Night festivities.
Libby boys basketball team Senior Night
Five members of the Libby boys varsity basketball team were honored during Senior Night festivities.
Troy man pleads guilty to involvement in grizzling killing
Pearson will be sentenced on June 6.
Legals for February, 16 2024
Thursday, February 15
Wolf trapping season set to close Feb. 15 in much of Montana
The closure is mandated by court order, but an appeal is pending.
Tuesday, February 13
Trojan boys basketball team beats Alberton
They included, from the girls squad, Sarah Rogers, and from the boys team, Derek Cole, Rowyn Shupe, Nathin Sentell and Braxton Yeadon.
Trout Creek man dies in ice fishing accident
But after Sanders County Search and Rescue and the Flathead County Sheriff Office Specialized Divers teams got involved, Chambers was recovered from the river.
Kootenai Forest officials accepting comment on forestry project
The proposed 3,000-acre forest project near Eureka is in the Glen Lake, Sinclair Creek and Ksanka foothills areas.
Troy Basketball Senior Night
They included, from the girls squad, Sarah Rogers, and from the boys team, Derek Cole, Rowyn Shupe, Nathin Sentell and Braxton Yeadon.
Steven “Andy” Hutchison
Steven “Andy” Hutchison
Support conservation measures to delist grizzlies
Grizzly bear populations, as with other large predators (lions, wolves) are biologically and ecologically self-limiting.
Securing the southern border
Where have you been for the last three years, Jon?
Fish and Wildlife Service declines to give Northern Rockies wolves ESA protections
Conservation groups say legal challenge is likely.
Kenneth Neal (Ken, Kenny) Thompson
Kenneth Neal (Ken, Kenny) Thompson
Jini (Virginia) Tryn Barnes Huth
Jini (Virginia) Tryn Barnes Huth
Katherine Kay Roush
Katherine Kay Roush
Cabinet Peaks announces appointment of CFO
With an impressive background spanning over 25 years in finance, Leonard brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record to the CPMC Administration.
Legals for February, 13 2024
Friday, February 9
State shop burglar gets prison time
District Judge Matt Cuffe gave O'Hara an 8-year term with four years suspended.
Arrest warrant issued for Libby fraud suspect
William Hoyle Beck, 43, is facing three counts of forgery, including two felonies. Beck was scheduled to be arraigned on the charges on Jan. 29 in Lincoln County District Court. But he didn’t appear.
Rep. Zinke staff sets mobile office hours in Lincoln Co.
In Libby office hours will be from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at the Lincoln County Courthouse.
Senior Commodity Distribution on Feb. 23
Food boxes for Libby residents will be distributed from 10 a.m. until noon.
Ski festival caps Kootenai Outdoor Adventure winter program
Last week, free to students in grades fifth through eighth, wrapped up its 10th year of the winter session at the South Flower Creek Ski area.
Jill Marlyn (Langmack) Schnoberger
Jill Marlyn (Langmack) Schnoberger
Birth announcement
Family Birth Services is pleased to announce the birth of Kionna Faith Girod.
Ex-convict accused of stealing Libby man’s truck
The next morning he went back to the bar to see if any employees had found his keys. It was then he saw his truck was gone.
Texas man sentenced after stealing $100,000 from smaller Montana banks
Waldon targeted rural areas because they were a “little ‘country’ and the bank process was slower than in Texas.”
Locals hear plans for old high school renovation
The tour, attended by nearly four dozen invitees on Jan. 31, was put on by some of the developers who are seeking to turn the brick structure into an apartment building in the heart of town.
City slows process for fund giving to hotel, old high school
The Friends of Historic Hotel Libby’s Gail Burger, who is renovating the Hotel Libby on California Avenue, and the partnership of Libby Lofts, including Zach and Tracy McNew, who hope to renovate the old high school, were seeking money for their respective projects.
Legals for February, 9 2024
Tuesday, February 6
DeShazer leads 12-man Greenchain contingent to state
The two-time state champion spent 196 seconds on the mat before scoring first period falls in each match.
Protest notwithstanding, new county property tax bills are coming
Lincoln County property owners should see the new tax bill in their mail box at the end of March or early April.
New companies coming to Montana
One may ask, WHY aren’t Libby (or Eureka) on that list?
Voters likely to decide fate of three county library branches
The county commissioners unanimously approved on Jan. 31 a resolution to form a library district and have it placed on the ballot for the June 4 primary election.
Outdoors briefs
Participants will learn about winter birding, forest botany and animal tracking.
Reflections
Our governor has a solid and broad based commission working on this. I look forward to wrapping up my final 2025 Session with a good and fair property tax.
Climate changing: Research shows times for ‘prescribed burns’ in the West shifting
Southwest is losing as much as 30%, while northern states could see more burns in winter
Libby man accused of assaulting teen girlfriend
She said Eroh grabbed her hair and pushed her face into a pillow on the bed she was sitting on.
Polson, CFalls register wins over Libby
Madison Vincent hit two 3-pointers and had a game-high 16 points for Libby.
Andersen’s buzzer-beating 3 lifts Loggers over Polson
Andersen’s shot made the Loggers 42-41 winners and ended a 0-8 skid in Northwest A play.
Possibility of CWD human crossover increases concerns
Animal disease scientists are alarmed about the rapid spread of CWD in deer. Recent research shows that the barrier to a spillover into humans is less formidable than previously believed and that the prions causing the disease may be evolving to become more able to infect humans.
Larry Ralph Wilburn
Larry Ralph Wilburn
Legals for February, 6 2024
Friday, February 2
Libby man sentenced in Russian roulette death
Ball, as he said to an investigator following the shooting, believed he had unloaded his gun during the incident on Memorial Day weekend.
Loggers fall in second straight game by buzzer beater 3
But Kelch’s shot was the difference after Tyler Andersen’s three-quarter court heave fell short.
Time to get the job done and secure our southern border
And it’s the type of mentality that my colleagues in Congress and President Biden urgently need to bring to the table to secure our border.
Trooper receives MHP's highest award for hostage situation with armed suspects
In March, Tpr. Tafoya confronted two suspects that were wanted for an armed robbery in Idaho earlier that day.
Jay William Agather
Jay William Agather
Joseph Rooney
Joseph Rooney
“Montana is an easy sell.” Part 2
Ochenski borrowed the title of his op-ed from a comment Gov. Greg Gianforte made at a Montana Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Helena on Jan. 11.
Forestry work prompts site restrictions at Island Lake Fishing Access
Visitors to Island Lake FAS should expect parking limitations and other site-specific restrictions through February while forestry crews work.
Greenchain wrestlers begin quest for state medals
Wrestling begins at 3 p.m. Friday afternoon and concludes Saturday evening. Qualifiers will advance to the state championships Feb. 9-10 in Billings.
Libby’s Grosch a state champ in Speech and Debate
Cash Vaughn took fourth place in Informative Speaking and Baylie Ames claimed fourth in Original Oratory.
Montana says it doesn’t have enough resources to help Colorado’s wolf re-introduction
Lemon said wolves have proliferated in the state, whereas the bears’ recovery has been a slower process that could benefit from the new genetics.
Area students make college fall semester dean's list
Montana colleges have announced their honor roll students...
WILD ART-Champion of Business award
CHAMPION OF BUSINESS awards were presented recently to a number of Montana lawmakers...
Montana’s governor selling us out to the highest bidder
For those who watch the policies Gianforte and his administration have embraced this comes as no surprise. If it can be sold to the highest bidder — from homes to state lands — it’s “for sale” under Gianforte.
Upset continues over Snake River dam plan
The Snake River is the main tributary of the Columbia River and the four U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ dams that the Biden administration is looking to remove are capable of generating around 3,500 megawatts of electricity per year.
Time for accountability
The all-Republican Commission approved a 28% rate hike, the majority of which falls on small businesses and residential users – renters and homeowners.
Troy man in custody following sentencing in DUI homicide
Terren Craig Winebark, 21, received a 6-year...
Legals for February, 2 2024
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact.
