Friday, February 28

Aver ordered to pay county $20,000 for animal care
According to a court document filed Jan. 10, Steven David Aver, 64, and county Attorney Marcia Boris agreed to a pretrial diversion agreement...
Senate Dems Are Putting Montanans First — Federal Delegation Should Do the Same
How can we invest in Montana’s future if the very programs that create opportunity are on the chopping block?
USPS scraps plan to move Missoula mail processing to Spokane
New postal service strategy aiming to save $3 billion annually allows Missoula facility to continue local processing.
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
Trump posted on X that the “America First” reconciliation bill will make America great again. The bill proposes an $800 billion cut to Medicaid. In the past Trump said he opposed Medicaid cuts.

Trojans in Hamilton for Class B Divisional Basketball
The Trojans are enjoying their best season since 2011-12 when...

Libby welcomes new police officer
Libby Police Chief Cody Ercanbrack swears in new...
Retired Forest Service employee shocked at Trump/Musk firings
The loss of these jobs is yet another hit to the economy and tax base of Lincoln and Sanders counties.

Hound handlers, state work together to monitor lion numbers
The local handlers bring a high level of integrity to the data being collected.
Lynda K. Johnson
Lynda K. Johnson

Libby man accused of threatening woman with gun
According to court documents, on Jan. 30, a woman approached Libby Police...

Libby's Bache wins McGregor Lake ice fishing derby
In the kids’ division, Bridger Moe stood on top with his 3-pound, 11.9-ounce rainbow trout.

North Dakota sex offender faces charge for not registering in Montana
Cooper's arraignment on the charge is scheduled for March 3.

Geraldine Ann (Porter) Snell
Geraldine Ann (Porter) Snell
Nora L. Berry
Nora L. Berry

Wardens investigating dead mountain lion near Troy
Callers may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

WILD ART-Farmer's Market at Libby receives large gift
This new location was the result of a generous offer from property owner, Chris Noble of Noble Excavating.
Ticked-off Libby Logger displeased with Sen. Daines
As always, I look forward to your generic and meaningless response written by some paid staffer.
Legals for February, 28 2025
Tuesday, February 25

Troy woman pleads not guilty to endangering toddler
According to charging documents, Montana Highway Patrol Tpr. Virgil Sadewasser reported...
Libby basketball, cheer and pep band celebrate Senior Night
Ryan Beagle, Alderic Martineau and Aidan Rose are each...

Linehan Outfitting named Montana's top outfitter
This award recognizes outstanding dedication, leadership and significant contributions to...

Owen Tracy Dickerson
Owen Tracy Dickerson

Libby Elementary School celebrated Random Acts of Kindness week
Libby Elementary School celebrated...

Libby woman charged with biting detention officer
According to the charging document, county deputy...

Unchartered Waters: UM Students Study Wildfire Impacts on Mountain Lakes
In 2018, the National Park Service discovered a substantial rise in nutrient concentrations in Lake McDonald, one of Glacier’s most visited lakes. Increases in nutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus, can cause nuisance growth of algae, threatening the clarity of the park’s lakes, which are among the area’s biggest draws.
Norita Skramstad
Norita Skramstad

Former Troy resident pleads not guilty to abandoning puppies
Deputy Brandon Huff responded, spoke with shelter staff and deputy Smith and was told there were 17 dogs in the boxes.
County government review underway
Meeting locations, agendas, minutes and contact information for the Study Commission can be found on the Lincoln County web page.

Libby man accused of threatening woman, child with gun
Toczek was held in the Lincoln County Detention Center before...
A few words about the bull at J. Neils Memorial Park
As you said: mining has not been good for our economy and his timber based economy has been destroyed.

Ian Smith resigns Libby City councilor seat
Smith must live in Troy to be a member of the force and his change in residency means he can not be a city councilor in Libby.
Summer program to help Montana children with food cut from state budget
Some legislators feared it was duplicative, but others said it’s sorely needed.
Bill to reduce number of Montana Supreme Court justices dies in House
House Bill 322 would have cut two justices from the Montana Supreme Court, winnowing it down to five.
Friday, February 21
Freezing rain, flood warnings issued for Northwest Montana
According to the Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency, forecasters in Missoula indicated a probability of an inch of rain in the valleys, 1.5 inches in the north end of the county and 2-plus inches in the Cabinet Mountains.

Toxic plant to blame for death of Bitterroot elk calves
The calves were found by homeowners in the area between Jan. 15 and 23. Examinations conducted on two of the calves revealed high quantities of toxic Japanese yew in their stomachs.
James R. Rostorfer
James R. Rostorfer
Critics warn bills would let BNSF off hook in asbestos-related suits
Anthony Nicastro, R-Billings, who sponsored all three bills, has represented BNSF in several cases involving the railway’s liability in over 3,000 asbestos-related deaths and illnesses in Northwest Montana.

Libby Loggers girls basketball celebrates Senior Night
Peyton Waggoner also played all four years and plans on attending college...

Greenchain wrestlers Orr, Miles claim state medals
The Greenchain scored 61 points and were 12th as a team in the 24-team field.
Ode to Ye Ole' Clearcut
Popsicle sticks, matches, toothpicks, pencils - credit clearcuts.

Leland “Pete” Edward Hoeltzel
Leland “Pete” Edward Hoeltzel

Kootenai Valley Ducks Unlimited annual dinner April 26
Doors will open at 5 p.m. with a barbecue dinner at 5:30 p.m.
Lincoln County's CASA grateful for Flathead Electric's Roundup for Safety
Thanks to the Roundup for Safety grant awarded to CASA of Lincoln County, we have been able to fund fingerprint-based background checks for our volunteers ensuring all those who work with the children we serve are thoroughly vetted and trustworthy.

Germany reaches deal with county in youth assault case
Germany worked at Libby Public Schools from 2002 until his resignation following the assault accusation.
Libby Middle High School gets new water filling stations with LOR grant
Rochin wrote the grant with the help of local LOR director Tabitha Viergutz.

George J. Bondurant
George J. Bondurant

State continues work to protect wild lands in Northwest Montana
The new easement would encompass forestlands in the Cabinet Mountains between Kalispell and Libby.
Putting Montana families first with paid family leave
It’s good for families, good for businesses and good for Montana.
New hunting, fishing and conservation license year begins March 1
Deer and elk permit application deadline is April 1.
FWP meeting Feb. 24 on Tobacco Valley elk management
FWP Wildlife Biologist Ethan Lula is hosting the meeting with interested members of the public to help gauge public satisfaction with current hunting season structures...
Dissatisfaction growing over Trump policies, actions
Last week in front of the Lincoln County Courthouse, Roesler-Begalke’s publicly illustrated his displeasure with the actions of Pres. Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Lincoln Co. Republican Club meeting Feb. 27
Guest speakers will be...
Love, Boe's lunkers highlight Fisher River Ice Fishing Derby
One of the big fundraisers for the Auxiliary saw several anglers bring home several beautiful rainbow trout and some good-sized northern pike.

John Francis Wagner
John Francis Wagner
The courage to face political threats
Scotten could not make a deal with the devil by following orders he knew were wrong.

David J. Cole
David J. Cole
Legals for February, 21 2025
Tuesday, February 18
Troy man dies in car-train collision
The car stopped on the tracks, then attempted to back up.
Protecting the Cabinet Mountains: Say No to Mining in Our Wilderness
The Cabinets are beloved by all who've recreated in it, and particularly the fortunate residents of Libby and Troy, upon whom extractive industries have historically bestowed considerably less fortune over the same time period, a litany of which need not be relitigated.
Libby Chamber supports Montanore Mine project
Our business members have an interest in the project’s jobs creation since the early adit dewatering rehabilitation process will generate 6 to 10 jobs and then generate 30 to 35 direct jobs.
Federal government approves BNSF’s grizzly conservation plan
The railroad will support conservation efforts in northwest Montana in return for a permit allowing it to ‘take’ 19 grizzly bears over seven years.
Officials will consider banning motorized boats on Bull River
The Fish, Wildlife and Parks commission voted Wednesday to accept a petition calling for the regulation of motorized watercraft on the Bull River in Northwest Montana.
Libby sled riders
Ward Bland, of Libby, and his son, Oliver, enjoy a sled ride...

More charges for Libby man accused in transgender incident
According to the probable cause statement by county deputy Christopher Pape, he was...
Sheriff's Office blotter
A deputy took a dog to the shelter following a complaint in the 300 block of Templin Drive, Troy.

Comfort Inn coming to Libby’s Kootenai Business Park
The 80-room hotel in a multiple-floor story building will also feature...
Cruelty of federal firings hits home
Even more alarming, many of these positions augment firefighting crews.
New Billings veterinary college set to launch in 2026
Since that appointment, the College has charted an ambitious course to fulfill accreditation requirements and complete construction of a 60,000-square foot facility in time to welcome its first class of 40 students pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in July 2026.
Troy basketball teams celebrate Senior Night
The Trojans are back in action this weekend in St. Ignatius at the 7B tournament.

Birth announcement: Eleanor Diana Whitney
Family Birth Services is pleased to the announce the birth of Eleanor...
Friday, February 14

Walter "Wally" J. Hume Jr.
Walter "Wally" J. Hume Jr.
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
Trump’s government funding freeze is impacting farmers.
Lawmakers debate Republican income tax relief proposals
Two proposals by GOP leaders in legislature would expand the lower tax bracket to encompass middle class, while governor continues touting ‘historic’ top-down approach.
Montana men plead guilty to fish and wildlife violations
Both men will also lose their hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for 20 years.
State officials issue influenza warning; monitor bird flu
Between Sept. 29, 2024 and Feb. 1, 2025, there were 16 influenza-associated deaths reported to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.

James Arnold Judkins
James Arnold Judkins
Another step toward tyranny?
The blocked funding includes hundreds of millions for broadband improvements across Montana and millions in U.S. Department of Agriculture payments for our agriculture producers.

Troy man sentenced in West Kootenai road rage incident
Reid’s case began at about 3:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, according to...

Local woman pleads to DUI with child in car
According to the supplemental narrative by county deputy Ben Fisher, his shift was about to end...

UM Research: Reforestation Needs in the West to Double by 2050
While severe fires create large areas in need of reforestation, a warming climate simultaneously limits a forest’s ability to regenerate on its own.

Angela L. (Jill) Wilson
Angela L. (Jill) Wilson

LOR grant helps Turner Mountain get new snowmobile
Turner Mountain Ski Patrol applied for and was awarded a grant from LOR to fund the purchase ...

Troy High School Drama Club puts on a show to remember
Despite some unforeseen setbacks, Troy High School Auditorium hosted two shows Friday and Saturday evening.
Legals for February, 14 2025
Tuesday, February 11

Libby's Siefke wins Halfway House pike derby
But a well-timed cold snap built a good 10 inches on the 107-acre lake...

Greenchain wrestlers send 15 to state tournament
Led by senior Riley Orr's win at 118 pounds, he and 14 other Greenchain wrestlers will...

Keith Raymond McBride
Keith Raymond McBride
Libby man accused of assaulting jail guard, burglary
After Harsh was taken into custody the first time, he was accused of striking and kicking a detention officer during a Dec. 31, 2024, incident.
What does Moses have to do with chemistry, anyway?
If you want to teach kids about the power of religion, maybe start with something more simple...

Libby woman sentenced in drug possession case
According to her terms of release, Willey is not allowed to use or possess alcohol, dangerous drugs or weapons.
Elk-Kootenai Watershed Board seeks comment on draft plan
The independent body comprised of experts and knowledge holders from Canada, the United States and the Ktunaxa Nation was established by the International Joint Commission (IJC) to explore the impacts of transboundary water pollution in the Elk-Kootenai watershed.
Senior Commodities distribution Feb. 21 at Libby VFD
If you have questions, please feel free to call...

Marlene Margaret Torgerson
Marlene Margaret Torgerson
Montana Junior Duck Stamp 2025 Call for Entries
Artwork can be drawn using ink, paint, pastel, crayon or pencil.
James Arnold Judkins
James Arnold Judkins
FVCC announces Fall 2024 Dean’s List
The following students are listed in alphabetical order by their home communities...
Legals for February, 11 2025
Friday, February 7
Inmate seeks better educational opportunities at Warm Springs
By investing in such initiatives, we can help patients develop new skills, improve their mental health and increase their chances of successful reintegration into the community.
Application deadline for Smith River permits is Feb. 15
Applicants can apply for a Smith River float permit online through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Online Licenses Service...

Dale Alfred Gerald Gardner
Dale Alfred Gerald Gardner

FWP expands study of South Fork elk herds to Bob Marshall Wilderness
FWP biologists are conducting this effort in response to declines in elk numbers and poor calf recruitment...

Lloyd Esbon Bache
Lloyd Esbon Bache

Louis (Louie) L. Jenkins
Louis (Louie) L. Jenkins

Rexford man sentenced for partner assault
She told the deputy she was sleeping on the couch when Sims started...
Local health care providers get training in sepsis
Wednesday, Cabinet Peaks Medical Center hosted a special training event for its...
Berm jumping leads to felony charge
After getting a description of the man from the employee, Pitman spoke to...
Sheriff's Office blotter
A citizen reported a neighbor pointing a gun at her as they drove past each other on Othorp Lake Road, Rexford.
Trump energy policy aims to unplug Endangered Species Act
Executive orders direct agencies to minimize consultations, giving priority to energy, mining permits.
Report: If Medicaid expansion ends, be prepared to pay more for private insurance
The study says more than half of Montana could become uninsured.

Libby man pleads not guilty to violating protective order
According to charging documents, Judge Cuffe issued a Temporary Order of Protection Nov. 7, 2024, against...

Yaak Outhouse races offer a cure for cabin fever
Sunday, Feb. 16, the Yaak will celebrate winter with the annual Yaak River Tavern and Mercantile Outhouse Races.
County officials continue effort to improve animal shelter
The commissioners were unanimous in their support for the county to run the facility.
Are passenger trains entering a golden age or reaching the end of the line?
Amid shifting political winds in Washington, D.C., and aging equipment across the country, passenger rail in Montana faces an uncertain future.
Libby Public School holding trustee election
For those interested in serving as a trustee, they will need to obtain a declaration of intent form at the Libby Public Schools Business Office at 724 Louisiana Ave., Libby.
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
The Lever said Musk’s move, reportedly approved by Trump’s new Treasury Secretary, gave him access to $6 trillion in annual federal transactions, and access to his business competitors’ info and Americans’ personal info.
Montana leaders are ignoring the real priorities facing the Treasure State
These representatives are not paying attention to the people they represent enough to even know our basic needs.
Legals for February, 7 2025
Tuesday, February 4
Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond
Promoters of government use of Bitcoin include the Koch Network (a collection of oil and petrochemical companies, including pesticides...

Margaret “Peggy” Moe
Margaret “Peggy” Moe

CPMC Foundation welcomes three new board members
The CPMC Foundation warmly welcomes Brian, Jamie, and Bonnie, appreciating their unique talents and...
Thompson SAR offers free avalanche safety course Feb. 21-22
The two-day course, which is open to the public, is designed for snow enthusiasts who want to learn how to recognize, manage and minimize avalanche hazards.

Libby Wrestling Senior Night
They also welcomed the Libby Little Guy wrestlers...

Dorothy Ann (Tiffany) Shelley
Dorothy Ann (Tiffany) Shelley

Kathleen Callahan Stright
Kathleen Callahan Stright

Libby's Stevenson named Academic All-Big Sky team
The Bobby Hauck-coached football team's 40 selections were the most for that sport in the Big Sky and the third-most in program history.

County hosting multiple ice fishing tourneys
This weekend, the hot spot will be Bull Lake for its Ninth Annual Ice Fishing Derby.
Former Troy woman accused in puppy abandonment case
According to the charging document, county dispatch deputy got a call in the early evening hours of Feb. 1, 2024, about a passerby finding...

Greenchain wrestlers wrap up memorable week with safe homecoming
The Greenchain never made it all the way up Highway 37 after the bus...
Letter to Montana citizens and businesses that rely on Amtrak
Contact Rep. Zinke’s offices and inform the Congressman that he needs to support...

Kootenai Outdoor Adventurers host youth ski program
Ski day was Thursday, Jan. 30, and program leader Bill Moe said there were nearly 50 students in fifth through eighth grades.