Stories for March 2025

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Friday, March 28

Troy VFW Auxiliary offers free yard work help to area vets
March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

Troy VFW Auxiliary offers free yard work help to area vets

Auxiliary President Deanna Nelson began a program for Libby and Troy veterans...

March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

Republicans have shown their stripes

This devolution means people give up their rights, bit by bit, to a cultist leader who demands obedience and loyalty.

March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

A message to Montana's federal delegation

Are you so afraid of Musk and his money that you will neglect the needs of one-quarter of your constituents?

Eureka woman achieves royalty status
March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

Eureka woman achieves royalty status

Pfaff, honored last spring at the Montana state recognition event, lost more weight...

March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

Troy softball looks to build on success in 2025 season

Troy rolled to a 28-7 win over Plains in a 7B District play-in game last spring.

County youth attend National 4-H Ignite Conference in Washington D.C.
March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

County youth attend National 4-H Ignite Conference in Washington D.C.

Matthews said her personal goal as a 4-H club leader is to continue to provide 4-H youth with opportunities...

Gary D. Swenson
March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

Gary D. Swenson

Gary D. Swenson

March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

Making Canada 51st may not be such a bad idea

Not that I expect that we will ever actually annex Greenland, seize Panama, or turn the Gaza Strip into a...

March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby tennis teams battle hard to open season

Defending Class A singles state champion Ryan Beagle showed why he is one of the top players in the state...

Montana has an official state sport — rodeo
March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

Montana has an official state sport — rodeo

Lawmakers overwhelmingly supported a measure to establish American Rodeo as the newest addition to the list of state symbols.

March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

Partisan judges

Our State’s Constitution has too many subjective terms like "privacy" in it which allows judges...

March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

Idaho man dies after getting vehicle stuck on mountain road

The initial investigation indicated that the man had possibly died of hypothermia and no signs of foul play were found.

Libby resident unveiling new book April 4 at library
March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby resident unveiling new book April 4 at library

Also, the Libby Friends of the Library book sale will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

City approves Mineral Avenue closures for 406 Day, Ignite the Nites
March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

City approves Mineral Avenue closures for 406 Day, Ignite the Nites

The 64th annual show, according to information at igniterscarclub.com, begins Thursday, Aug. 14 with the High Stakes Poker Run.

Gravel Pit Fire arsonist headed to Deer Lodge
March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

Gravel Pit Fire arsonist headed to Deer Lodge

Cuffe followed the terms of the plea deal that...

Mary Cecilia (Mindrup) Laws
March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

Mary Cecilia (Mindrup) Laws

Mary Cecilia (Mindrup) Laws

Libby Video Club keeps community connected
March 28, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby Video Club keeps community connected

It’s only funding comes from local donations and we appreciate this support.

March 28, 2025 midnight

Legals for March, 28 2025

Tuesday, March 25

Hazel Scott
March 25, 2025 7 a.m.

Hazel Scott

Hazel Scott

March 25, 2025 7 a.m.

Personal records fall for troy at Bonners Ferry Invite

Junior Nolan Morris had an outstanding day...

March 25, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby Government Study Commission wants to increase transparency

Backen said he and other members of the Government Study Commission, including D.C. Orr and John Bebee...

March 25, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby man allegedly tries to run car off road with partner inside

According to police reports, a sheriff's deputy met with the alleged victim...

Jeromy Friss
March 25, 2025 7 a.m.

Jeromy Friss

Jeromy Friss

Miss Montana visits Kootenai Valley Head Start programs
March 25, 2025 7 a.m.

Miss Montana visits Kootenai Valley Head Start programs

Wolfensberger has been traveling the state giving presentations on the benefits of music education.

Libby track and field eyes strong season with returners, promising newcomers
March 25, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby track and field eyes strong season with returners, promising newcomers

Coach Josh Bean is optimistic about the program's future, especially with a large group of freshmen and sophomores joining the ranks this season.

March 25, 2025 7 a.m.

Eureka man accused of sex assault

The alleged victim said he met...

Young musicians herald spring’s arrival at Memorial Center
March 25, 2025 7 a.m.

Young musicians herald spring’s arrival at Memorial Center

A fundraiser, sponsored by the Rotary of Kootenai Valley, for the Libby middle and high school bands will be held Thursday, March 27 at the Dome Theater, featuring actor Jack Black’s “School of Rock.”

Austin Lee Yost
March 25, 2025 7 a.m.

Austin Lee Yost

Austin Lee Yost

Lynnette Marie Haug Hintze, 68
March 25, 2025 midnight

Lynnette Marie Haug Hintze, 68

Lynnette Marie Haug Hintze passed away on March 17, 2025, at the age of 68 in Houston, Texas where she was recovering from a bone marrow transplant after being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

March 25, 2025 midnight

Legals for March, 25 2025

Friday, March 21

March 21, 2025 7 a.m.

Troy Trojan tennis gears up for spring season

Last year’s campaign was a testament to their rapid development as two singles players and one doubles team advanced to the state tournament.

Kolp picked to join Libby City Council
March 21, 2025 7 a.m.

Kolp picked to join Libby City Council

During questioning by council members, Kolp said the idea of being a council member snuck up on him.

Libby Loggers tennis ready for new challenges
March 21, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby Loggers tennis ready for new challenges

Head coach Kyle Hannah is eager to see how his squad rises to the challenge after an outstanding 2024 campaign.

March 21, 2025 7 a.m.

Trump's call for terminating Constitution is deranged

George Washington, in his farewell address, warned that political parties would, over time, become “potent engines by which cunning, ambitious and unprincipled men would subvert the power of the people and usurp for themselves the reins of government.”

March 21, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby softball eyes state tourney with youthful, tenacious squad

With only three seniors on the roster, the team will rely on the energy and enthusiasm of its underclassmen, which consist mostly of sophomores and freshmen.

Oren Robert Farris
March 21, 2025 7 a.m.

Oren Robert Farris

Oren Robert Farris

March 21, 2025 7 a.m.

Federal appeals court sides with corner-crossing hunters in Wyoming dispute

A three-judge panel upheld a lower court’s ruling in favor of four hunters facing civil trespassing charges.

March 21, 2025 7 a.m.

Montana non-profit launches statewide movement to address foster care crisis

The number of children in Montana still waiting for a family currently outnumbers the families available to care for them by two-to-one.

Scott, Anderson shine at U.S. Junior Nationals
March 21, 2025 7 a.m.

Scott, Anderson shine at U.S. Junior Nationals

The journey isn’t over for Scott and Anderson. They will be joined by fellow competitor Ledger Fortner as they set their sights on the U.S. Biathlon Nationals next week in Bozeman.

Libby councilors OK distracted driving ordinance
March 21, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby councilors OK distracted driving ordinance

Following a 3-2 vote Monday at the city council meeting, Libby became the latest Montana community to...

Libby man admits guilt in assault with a weapon case
March 21, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby man admits guilt in assault with a weapon case

According to police reports, Lincoln County Sheriff's deputies responded to a call from a...

Troy VFW Auxiliary supporting local veterans in need
March 21, 2025 7 a.m.

Troy VFW Auxiliary supporting local veterans in need

It resulted in her needing several skin grafts, requiring numerous trips...

Crystal Ann Nixon
March 21, 2025 7 a.m.

Crystal Ann Nixon

Crystal Ann Nixon

April 1 deer, elk permit deadline looms
March 21, 2025 7 a.m.

April 1 deer, elk permit deadline looms

Remember, April 1 is the deadline to apply for deer and elk permits. May 1 is the deadline to apply for moose, sheep, goat and bison licenses. Don’t wait, apply early.

Red Dog’s return brings life to “Top to Dog”
March 21, 2025 7 a.m.

Red Dog’s return brings life to “Top to Dog”

With the return of the Red Dog, so came the return of the Top to Dog...

March 21, 2025 midnight

Legals for March, 21 2025

Tuesday, March 18

March 18, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby’s Riley McNew Shreds Her Way to Freeride Success

Now a junior in her third year at Steamboat, McNew has overcome multiple...

Joan Hahn
March 18, 2025 7 a.m.

Joan Hahn

Joan Hahn

March 18, 2025 7 a.m.

Taking from the poor, giving to the rich

The Trump administration needs to re-think its priorities and stop helping the very rich at the expense of the very poor.

March 18, 2025 7 a.m.

USDA releases new county data on poverty, population, unemployment and education

These numbers reflect ongoing economic challenges in the county and underscore the...

Libby truck wreck
March 18, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby truck wreck

Libby Volunteer Ambulance, Libby Police Department...

March 18, 2025 7 a.m.

State House passes another bill taking aim at asbestos claimants

“We’re talking about Libby, Montana,” said Rep. Zooey Zephyr, D-Missoula, at a March 1 House Judiciary Committee meeting.

March 18, 2025 7 a.m.

New deadline to enroll kids in Libby preschool

Due to changes at the state level in 2024, open enrollment begins April 1, 2025, and must be completed by June 30, 2025.

Kootenai Klassic Youth Wrestling
March 18, 2025 7 a.m.

Kootenai Klassic Youth Wrestling

Hundreds of wrestlers from the region competed in...

March 18, 2025 7 a.m.

Thinking out loud

“If you can start arguing over something and get enough publicity, and keep the argument going, you can divide our nation overnight as whether spinach or brocolli are the most nutritious.” Will Rogers.

March 18, 2025 7 a.m.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

“Think about it—we’re talking about people who own their own spaceships who are trying to take away healthcare for millions of kids.”

Libby man pleads guilty to burglarizing baseball field
March 18, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby man pleads guilty to burglarizing baseball field

In the Gehring Field burglary case, it had been the site of vandalism...

March 18, 2025 7 a.m.

Volunteer hunter, bowhunter education instructors honored at Kalispell workshop

20 Years Hunter Education: David Noble, Libby

William (Bill) Hildreth Cook
March 18, 2025 7 a.m.

William (Bill) Hildreth Cook

William (Bill) Hildreth Cook

March 18, 2025 7 a.m.

Is the U.S. back sliding?

Or America herself by the invasion of millions of illegals jeopardizing our national security and the safety of our communities all for the goal to influence our electoral college?

Libby Legion Auxiliary, library celebrates Women's History Month
March 18, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby Legion Auxiliary, library celebrates Women's History Month

Auxiliary members presented a number of publications to the library...

March 18, 2025 midnight

Legals for March, 18 2025

Friday, March 14

Judge rules for developer, county in Chain of Lakes suit
March 14, 2025 7 a.m.

Judge rules for developer, county in Chain of Lakes suit

Parks Family Real Estate and Happy’s RV Park wants to build a 21-acre park which would include 69 recreational vehicle sites and 20 tent sites. The park would be located just north of U.S. 2 across from Happy’s Inn.

Troy VFW honors students, teacher for academic work
March 14, 2025 7 a.m.

Troy VFW honors students, teacher for academic work

Winners of the local Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy writing contest were honored with pins and cash rewards for their essays.

Kootenai Nordic: A legacy of cross country skiing in Libby
March 14, 2025 7 a.m.

Kootenai Nordic: A legacy of cross country skiing in Libby

Despite the challenges of being in a remote area far from major race hubs, Kootenai Nordic has continued to produce competitive skiers.

Residents endorse state plans to add acreage to conservation easement
March 14, 2025 7 a.m.

Residents endorse state plans to add acreage to conservation easement

At a March 5 public meeting, long-time Happy’s Inn resident Mark Maskill praised the plan as a “common sense solution” to combat the subdivision and development of Montana forestlands.

Transient man gets state prison time for police chase conviction
March 14, 2025 7 a.m.

Transient man gets state prison time for police chase conviction

Lee, who was held in the Lincoln County Detention Center before being taken to the facility...

March 14, 2025 7 a.m.

Not a fan of current administration

The letter to the editor that Tom Horelick wrote is...

Local performers, students excel in 'High School Musical'
March 14, 2025 7 a.m.

Local performers, students excel in 'High School Musical'

Karacters President Brian Bell decided the previous collaboration with...

Frances Shirley Olsen
March 14, 2025 7 a.m.

Frances Shirley Olsen

Frances Shirley Olsen

March 14, 2025 7 a.m.

A Reality Check

Sadly, the house cleaning that really needs doing at big government agencies may or may not get done.

March 14, 2025 7 a.m.

Oregon man sentenced in West Kootenai gun theft

According to a narrative by county deputy Bo Pitman, the offense came to light following a disturbance call New Year’s Day 2024...

Dolly Madison
March 14, 2025 7 a.m.

Dolly Madison

Dolly Madison

March 14, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby Senior Center Menu for March 2025

Staff is asking those that want to reserve a meal call the center 24 hours in advance. The number is 293-7222.

March 14, 2025 midnight

Legals for March, 14 2025

Tuesday, March 11

From the ashes: Noxon faces uncertain future
March 11, 2025 11:05 p.m.

From the ashes: Noxon faces uncertain future

Kevin Johnson sidles up to the stretch of countertop by the entrance to his Noxon store and flashes a friendly, but tight smile. He knows what’s coming; he’s heard the questions before about the town's future — from neighbors, customers and friends.

Monthly business journal Insights to launch in April
March 11, 2025 11 p.m.

Monthly business journal Insights to launch in April

A new journal focusing on the economic and entrepreneurial trends that shape Northwest Montana's business communities will make its debut next month.

March 11, 2025 7 a.m.

Montana Legislators offer utilities looser liability laws in exchange for increased wildfire mitigation strategies

Utility companies that “substantially followed” an approved wildfire mitigation plan may not be found civilly liable for damages resulting from a wildfire.

County awards landfill expansion contract to Washington firm
March 11, 2025 7 a.m.

County awards landfill expansion contract to Washington firm

County Health Department Director Kathi Hooper said her research through GreatWest Engineering indicated...

March 11, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby resident displeased with response from commissioners

Apparently, Mr. Duram has already forgotten the names of all the private companies with their sustainable jobs that have rolled through Lincoln County in the past 30 years.

March 11, 2025 7 a.m.

Tax simplification changes now in effect for Montana

However, some new deductions were added, including a $5,500 subtraction for taxpayers 65 and older.

Charles Neisess
March 11, 2025 7 a.m.

Charles Neisess

Charles Neisess

March 11, 2025 7 a.m.

Lawmakers float pay-to-play ideas for Montana’s outdoors

This would encourage a pay-to-play approach at a time when Montana is already struggling to maintain public access as wealth pours into the state and open space is developed.

WILD ART-Libby VFD members climb against cancer
March 11, 2025 7 a.m.

WILD ART-Libby VFD members climb against cancer

Four members of the Libby Volunteer Fire Department...

Libby convict returned to jail after violating release terms
March 11, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby convict returned to jail after violating release terms

Erik Lynn McQueen, 41, who has multiple prior convictions for assault and...

March 11, 2025 midnight

Legals for March, 11 2025

Friday, March 7

From the ashes: The day Noxon burned down
March 7, 2025 11:05 p.m.

From the ashes: The day Noxon burned down

Jim Byler can’t remember off the top of his head when the first call came in.

James Harold McNulty
March 7, 2025 7 a.m.

James Harold McNulty

James Harold McNulty

March 7, 2025 7 a.m.

America's new ally

Putin’s Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, primarily for its agricultural and natural resources.

March 7, 2025 7 a.m.

Bits n’ pieces from east, west and beyond

Private industries are cutting back due to DOGE budget slashing and tariffs are a “paralyzing” influence.

Beverly (McNulty) Freese
March 7, 2025 7 a.m.

Beverly (McNulty) Freese

Beverly (McNulty) Freese

State alleges LPD officer offered underage woman alcohol, solicited sex
March 7, 2025 7 a.m.

State alleges LPD officer offered underage woman alcohol, solicited sex

Buckner became the subject of a state investigation in 2024 following a complaint made against him.

March 7, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby should embrace change, growth

Partnering with forestry, mining and construction would create direct pathways to stable jobs, keeping workers, families and revenue in town.

March 7, 2025 7 a.m.

State mobilizes ‘rapid response event’ to address federal layoffs

In Lincoln County, the Job Service center is located at 417 Mineral Ave., Suite 4 in Libby. They can be reached at 293-6282 or by email at LibbyJSC@mt.gov.

Libby VFD receives $7,185 Roundup for Safety grant
March 7, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby VFD receives $7,185 Roundup for Safety grant

The Libby Volunteer Fire Department received $7,185 to fund extrication equipment.

March 7, 2025 midnight

Legals for March, 7 2025

Wednesday, March 5

Man caught following chase in Libby Dam area by county, federal law officers
March 5, 2025 12:15 p.m.

Man caught following chase in Libby Dam area by county, federal law officers

The man, who a county officer said was not a local resident, was described as having a violent history.

Tuesday, March 4

Award-winning author to speak in Libby about mountain goats
March 4, 2025 7 a.m.

Award-winning author to speak in Libby about mountain goats

Smith will appear in Libby March 12 at 6-8 p.m. at The Hidden Chapel.

Howling Heritage: UM Researcher reflects on 30 years of wolves in Yellowstone
March 4, 2025 7 a.m.

Howling Heritage: UM Researcher reflects on 30 years of wolves in Yellowstone

Following an Environmental Impact Statement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – for which over 160,000 public comments were received – the federal government approved the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park.

March 4, 2025 7 a.m.

Pot revenue bill a choice between drug prevention or conservation and recreation

The remaining revenue goes into the state’s general fund, which is estimated to be $33.3 million for fiscal year 2026.

James Harold McNulty
March 4, 2025 7 a.m.

James Harold McNulty

James Harold McNulty

March 4, 2025 7 a.m.

Winter sports wrap up for south Lincoln Co. teams

Friday, the Trojans bounced back with a 61-50 win over Mission.

Troy Dollar General store opening in mid March
March 4, 2025 7 a.m.

Troy Dollar General store opening in mid March

Troy City Council approved a business license for the operation at its Feb. 18 meeting.

Play time on the Kootenai River
March 4, 2025 7 a.m.

Play time on the Kootenai River

Spring-like weather brought recreationists out en masse...

Darla J. Cooley Howard
March 4, 2025 7 a.m.

Darla J. Cooley Howard

Darla J. Cooley Howard

March 4, 2025 7 a.m.

Sheriff's Office blotter

Two deputies responded to a residence in the 30700 block of U.S. 2, Libby for an at-large dog killing chickens.

Four locals accused in kidnapping conspiracy
March 4, 2025 7 a.m.

Four locals accused in kidnapping conspiracy

Det. Holskey and Det. Brandon Holzer met with...

March 4, 2025 7 a.m.

Montana Constitution Road Show coming to Lincoln Co.

The Roadshow is an engaging and informative presentation about the foundations of a representative democracy...

Libby child molester accused of violating release terms
March 4, 2025 7 a.m.

Libby child molester accused of violating release terms

In 2009, Christopher Michael Haines, 42, of Libby was given a...

March 4, 2025 midnight

Legals for March, 4 2025