Friday, March 28

Troy VFW Auxiliary offers free yard work help to area vets
Auxiliary President Deanna Nelson began a program for Libby and Troy veterans...
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.
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
Pfaff, honored last spring at the Montana state recognition event, lost more weight...
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.
Matthews said her personal goal as a 4-H club leader is to continue to provide 4-H youth with opportunities...

Gary D. Swenson
Gary D. Swenson
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...
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
Lawmakers overwhelmingly supported a measure to establish American Rodeo as the newest addition to the list of state symbols.
Partisan judges
Our State’s Constitution has too many subjective terms like "privacy" in it which allows judges...
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
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
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
Cuffe followed the terms of the plea deal that...

Mary Cecilia (Mindrup) Laws
Mary Cecilia (Mindrup) Laws

Libby Video Club keeps community connected
It’s only funding comes from local donations and we appreciate this support.
Legals for March, 28 2025
Tuesday, March 25

Hazel Scott
Hazel Scott
Personal records fall for troy at Bonners Ferry Invite
Junior Nolan Morris had an outstanding day...
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...
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
Jeromy Friss
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
Coach Josh Bean is optimistic about the program's future, especially with a large group of freshmen and sophomores joining the ranks this season.
Eureka man accused of sex assault
The alleged victim said he met...
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
Austin Lee Yost

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.
Legals for March, 25 2025
Friday, March 21
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
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
Head coach Kyle Hannah is eager to see how his squad rises to the challenge after an outstanding 2024 campaign.
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.”
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
Oren Robert Farris
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.
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
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
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
According to police reports, Lincoln County Sheriff's deputies responded to a call from a...

Troy VFW Auxiliary supporting local veterans in need
It resulted in her needing several skin grafts, requiring numerous trips...

Crystal Ann Nixon
Crystal Ann Nixon

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”
With the return of the Red Dog, so came the return of the Top to Dog...
Legals for March, 21 2025
Tuesday, March 18
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
Joan Hahn
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.
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
Libby Volunteer Ambulance, Libby Police Department...
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.
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
Hundreds of wrestlers from the region competed in...
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.
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
In the Gehring Field burglary case, it had been the site of vandalism...
Volunteer hunter, bowhunter education instructors honored at Kalispell workshop
20 Years Hunter Education: David Noble, Libby

William (Bill) Hildreth Cook
William (Bill) Hildreth Cook
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
Auxiliary members presented a number of publications to the library...
Legals for March, 18 2025
Friday, March 14
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
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
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
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
Lee, who was held in the Lincoln County Detention Center before being taken to the facility...
Not a fan of current administration
The letter to the editor that Tom Horelick wrote is...
Local performers, students excel in 'High School Musical'
Karacters President Brian Bell decided the previous collaboration with...

Frances Shirley Olsen
Frances Shirley Olsen
A Reality Check
Sadly, the house cleaning that really needs doing at big government agencies may or may not get done.
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
Dolly Madison
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.
Legals for March, 14 2025
Tuesday, March 11

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
A new journal focusing on the economic and entrepreneurial trends that shape Northwest Montana's business communities will make its debut next month.
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
County Health Department Director Kathi Hooper said her research through GreatWest Engineering indicated...
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.
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
Charles Neisess
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
Four members of the Libby Volunteer Fire Department...

Libby convict returned to jail after violating release terms
Erik Lynn McQueen, 41, who has multiple prior convictions for assault and...
Legals for March, 11 2025
Friday, March 7

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
James Harold McNulty
America's new ally
Putin’s Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, primarily for its agricultural and natural resources.
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
Beverly (McNulty) Freese

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.
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.
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
The Libby Volunteer Fire Department received $7,185 to fund extrication equipment.
Legals for March, 7 2025
Wednesday, March 5
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
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
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.
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
James Harold McNulty
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
Troy City Council approved a business license for the operation at its Feb. 18 meeting.

Play time on the Kootenai River
Spring-like weather brought recreationists out en masse...

Darla J. Cooley Howard
Darla J. Cooley Howard
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
Det. Holskey and Det. Brandon Holzer met with...
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
In 2009, Christopher Michael Haines, 42, of Libby was given a...