Stories for March 2025

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Friday, March 14

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

Frances Shirley Olsen

Frances Shirley Olsen

Libby man admits guilt in assault with a weapon case
March 14, 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...

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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...

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.

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...

March 14, 2025 7 a.m.

Not a fan of current administration

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

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.

Dolly Madison
March 14, 2025 7 a.m.

Dolly Madison

Dolly Madison

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.

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.

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...

Charles Neisess
March 11, 2025 7 a.m.

Charles Neisess

Charles Neisess

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.

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...

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 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.

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.

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

Beverly (McNulty) Freese

Beverly (McNulty) Freese

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.

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

James Harold McNulty

James Harold McNulty

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.

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.

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.

America's new ally

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

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

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.

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.

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

James Harold McNulty

James Harold McNulty

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.

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.

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...

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...

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

Darla J. Cooley Howard

Darla J. Cooley Howard

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...

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.

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...

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.

March 4, 2025 midnight

Legals for March, 4 2025