Man convicted of drug crime in Lincoln Co. faces time in state facility

Alexandr Shestak, 54, was originally charged with two felony counts of possession of dangerous drugs and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop in the Eureka area in the summer of 2022.

Killed or maimed by a product? The Montana Legislature says, ‘Good luck'

In the face of this record, it is shocking that your 2023 legislature not only effectively eliminated strict liability for dangerous products, it also barred all claims against manufacturers filed more than 10 years after the product was first placed on the market.

Talking actual property tax numbers

The complexity of Montana's property tax system requires data-driven solutions over partisan finger-pointing.

Meet Libby City Council candidate Brian Zimmerman

The Western News reached out to Libby City Council candidates running in the Nov. 7 municipal election. The information below was provided by the candidates and edited for spelling and punctuation.

Legals for October, 31 2023

Stephen G. Howard

Stephen G. Howard

Sheriff's Office blotter

An officer made a traffic stop at the intersection of U.S. 2 and Vinion Lane after a vehicle failed to slow for a school bus.

Montana Public Service Commission votes to increase NorthWestern Energy rates

This agreement will mean a 28% increase in residential energy rates since August 2022.

A slap in the face of Montana’s public land users

The governor’s decision to veto SB 442 and put public lands on the chopping block is a slap in the face to every Montanan who has built a life on the opportunities and freedoms our outdoors provide.

Montana FWP chief of operations on administrative leave

She volunteered that he was cited for a game violation, hunting without permission, but declined to provide further detail on the citation.

Libby ex-con gets prison time for drug offense

Hoffman was involved in a police chase on the afternoon of Saturday, July 8, on Farm to Market Road.

Libby cross country caps record-setting season at state championship

Freshman Cody Watson’s season-best time was 17:12 at the Western A Fall Classic on Oct. 14. Junior Rowen Sherbo’s top time in 2023 was 17:14 at the Whitefish Invitational on Sept. 26.

How artificial intelligence plus local expertise can promote ‘good fire’ in Montana

Potential Operational Delineations, also known as PODs, is the name of a collaborative risk-based framework designed to help fire managers and landowners get on the same page before fires start.

Fortine man pleads guilty to setting dad's home on fire

Huggins, who was freed after posting $100,000 bail, will have to pay restitution.

Officials ID Washington man who died in U.S. 2 vehicle mishap

England died Saturday night after being struck by a vehicle while he was on U.S. 2 just east of city limits.

County approves assessment fee increase for Fisher River Valley Fire

The increase, the first in 15 years, was approved at the Oct. 11 meeting. The commissioners held a public hearing on Sept. 28 at Happy’s Inn.

Washington man accused of burglary pleads not guilty

His first appearance in Lincoln County was on Sept. 25 for an extradition hearing on a fugitive complaint in Bonner County, Idaho.

Wildlife officials hopeful about decline of CWD in Libby

When officials first detected the disease in Libby, they initially saw 13% prevalence among the population, Anderson said. The majority of those infected were white-tailed deer. Currently, the prevalence is around 8% or 9%.

Officials say dry winter could mean deeper drought in northern Montana

Climatologists hopeful that addition of new monitoring sites can improve drought, water forecasts.

Snow, cold coming to northwest Montana

Tuesday night and Wednesday may see snow accumulation of about one inch. Tuesday, the snow level is predicted to drop to 2,800 feet.