HAYDEN BLACKFORD
Regional Reporter
Recent Stories
Fireman's Park playground complex gets more funding
The new funding will be used to make the playground more inclusive.
Libby Speech and Debate team wraps up season
Libby Logger students then ended their successful season by showcasing their performances to family, friends and community members.
Local animal shelters struggling to keep up with demand
Shelters across the nation are struggling to house record numbers for animals as economic factors mix with post-pandemic trends, according to local shelter executive.
House proposes state-wide lot mandate
A new bill hopes to increase housing supply to keep up with demand.
New fundraising strategy for Logger athletics
Libby High School fundraising has been reworked to be demanding of small businesses.
Kootenai Valley Head Start gets $1 million grant
For 28 years children in Lincoln County have been supported in many ways by the Kootenai Valley Head Start program.
Private burials: Who's keeping track?
Documenting private burials 'not a required thing," but officials talk about ways to make the process more manageable.
Flower Creek, Old Snowshoe development plan approved
The new recreation development plan will improve access in the South Libby area for non-motorized recreation.
Libby approves new growth policy
After some public concerns were heard by the council late in the process, the new document will guide Libby for the next decade.
Libby speech and debate team prepares for divisional competition
The Libby Loggers are wrapping up the regular season and preparing for divisionals.
Community teams up to recognize teen mental health issues
Mental health or substance use challenges to be more addressable for teens under new program.
Flower Creek, Old Snowshoe development plan tabled
A plan to expand recreation near Libby was halted due to concerns about the city water supply.
Libby City Council tables vote on growth policy
After hearing public comment the city council voted to change language in the document.
Logger Leadership bridges community, student gap
Libby High School uses a new class to reach out to the community and help kids learn leadership skills.
Lima-Hageness honored for work with local youth
Lima-Hageness has been recognized for being outstanding in her field over her long career.
Superfund group says state should pay for cleanup work
Maintaining asbestos contaminants continues in Libby and beyond.
Draft growth policy edges closer to final passage
Despite lingering confusion about the draft's intentions council members moved closer to a final resolution with only minor adjustments.
Turner Mountain eyes Dec. 23 opening date
With a new groomer and expanded parking the resort is prepared for a busy season.
Forest officials enjoy one of prescribed burning falls in years
With an eye on future firefighting efforts and favorable environmental conditions the U.S Forest Service enjoyed a productive fall.
Progress being made on Cabinet Heights water moratorium
New water connections still on pause after city water pressure began to drop.
Updated draft growth policy goes before Libby council Monday
After changes were made in October, another round of public comment underway for the draft document.
Troy School District commended on safety policies
After an evaluation by an independent party minor improvements were suggested and the school district will soon decide what it will prioritize in the future.
Sale of Asa Wood Elementary delayed for more cleanup work
The discovery of additional contaminants delayed the project and raised the cost $139,000.
City hopes to improve efficiency with electronic late fee notices
Changes to the city water rules passed by city council.
Flower Creek, Old Snowshoe trails plan presentation on Nov. 16
Outdoor recreations have the opportunity to voice their desires as a non-profit seeks to expand access near Libby.
Libby Clinic under new management, takes walk-ins
People can now make same day appointments, or walk-in for assistance.
Officials consider consolidating invasive species commissions
Invasive species of many kinds are, and will continue to be, a threat to Montana ecosystems and economies.
Forest Service catches up on maintenance with federal money
Recreationists in Northwest Montana, and the nation as a whole, may notice new picnic tables, fire rings and fresh trails thanks to energy development revenues.
Libby's draft growth policy submitted to city council
Public comments contributed to changes in the draft policy.
Libby, Troy plan for Halloween events
The time to decide on a Halloween costume is running out as Libby and Troy prepare for festivities.
Libby city officials talk growth
While looking to the future when planning for growth, the City of Libby seeks comments in what the the communal vision should look like.
Libby Community Tennis Court repairs completed
After a stroke of good fortune, Libby's aging community tennis courts have recently been repaired.
Troy Halloween walk to help kids run
Fundraising efforts for a new school track in Troy have yielded success despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and now a Halloween event for the whole family will help the school reach fundraising goals.
Libby residents, business can get help to fix sidewalks
On a first-come, first-serve basis, the City of Libby has $10,000 available annually to reimburse individuals who replace their damaged sidewalks.
Riverfront Park pathway proposed to help pedestrian access
When a new river walkway for Libby was proposed a locally based philanthropic organization said they would explore all avenues to help fund the project.
State, federal officials sound alarm on feral pigs
Feral swine are omnivores, meaning they’ll eat plants and animals. They also prey on the nests, eggs and young of native ground nesting birds, such as grouse. They’ll also eat deer fawns.