SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER
Scott Shindledecker is the editor of The Western News. He covers public safety, city, county, sports and outdoors news. He is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in journalism. He has been the sports and outdoors editor for the Courier-Express newspaper in DuBois, Pa., and worked for Hagadone Montana newspapers in Northwest Montana. He can be reached at 406-293-4124 or sshindledecker@thewesternnews.com.
Recent Stories
Loggers open season with 54-8 thrashing of Browning
A lightning delay prior to kickoff didn’t do anything to slow the Loggers as they won their eighth straight contest over Browning.
Crews get line around Ransome Creek Fire
Crews are trying to establish direct fire lines as much as possible, while minimizing the risk to firefighters from hazardous snags.
Logger sophomore Farmer shines at Libby Invitational
Libby sophomore Capri Farmer led the way for the Loggers as she...
Oregon man sentenced in kidnap-assault case
District Judge Matt Cuffe sentenced Yuille Aug. 20 to a...
Heritage Museum mural celebrates Shay Ole Four Spot
The mural is on the side of the original Shay maintenance shed on museum ground...
County holding public hearing on preliminary budget
The hearing will be held at 11 a.m. in the commissioner’s office in the county courthouse in Libby.
Libby Dam ceremony memorializes those who died on the job
In regards to the myth of someone being buried in the structure, the Corps explains...
Fire crews beginning to get handle on Ransome Creek Fire
Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Chad Benson issued closure orders Friday for National Forest System Roads in the Pipe Bull Creek area, Lindy Peak area and Little Tom Mountain area.
Libby man accused of intimidation, drug possession
In further questioning by the officer, the woman said Graham...
Russian roulette convict back in county jail
But, according to a report by Montana Probation and Parole Officer Steve Watson, Ball was accused...
Noted authors, historians headline Libby Dam celebration
But, for those who are truly engaged in the history of the structure and the region, there are two events that can’t be missed.
Eureka berm jumper sentenced for damaging place of worship
The person told deputy Bo Pitman a man came into their office seeking help to get his truck out of a snow berm.
Plenty in the works at Libby Dam, Kootenai River
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently awarded a $34.8 million contract to install a sixth unit...
Troy woman pleads guilty to crash involving small child
Her attorney, Sean Hinchey sought to have Frasco’s SCRAM monitoring stopped...
Organizers announce schedule for Libby Dam 50th Commemoration
The events will take place at the visitor center and the top of the dam.
Libby's Stedman thankful for a well-lived life
Stedman played guard on the Logger’s 1967 state championship football team. But his first love was baseball and that’s where he made a name for himself.
Rabid bat found in Lincoln Co.
The bat was found in the Libby area, according to...
Convicted killer denied parole in 2018 homicide case
According to the official record, the board denied Lamb parole due to the...
Libby man admits violating order of protection
The order was served to Miles Nov. 9 by county Sheriff’s Office Deputy Andrew Smith.
Regional fire crews busy chasing wildfires
In addition to the tankers, air attacks, lead planes and helicopters were also working on the fire, which was burning above 5,000 feet in steep terrain and thick timber.
Judge denies protection order sought by Libby city councilor
In Burger’s request, she described past alleged online abuse by Orr.
Libby man admits stalking charge
When deputies spoke with the reporting party, they stated that ...
When judge changes mind, defendant reconsiders options
Thomas Alestine Eaker was facing a...
County proposes hefty rate increase for garbage hauling
This proposed increase is much more substantial with a planned jump to $200 a year, beginning Oct. 1. That’s a 33.3% increase.
Libby man headed to prison following sentence revocation
Kelley pleaded not guilty to the charges April 28 in Lincoln County District Court, but...
EPA hosting meeting about contaminated groundwater in Libby
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Ponderosa Room at City Hall at 952 East Spruce St.
Libby councilors approve cost of living pay increases
Those receiving increases in the Collective Bargaining Agreement were 1.5% for cost of living and a 1% step increase.
Authorities wrapping up alleged kidnapping conspiracy cases
July 14, Sean Raymond Waldron, 33, pleaded guilty to aggravated kidnapping in Lincoln County District Court. His sentencing date is set for Oct. 6.
Lincoln Co. gets sizable chunk of PILT funds
In Northwest Montana, Lincoln County is slated to receive $872,636 for its 1.7 million acres of federal land.
Attorney representing Libby woman shot by law enforcement bows out
But in a July 17 motion to withdraw as her counsel, Crowe wrote that the...
Veterans can get free rides to Kalispell for medical care
Local volunteer Roger Diller said trips are made from Libby and Troy to Spokane Monday through Thursday and to Kalispell Monday through Friday.
New felony charge for Libby man accused in toddler's death
According to the charging document, Moore, on May 27, knowingly caused or permitted a child to inhale, be exposed to, have contact with or ingest methamphetamine or have contact with methamphetamine paraphernalia.
Libby resident not done battling county in open meeting law case
But one week later, on July 25, Torgison’s attorney, Amy Guth, filed an appeal directly to the Montana Supreme Court.
Snyder tabbed to fill Libby Public Schools trustee vacancy
Snyder will fill the vacancy until the May 2026 election.
Battle between BNSF, CARD will drag into 2026
BNSF has been sued multiple times with plaintiffs alleging the hauling of vermiculite contaminated with asbestos or failure to clean up rail yards resulted in death and health problems for those who were exposed.
Grizzly-human encounters picking up in Northwest Montana
he encounter occurred last Thursday on the trail which is located off of Callahan Creek Road.
County commission OKs Port Authority reorganization
During the public comment portion of the hearing, a number of residents expressed concerns and doubt about the decision...
Speed to burn: Ford Mustang GTD comes to Libby
The Mustang was the first one delivered to Montana as well as in the western U.S. in 2025, Andreessen said.
Libby to interview Idaho educator for principal opening
All board interviews are open to the public and a short executive session after the interview is possible.
Libby seeks involvement in Mineral Avenue improvement plan
City officials are looking at ways to improve Mineral Avenue from the BNSF Train Depot to Seventh Street at Lincoln Boulevard.
Man officials accused of dealing fentanyl locally gets prison time
Watts agreed to a plea deal May 19 in which he accepted responsibility for...
Libby man sentenced on animal cruelty charges
The schedule for his incarceration includes July 13-19, July 27-Aug. 9 and Aug. 17-25.
Libby woman charged with criminal child endangerment
His radar indicated Master’s vehicle was traveling...
Area SAR teams dedicated to their mission
But Tuesday evening, while they were training, DTSAR had the real deal when a...
Libby woman accused of stealing pickup truck
When Huff contacted the owner of the truck, he was...
EPA hosting meeting on Superfund cleanup work
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, in the Ponderosa Room at Libby City Hall.
Eureka man gets prison time for magic mushroom grow
Davis’ criminal history as well as testimony by his 74-year-old father, Dennis George Davis, played prominently in the hearing.
Libby man receives state prison sentence for assaulting girlfriend
But at Monday’s sentencing, Boris announced…
Libby swim pond not quite ready for public use
Noble is also hoping people who use the facility will do so with care.
No jail time for Libby man guilty of cocaine possession
Cuffe ordered Maxim to pay the fee while pointing out that he had the duration of the sentence to do it.