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
Libby man admits stalking charge
When deputies spoke with the reporting party, they stated that ...
Libby man headed to prison following sentence revocation
Kelley pleaded not guilty to the charges April 28 in Lincoln County District Court, but...
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 woman charged with criminal child endangerment
His radar indicated Master’s vehicle was traveling...
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.
Area SAR teams dedicated to their mission
But Tuesday evening, while they were training, DTSAR had the real deal when a...
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.
New court filings in Port suit allege more wrongdoing by county
And some of it could potentially lead to criminal charges against...
LOR, Viergutz mark three years of supporting Libby
LOR and Viergutz have distributed $1.9 million in grants, also known as solutions...
County OKs pay raises, $400k change order for landfill work
Teske said that the landfill expansion encountered an unanticipated layer of mud and as a result, the engineer submitted a change order resulting in about $400,000 over the available grant and ARPA funds.
Troy set to host annual July 4 festivities
Admission is free for this 100% volunteer-run, family-friendly event hosted by the Troy Chamber of Commerce and the City of Troy in beautiful Roosevelt Park.
County to hold public hearing on reforming Port Authority Board
According to the proposed resolution, the intent is to increase public participation and efficient governance of the Port Authority.
No jail time for Yaak man guilty in police pursuit
Covey pleaded guilty, but mentally ill, April 7 to...
Idle hands are not his
In 2021, the passing of Fr. Richard Kluk left St. Joseph’s without a priest.
Proposed CARD Clinic sale on hold
Short and BNSF attorneys filed documents at the end of last week seeking a stay...
Organizers prepare for Libby Dam 50th anniversary
The top of the dam will be open for folks to walk across...
Gov. Gianforte visits Libby's Hoot Owl Farm
The farm, according to 2022 figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is one of 263 certified organic farms in Montana.
Rain a helping hand to crews working Wolf Syrup Fire
Mountain Men tv show's Paul Antczak, who lives in the area, posted...
Attorneys wrangle over county's land deal with local businessman
Noble Industries entered a Memorandum of Understanding with the Port Authority in March 2022 that...
County to hold public hearing on pet license, impoundment fees
The hearing will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 2...
Weather officials predicting wet, cold weekend
Officials are predicting moderate to heavy snow above 6,000 feet and they are suggesting...
Libby man pleads not guilty in son's shooting death
When District Judge Matt Cuffe asked the defendant if he...
Fields are set for fall elections in Lincoln County
For those who want to be a write-in candidate, they have until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, to file a declaration of intent.
Federal judge ponders future of Libby's CARD Clinic
The judge heard a number of arguments Thursday, June 12, from attorneys for the non-profit clinic, the U.S. government and BNSF Railway as the railroad seeks to collect money on a $3.1 million judgment it won in 2023.
State officials to make decision on Bull River boating restrictions
Officials have three options to consider, including a complete restriction involving powered water craft, an alternative limiting the engine horsepower of boats on the section of river or no change.
Quick response extinguishes wild fire near Libby Dam
Fire crews also dealt with unseasonably hot weather as temperatures rose into the low 90s.
Libby officials make progress with International Paper on water deal
The new deal would ensure that IP would continue compensating residents for the cost of...
Troy man sent back to prison on repeated probation violations
Williams admitted to the offenses in court and District Judge Matt Cuffe sentenced him to...